"I want you to investigate the whereabouts of Xie Lingyu's leader," Chief God Hei Ping said calmly.
Prince Long Hua bowed. "Yes, Chief God. I will do it."
Chief God Hei Ping added, "This mission is extremely dangerous. You must act in complete secrecy. No one else can know about it. For safety, you will work alone."
Prince Long Hua nodded. "Understood."
He left the hall quietly.
Shuiton Shan noticed his troubled expression and asked, "Your Highness, is something bothering you?"
Prince Long Hua sighed. "It's nothing. I'm simply worried about Yufan."
Shuiton Shan reassured him gently. "Don't worry too much. She will recover soon."
"I hope so…" Prince Long Hua murmured. "Come, let's go."
"Where are we going?" Shuiton Shan asked, confused.
"You'll know soon enough," Prince Long Hua replied.
They arrived at the same location where Xie Lingyu had attacked Princess Meiling Hua on the wedding day.
Shuiton Shan looked around. "Your Highness… why are we here?"
"To search for clues about Xie Lingyu," Long Hua answered.
"But why—"
"Don't ask any more questions," Long Hua cut him off. "It is an order from Chief God Hei Ping. Start searching."
Shuiton Shan bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."
Neither of them realized that a pair of hidden eyes was watching their every move from the shadows.
Meanwhile, in the Shuilu Kingdom
Princess Li Long sat beside Princess Xiao Yufan, taking care of her.
Suddenly, the princess woke up.
"You're awake!" Li Long said with relief.
Princess Xiao Yu fan tried to rise.
"Don't get up," Li Long said quickly. "You're still weak. You need more rest."
Princess Xiao Yu Fan frowned. "What… happened to me?"
"You fainted during the battle," Li Long explained gently. "His Highness Long Hua carried you back."
"Where is he now?" she asked immediately.
"He had something urgent to take care of, so he returned," Li Long replied.
Long Feixiang entered the room.
"Your Highness, you're awake! I must inform Their Majesties at once."
"Wait!" Princess Xiao Yufan stopped her. "What do you mean?
How long have I been asleep?"
Long Feixiang hesitated. "More than a month."
Princess Xiao Yufan froze in shock.
Slowly, she got up and dressed. "Let's go see Royal Father and Mother."
They walked to the garden.
Princess Meiling was crying in Empress Xiao's arms. "Royal Mother… I'm so scared. What if something happens to Yufan?"
Empress Xiao stroked her head. "Don't worry. She will be fine."
Emperor Xiao Yu Qing added, "All we can do is wait for her to wake."
"But—'
Before Princess Meiling could finish, a familiar voice came from behind.
"I'm already awake."
Everyone turned, stunned—and then overjoyed.
Princess Meiling rushed forward and hugged her. "Thank the heavens you are safe!"
Princess Xiao Yu Fan smiled softly. "Don't cry, Sister-in-law. I'm perfectly fine."
The news spread quickly, bringing happiness to the entire palace.
Back at the investigation site
Prince Long Hua finally discovered something—a torn piece of cloth belonging to the royal family.
Suddenly, a man in black ambushed them.
A fierce fight broke out. The masked man was gravely injured but managed to flee.
Prince Long Hua chased him, but the attacker vanished into thin air.
Before escaping, he deliberately dropped an item on the ground.
It was…
To be continued.