My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

Though this person moved quickly, they couldn't escape Gu Lan's gaze.

With one step, Gu Lan turned into a blur and charged forward.

No matter what, he had to stop this guy.

In mere breaths, Gu Lan blocked their path.

Moments later, a cold light flickered on the Hongmeng Sword.

"In such a hurry—where are you planning to go?"

"You didn't even give me a heads-up before coming here, so I could prepare to welcome you all."

As his voice fell, Gu Lan raised his hand and swung the sword.

At this moment, Gu Lan had no patience for talk—his only thought was to kill this guy.

Seeing the sword strike descending, this Lava Clan powerhouse didn't dare hesitate.

His face darkened, and he turned to retreat.

He knew full well he was no match for Gu Lan.

Blocking this blow head-on was impossible—better to preserve himself first.

Though not Gu Lan's equal, his speed in fleeing was undeniably impressive.

Gu Lan's strike missed, leaving him unscathed.

Gu Lan was stunned by this.

He'd thought he could take this guy out directly.

But he hadn't expected such swift evasion.

A meaningful smile crossed his face as Gu Lan unleashed his aura again.

"I underestimated you."

"This makes it interesting. Don't turn out to be another useless waste like your clan's young Lord."

Gu Lan spoke coldly, charging forward with his sword raised.

Faced with Gu Lan's ferocious assault, dread crept into this man's heart.

But he had no choice but to fight—only then could he safely bring Chi Yang back.

…

Under Gu Lan's onslaught, he gradually fell behind.

He was no match for Gu Lan, and merely surviving now was a feat.

His face twisted in frustration, his eyes brimming with caution.

Gu Lan sneered, pouring true qi into the Hongmeng Sword once more.

The sword let out a piercing cry, and Gu Lan's intent was clear.

He had no more patience for talk—he wanted this guy dealt with.

Facing such a fierce attack, the man's eyes filled with gravity and dread.

Before Gu Lan's strike could land, he turned to flee.

But he was a step too late—the sword came down, piercing straight through his brow.

His consciousness lingered, but his body could no longer move.

His gaze turned to Gu Lan, eyes flooded with countless fears.

He hadn't expected this, nor did he know what Gu Lan intended.

"Let those hiding in the shadows come out too. I don't have time to hunt you down."

Gu Lan knew this wasn't the only powerhouse here.

They'd come to rescue Chi Yang—why would they send just this one useless fool?

He'd thought they'd react, but after his words fell,

the man remained still, a mocking smile on his face.

"You really think they'd wait here for you?"

At that, unease surged in Gu Lan's heart.

He yanked the Hongmeng Sword free, blood spilling as he turned to leave.

But it was already too late.

By the time he arrived, Lin Tan'er lay in a pool of blood.

As for Chi Yang, he was long gone.

Gu Lan's face darkened, rage flaring unconsciously in his eyes.

His grip tightened, the Hongmeng Sword humming with sword cries.

Fury in his gaze, he pierced thousands of li with a single look.

He'd never imagined the Lava Clan powerhouse would outmaneuver him like this.

He couldn't swallow this insult, nor would he let it slide.

But now wasn't the time for that. With one step, true qi flashed in Gu Lan's hand.

He couldn't let anything happen to Lin Tan'er or watch her perish like this.

Though Gu Lan poured in all his effort, Lin Tan'er's aura remained faint.

He infused power quickly, but her body's strength stayed unstable.

The loss outpaced his attempts to replenish it.

After a few breaths, it still ended in failure.

Gu Lan's face grew heavy, his eyes filled with frustration.

He didn't know what to do but couldn't just watch her die.

After some thought, he raised his hand again.

Golden light flickered from his palm as the Great Path's qi emerged.

This was his last resort—if it failed, he'd be powerless.

With a wave, a golden beam shot skyward.

A domineering aura blanketed the heavens, enveloping Lin Tan'er.

Under this power, her condition slowly stabilized.

Seeing this, Gu Lan let out a long breath.

He didn't retract the Great Path's qi—it'd stay until Lin Tan'er recovered fully.

…

As time passed—how long, he didn't know—Lin Tan'er's strength finally steadied.

Meanwhile, Chi Yang had returned to the Lava Clan.

Entering the hall, he dropped to his knees.

"Disciple Chi Yang greets the Lava God."

Chi Yang's power was weak, his arms severed.

Seeing him like this, the Lava God stood.

Casting a cold glance, he waved a hand, a scorching aura enveloping Chi Yang.

Under this aura, a sharp pain surged through Chi Yang's body.

"Ah!"

A cry of agony rang out as golden light wrapped around him, his severed arms regenerating.

As the power faded, Chi Yang clenched his fists experimentally.

He realized his aura had indeed recovered.

Excited, he bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Lava God."

He'd thought he'd be crippled for good.

To think the Lava God could restore him—it was beyond his expectations.

"I can regrow your arms and grant you supreme power."

"Go recover. Leave external matters alone for now."

Chi Yang didn't know why, but he didn't hesitate.

He truly needed to improve—otherwise, facing Gu Lan again would mean death.

…

Inside the Jing Nation palace, under Gu Lan's watch, Lin Tan'er slowly opened her eyes.

As she awoke, Gu Lan hurried forward.

"How do you feel?"

He couldn't let this girl suffer again, or he'd feel he'd failed Lin Lu.

Lin Tan'er struggled to sit up, shaking her head.

"Thank you, my lord."

As she spoke, she tried to rise, but Gu Lan stopped her.

"No need for formalities. Rest and recover. I'll avenge you."

Lin Tan'er had nearly died—if he hadn't found her in time, there'd have been no saving her.

As his words fell, Gu Lan summoned strands of true qi.

Leaving this power behind, he didn't disturb her further.

With a calm expression, he turned and vanished.

Just as he stepped out of the chamber, Ding True Man and Zhongren appeared before him.

Without hesitation, they dropped to one knee.

"It was our negligence. Please punish us, my lord!"

"This isn't your fault—even I was deceived by them."

Their diversion tactic had stunned Gu Lan too.