Chapter Fifty-Two: The Breath-Concealing Array

Chu Bing walked toward Li Haoran’s courtyard.

She hadn’t forgotten that her most important task was to instruct Li Haoran.

The courtyard was as empty as ever, not a soul in sight.

Leaning against the corner of the courtyard wall, Chu Bing frowned deeply. Ever since Li Haoran had been taken away by Li Mohan, he hadn’t shown himself. Had something happened to him?

Unable to quell her worry, she asked the system in her mind, “System, has Li Haoran gotten into trouble?”

The system was unwilling to respond.

Chu Bing gritted her teeth. “If you refuse to tell me anything, I’ll go and find Li Mohan myself!”

The system knew she was threatening it and, after a moment’s silence, finally replied, “I don’t know where he is.”

As if she would believe that!

Chu Bing rolled her eyes inwardly. After so long working together, she’d realized that although the system loved to ignore her, whenever she was in danger, it always lent a helping hand. Like a treasure trove, it could produce anything she needed.

She didn’t believe for a second that it didn’t know where Li Haoran was.

Most likely, it simply didn’t want to say.

“…I know what you’re thinking. But if I were you, I’d focus on improving my own abilities, instead of always looking to others for rescue whenever trouble comes.”

Chu Bing was taken aback, pondering the system’s words. They were harsh, but sincere.

Just as she was deep in thought, a sudden pain throbbed in her head!

She was all too familiar with this sensation. “System, what have you stuffed into my mind this time?”

Whenever the system granted her new powers or formations, her head would feel as if pierced by needles—just like now.

The system spoke, a hint of pride in its tone. “I’ve transmitted a new array to you. Study it well. I hope in the future you’ll rely on your own efforts to overcome danger.”

Chu Bing rubbed her aching forehead, gritting her teeth. “Thank you so much!”

Sensing her irritation, the system promptly feigned silence.

Steadying herself against the wall, Chu Bing stood up. Li Haoran might not return anytime soon; she had to get back to the laundry room and resume her duties as a maid.

Perhaps because new maids had recently joined the household, there were more patrol guards than before. Fortunately, dressed in maid’s attire, Chu Bing didn’t arouse suspicion.

She made her way back to the laundry room. The old women there reacted as if they’d seen a ghost, falling silent and obediently washing clothes.

Chu Bing gave a satisfied snort and returned to her room.

As a maid, four shared a room. At the moment, Chu Bing was alone. She sat cross-legged on her bed, preparing to meditate and practice when suddenly an old woman entered, her face plastered with a sycophantic smile.

Chu Bing frowned, recognizing the troublesome crone from before.

“Miss Hongxiu, last time I was at fault and angered you. My surname is Zheng. From now on, I’ll wash your clothes for you. I hope you’ll forgive me and not hold a grudge…”

Madam Zheng bowed deeply, her manner comical.

Chu Bing realized she was trying to curry favor, likely fearing revenge after witnessing Chu Bing’s methods.

It suited her just fine; she hadn’t wanted to wash clothes anyway.

Seeing Chu Bing nod in agreement, Madam Zheng was overjoyed and quickly withdrew.

Chu Bing closed her eyes to continue cultivating.

Her roommates had all returned, but after witnessing Chu Bing’s prowess, none dared provoke her. Seeing her with eyes shut, they assumed she was asleep and tiptoed about, careful not to disturb her.

It was only when moonlight rose high that Chu Bing emerged from her cultivation, glancing at her sleeping roommates. She slipped from the bed, deciding to practice the new array the system had given her while the night was still.

Chu Bing left the Li residence, not daring to go far for fear of not making it back in time the next morning. She chose a grove behind the estate for her practice.

Stepping into the woods, she noticed lantern light not far away.

In the darkness, the red lantern was striking.

Chu Bing hesitated, but curiosity overcame fear, and she moved toward the glow.

Using teleportation, she made no sound as she approached.

It was Li Yuxi!

He stood with his hands behind his back, facing a man in black. The two were deep in conversation, voices barely audible.

Chu Bing hesitated. Li Yuxi was highly skilled; getting too close risked detection. Just as she was about to turn away, inspiration struck—this was a perfect opportunity!

The array transmitted by the system today included one called the Breath Concealment Array.

It was an enhanced version of the invisibility array, not only rendering her unseen but also masking her aura. She would be as lifeless as a tree, leaving no flaws.

Chu Bing glanced at Li Yuxi and the man in black, steeling herself. She raised her hand and deployed the array as instructed in her mind, then slowly approached the pair.

“Master, all those from the court have been settled. We can act at any time,” the kneeling man in black reported.

Chu Bing hid behind a tree, perfectly positioned to observe Li Yuxi’s expression.

“Don’t rush to act. Many watch from the shadows. The first to move will become everyone’s target. All we need do is wait patiently,” Li Yuxi replied, hands clasped behind his back, his tone cold.

“But Master, we’ve schemed for so long. If we wait, the eldest son may act first!”

“That’s my concern, not yours.” Li Yuxi snorted. The man in black instantly fell silent, dutifully kneeling.

“Though the court’s power has waned these years, even a dying camel is larger than a horse. Whoever acts first becomes the target. Now is the time for patience,” Li Yuxi spoke calmly, confidence simmering beneath his words.

The kneeling man’s eyes brimmed with admiration and he remained quiet.

Chu Bing frowned, listening. Li Yuxi intended to strike at the court?

She felt little for the imperial court, even harboring some dislike for its officials thanks to the county magistrate.

Yet, weren’t ancient people always mindful of imperial authority?

Li Yuxi’s tone suggested he held the court in no regard whatsoever.

For the first time, she saw such a rebellious figure among ancients.

Chu Bing stared at Li Yuxi, awe flickering in her gaze, though she herself did not notice it.

Sensing something amiss, Li Yuxi frowned slightly and looked in her direction. The breeze stirred, but no shadow could be seen.

Had he been overly cautious?

“Master?” the man in black questioned.

“It’s nothing,” Li Yuxi waved him away. “You may go.”

“Yes, sir.”