In Hand, Not Always a Blessing Without Me as Support

Prince Nolan's calculations were clear: besides wanting to draw in part of the jianghu and use the opportunity to pit Prince Damien of Southlyn against the entire martial world—forcing Damien into a dead end—his greater aim was to seize the Nine Provinces Treasure Map fragment held by Fortress Lord Ling.

The Nine Provinces Treasure Map fragment was on Fortress Lord Ling himself; there was only one way to get it—by taking his life.

Fortress Lord Ling’s martial arts were no joke, and even if Prince Nolan made a move, there was no guarantee he could subdue Ling instantly. Plus, Ling had always played the 'good host' in the jianghu. If he were suddenly assassinated, it would spark widespread suspicion and investigation—any real clues unearthed would render all of Prince Nolan’s previous efforts worthless.

If covert methods wouldn’t work, then it was time for an open approach. Right before descending the mountain, Prince Nolan gave a signal to the Black Riders, who quietly withdrew without drawing any attention.

"There’s no problem with the descent route—everyone can go down now." Fortress Lord Ling, though exhausted and devastated, still handled his duties meticulously. As soon as Prince Nolan mentioned descending, Ling sent people to check everything, managing every detail with care and earning even more goodwill from the crowd.

Winning hearts was all well and good, but Prince Nolan had no interest in competing with Fortress Lord Ling for such tasks. His Black Riders were not meant to serve these jianghu people; since someone else was willing to do the work, Nolan was happy to let them.

After Serena finished bandaging the gravely wounded, she packed up to go down the mountain with Prince Nolan. As for the others?

Doctors are human too—they need rest. Minor injuries could be handled with a quick dose of medicine, the rest could wait until after the descent.

Descending the mountain was a test of martial skill. Even with some vines left on the rock face, those without strong qinggong would find it a real challenge to get down safely—never mind the wounded.

Fortress Lord Ling wanted to seize the chance to play the hero, but Skyvault Fortress had suffered devastating losses and he simply didn’t have enough people. In the end, everyone turned to Prince Nolan, begging for help from his Black Riders.

Prince Nolan didn’t agree right away. He just watched the crowd calmly. When everyone thought he would refuse, he nodded and allowed the Black Riders to help them down the mountain.

Strangely enough, Fortress Lord Ling had done far more for everyone, but Prince Nolan’s single nod carried a different weight in their eyes. A few were so moved they nearly knelt to thank him.

These people were used to Fortress Lord Ling handling everything, taking his efforts for granted. But Prince Nolan was different—he always kept others at arm’s length. For him to offer help was a rare favor, and no one could blame them for being so surprised.

"Prince Nolan is getting sneakier by the day." Serena quietly gave him a thumbs-up, admiring how easily he won the crowd over.

"Let’s go." Prince Nolan beckoned to Serena, avoiding the crowd as the two picked a quieter spot to descend.

Prince Nolan and Serena tried to keep a low profile, but at that moment it was impossible. Major figures like the Moonvault Palace Lord and elders of Vast Heaven Sect followed at a distance, while Fortress Lord Ling and his son Linden Ling came right up to them, ready to descend together.

Prince Nolan and Serena said nothing. Before anyone could react, Prince Nolan scooped Serena up and leapt off the cliff...

"Prince Nolan’s qinggong is truly impressive," the Moonvault Palace Lord remarked thoughtfully. Fortress Lord Ling’s face darkened, remembering his failed ambush and glaring at Linden Ling for the botched intel.

Linden Ling didn’t dare defend himself. He bowed his head in apology, long lashes hiding the emotion in his eyes.

"Let’s go too." Fortress Lord Ling’s tone was stiff, anger simmering beneath the surface. To avoid showing it, he hurried to start his descent. But the thought of Skyvault Fortress burning at the base of the mountain made his blood boil all over again.

Prince Nolan, Moonvault Palace... No matter who set fire to Skyvault Fortress, he would make them pay a hundredfold!

Fortress Lord Ling’s thoughts were in turmoil. He didn’t notice when, as he descended, a long-haired monster suddenly burst out onto the rock face. Whatever had provoked it, the beast lunged straight down—right toward...

"Fortress Lord Ling, watch out—!"

"Father!"

People on the mountaintop saw what was happening and shouted in alarm, urging Fortress Lord Ling to dodge. But lost in his own thoughts, Ling heard nothing. By the time he snapped out of it, it was already too late.

"No!" Fortress Lord Ling stared in horror at the long-haired monster lunging for him, a thousand impossible thoughts flashing through his mind: The beast he’d trained as a secret weapon against Prince Nolan—how could it be here, and why was it attacking him?

Was this it? Was he really going to die?

Killed by the very beast he’d raised himself?

Fortress Lord Ling refused to accept it. Even if there was only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, he wouldn’t give up. He gathered his strength, ready to fight the monster, but just then a woman’s voice rang out: "Fortress Lord—"

The voice was full of worry and fear. At the same moment, Greenshine’s figure dove off the cliff: "Don’t move, Fortress Lord! I’ll save you!"

Greenshine shouted loudly—her voice carried for hundreds of meters.

"Greenshine, are you crazy?" Linden Ling was stunned. He never imagined Greenshine could be so loyal—risking her life for his father without a second thought. Even he couldn’t do that.

"No—" Fortress Lord Ling watched the falling figure, a voice echoing in his mind: "Greenshine, watch out for Greenshine." It was Ruby Redsleeve’s warning, cut off before she could finish.

"Trai—" Fortress Lord Ling tried to shout, but the wind scattered his voice before anyone could hear. All the crowd saw was Greenshine, in a loyal protector’s stance, leaping off the mountain and slamming into the long-haired monster with a thud.

"Ah—" The long-haired monster screeched as it tumbled down the mountain. At that same moment, the force of Greenshine’s collision sent her crashing into Fortress Lord Ling again. To save himself, he had to let go of the vine—otherwise he’d be knocked off too...

"Fortress Lord!" Greenshine called out, reaching out as she fell and scattering Ling’s hairpiece with a swipe. She crashed into him just as he tried to dodge, and both were sent flying.

"Father!" From the mountaintop, the crowd couldn’t see clearly. They only saw Greenshine knock the monster away for Fortress Lord Ling, then fall herself, reaching out for Ling—who dodged, causing Greenshine to plummet. Just then, the vine in Ling’s hand snapped, and he fell too.

The two of them fell straight down, shrinking to tiny dots before vanishing from sight...

At the foot of the mountain, Prince Nolan and Serena watched the two figures plummet, exchanged a knowing smile, then silently turned away.

"Time to go back." Prince Nolan reached out, and Serena naturally took his hand. The two walked forward hand in hand, leaving the storm behind them.

None of it had anything to do with them...