Chapter 20 — The Prophet Awakens: Shedding the Worthless Shell

Before dawn, in the temporary war room set up right in the main hall of Nguyệt Trạch, Tuyết Doanh, Vọng Thần, Bạch Vũ and Vân Khinh Nhược sat around a large map, where all the details of the secret manor that held Tiểu Nguyệt and the ancient tunnel system of Thiên Cơ Các were fully sketched.

"The manor is guarded by about fifty mercenaries, divided into four main guard posts and mobile patrols." Bạch Vũ presented, pointing at the map. "Tang Vũ Tiêu, the assassin who led the kidnapping, is definitely also there to make sure the hostages are not stolen or rescued easily."

“The old tunnel I remember,” Vân Khinh Nhược pointed to a faint line on the map, “leads from a ruined temple about two miles from the manor, through the mountain, emerging right under the warehouse area behind the manor — the least heavily guarded place because of the rugged terrain that is difficult to access from the outside.”

"This will be our infiltration route," Vọng Thần said, his sharp eyes studying every detail. "Me and Bạch Vũ will follow this tunnel, approaching from the inside while Thanh Lang Bộ's diversionary force approaches from the north to attract the attention of the guards."

"And me," Tuyết Doanh spoke up, her voice resolute. "I will personally command a small army to approach from the front, put pressure on them to disperse their forces, and at the same time act as the main diversion to make Ước Liêm Phong believe that this is a normal attack, without doubting the secret tunnel."

Vọng Thần looked at his wife, both worried and admiring her courage. "Are you sure you want to personally participate? It's very dangerous."

"This is my daughter," Tuyết Doanh replied, her eyes without hesitation. "I will not sit idly by waiting for news while you and Bạch Vũ risk your lives out there. We will do this together, like true comrades."

***

While preparing weapons and equipment for the campaign, Tuyết Doanh took advantage of a rare private moment with Vọng Thần, curious to learn more about his past before they entered the battle together that could decide everything.

"Can you tell me more about Thiên Cơ Các?" She asked while helping him check the belt containing a few small magical tools that Vân Khinh Nhược gave him.

Vọng Thần pondered for a moment, then began to tell, his voice carrying a deep nostalgia. "The Thiên Cơ Các is not a sect vying for power or fame. We are trained to read the signs of heaven and earth, to recognize potential dangers before they erupt into disasters, and to silently help lands and people in difficulty without needing gratitude or recognition."

"So why did your sect perish?"

"I'm not completely sure about the whole truth either, because I was too young then." He sighed. "I only know that night a terrible disaster happened, my master sacrificed himself to push me out before everything collapsed. For more than twenty years after that, I always blamed myself for surviving while everyone I loved was gone, and carried the fear that if I revealed my identity, the same disaster would happen again."

Tuyết Doanh held his hand, her eyes filled with understanding and sadness. "You have carried that burden alone for so many years. But you are no longer alone, Vọng Thần. You have me, Tiểu Nguyệt, and allies who are ready to stand by your side."

"I know." He squeezed her hand tightly, his eyes steady. "And that's why, tonight, I will no longer hide myself. If I need to reveal my full true power to save our daughter, I will not hesitate for a moment."

***

As dawn gradually broke, the signal was sent to Thanh Lang Bộ and Tây Hải Bộ through the fastest cavalry of Bắcương. Lăng Chiêu Dương, as soon as he received the token engraved with the image of a snow eagle, immediately mobilized all five hundred warriors who had been on standby for many months and set out straight towards Nam Xuyên.

"It's time to repay the old favor," Chiêu Dương spoke to his warriors, his voice full of spirit. "Xa Tuyết Doanh needs us, and Thanh Lang Bộ will never turn our back when our friends are in trouble."

At the coastal trading station, Kha Vấn Thu also received the same signal, immediately let the Tây Hải Bộ fleet anchor, head straight towards the waters bordering Nam Xuyên, ready to cut off all waterway retreat of Ước Liêm Phong if necessary.

At Nguyệt Trạch, the rescue team was also ready to leave. Vọng Thần stood in front of the palace gate, looking back at Nguyệt Trạch one last time before entering the battle that could completely change the lives of him and the people he loved.

"Let's go," he said, turning to look at Tuyết Doanh and Bạch Vũ, his eyes filled with determination. "It's time to end all of Ước Liêm Phong's plots, and bring Tiểu Nguyệt back safely."

The group mounted their horses and galloped south in the dawning light, carrying with them the hope of an entire family, and perhaps, of an entire land waiting to witness the final truth about the "useless beggar" they had despised for the past six years.

***

Before leaving, Vân Khinh Nhược pulled Vọng Thần aside and put into his hand the blue jade he used to amplify his consciousness last night. "Take it. In an emergency situation, it can help you maintain your sanity when you have to use strength beyond your body's limits."

"Aren't you coming with us?" Vọng Thần asked, a bit surprised.

"I'm old, I'm no longer fit to go into battle." The old woman smiled kindly. "But I will stay here, prepare medicine and everything necessary to meet you when you return. Go, don't miss the opportunity."

Vọng Thần bowed his head in thanks, then turned back to the waiting group. Tô Bạch Vũ has assembled an elite team of ten people, all of whom are the most experienced warriors of Bắcương, carefully selected for the secret infiltration mission through the ancient tunnel.

"Lord," one of the old generals of Bắcương, who had served since the time of Tuyết Doanh's father, stepped forward before the army departed, his voice filled with worry, "are you sure you want to personally lead the army to attack the front? This is a risky mission."

"I understand the risks of it," Tuyết Doanh replied, wearing the familiar armor that had followed her through many battles to protect Bắcương. "But a princess cannot just sit behind others when her daughter is in danger. The people of Northern Cuong need to see me leading in this most important moment, not hiding behind a safe wall."

The old general bowed his head, no longer daring to object further to the queen's decisiveness.

When the sun rose a little higher, the army officially divided into two directions - Tuyết Doanh led the main force and headed straight towards the secret manor along the main road, while Vọng Thần and Bạch Vũ and the elite team went around the other direction, finding the ruined temple where the entrance to the ancient tunnel was hidden.

On horseback, Vọng Thần looked back at the figure of Tuyết Doanh gradually disappearing, a determination rising in his heart stronger than ever. He knew that the upcoming battle was not only to rescue Tiểu Nguyệt, but also the moment that would decide the fate of the entire small family that he had devoted his heart to protecting for the past six years.

"This time," he told himself, tightening his grip on the reins, "there will be no more cover. I will be myself, fully, to protect what is most precious."

Next to him, Bạch Vũ spurred his horse forward, looking at the man he had looked down upon for six long years with complicated eyes. "Sir," he spoke, his voice with a rare hesitation. "This subordinate once said careless words to you before. Please forgive me."

"No need to apologize." Vọng Thần smiled slightly. "You only see what I want you to see. That's my fault, not yours."