The Crown Prince turned to look at the female archer.
Though fond of women, the Crown Prince could discern the appropriate time. He didn’t pay much attention to the archer’s curvaceous figure but felt she had an extremely attractive quality about her.
However, in an instant, he realized what kind of quality it was!
The female archer’s bow shifted slightly. As she released her fingers, her left hand suddenly pointed at the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince met her gaze, clearly seeing the ruthless determination in her eyes.
Three small crossbow bolts gleamed in the morning light, aimed at the Crown Prince’s brow, throat, and chest.
Being so close, the arrows were within a foot of the Crown Prince before he could react.
To ensure absolute safety, one of the Crown Prince’s death guards stepped forward, using his body to block the arrows.
There was a traitor among the close guards! The Eastern Palace secret guards’ killing intent surged, with two of them swinging their swords to kill the female archer.
At this moment, two more people suddenly sprang up from the crowd to attack the Crown Prince.
If there had been an external attack at this time, the secret guards wouldn’t have panicked at all. But this unexpected internal rebellion instantly disrupted the Crown Prince’s defense.
All opportunities lay in this moment!
The remaining hidden assassins immediately rushed forward, with only He Cai staying still.
She stood on the other side of the Crown Prince, the only one there who followed Chu Dingjiang. If she made any suspicious moves, she would be immediately exposed. She needed to wait for the right moment.
As expected, with too many traitors, the Eastern Palace guards on this side had to join the battle, protecting the Crown Prince behind them.
He Cai successfully moved closer to the Crown Prince as the formation changed, but she remained composed. She didn’t immediately attempt to assassinate him, appearing no different from the other secret guards, all tense and vigilant in protecting the Crown Prince.
Seven Zhang away, Elder Zhi noticed that An Jiu showed no intention of engaging in battle, her arrow still not released.
Seeing An Jiu rushing over, Elder Zhi instantly realized that An Jiu was far more important to Chu Dingjiang than the Second Prince. He swiftly turned his arrow towards Chu Dingjiang.
Chu Dingjiang was locked in fierce combat with Feng Shi, his movements unpredictable. How could he be an easy target?
An Jiu’s steps faltered. She realized that going over now would only endanger Chu Dingjiang. If she joined the battle with Feng Shi, Elder Zhi, that old cunning fox, might put them in mortal danger at any moment.
Realizing this, An Jiu immediately sought a position favorable for shooting.
“Take out your bow,” Elder Zhi said, recognizing that the one who had shot the startling arrow earlier was none other than Mei Shisi.
Elder Zhi recalled the scene of Mei Shisi shooting arrows in the plum blossoms. Her aura could completely blend into the night without causing the slightest ripple, yet he felt an immense threat.
So even though he knew that after leaving Chu Dingjiang’s side, An Jiu could no longer shoot such powerful arrows, he still chose to confront her. He wanted to know the power of An Jiu’s arrows alone.
Elder Zhi was half a disciple of An Jiu. In this world, she had learned archery from him, and even the spiritual force arrow technique was taught by him.
Facing such a formidable opponent, An Jiu wasn’t confident she could win.
However, confidence was one thing, fighting with all her might was another. Staring at that faint blue light, she showed no sign of cowardice or retreat.
With the Subduing Dragon Bow in her hands, An Jiu seemed to feel its subtle vibrations. The bow’s heart connected with its wielder; she knew it wasn’t fear, but excitement, just like An Jiu’s current state.
“You’re using inner force. That’s not fair,” An Jiu called out.
Although discussing fairness on a battlefield seemed foolish, An Jiu carefully remembered Chu Dingjiang’s words. Elder Zhi didn’t care much about this battle, crucial as it was for the Great Song. He was supremely wise, but in archery, he was quite selfish.
“Inner force once released cannot be retracted. If you can withstand this arrow of mine, I will retire from worldly affairs henceforth,” Elder Zhi’s weathered voice seemed to sound right next to her ear.