Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 866 - 702: No Name Taken...

Clutching the object in his hand, he carried the lantern and quickly stepped out of the study, plunging into the darkness.

Lu Chen, waiting on the rooftop, did not focus his attention on Zhi Lian; instead, he watched Qu Huaiyun below, who was resting with his eyes closed, displaying a hint of disdain at the corner of his mouth.

Carrying the lantern, Zhi Lian slowly walked towards a secluded courtyard.

This courtyard was the mansion’s forbidden area; over the years, no one had visited, and the wild grass in the courtyard had grown almost as tall as a person.

On this dark and silent night, Zhi Lian stepped into the abandoned courtyard with his lantern.

The overlapping shadows cast by the moonlit trees were eerily haunting.

Someone wandering with a lantern in the abandoned courtyard at midnight felt utterly strange.

The courtyard had its stories, but that wasn’t the focus. Tonight, Zhi Lian didn’t come to the courtyard for sightseeing or to experience this mysterious atmosphere; he had a purpose.

"Ming Yan, it’s time!" Gu Chengyu listened to the distant sound of the watchman’s call and felt the time was right.

"Yes!" At this moment, Ming Yan had already donned a black robe and turned decisively.

Outside the courtyard, he leaped up onto the treetops and then swiftly rushed away into the distance.

Lu Chen thought he had shaken off Ming Mo; he was now waiting for Qu Huaiyun to check the treasure map. But Qu Huaiyun remained inactive, causing a growing sense of urgency inside him.

Ming Mo couldn’t delay for long, and would likely return soon to find him.

Qu Huaiyun continued to sit motionlessly, even picking up a pen to write vigorously on paper.

Zhi Lian waded through the waist-high grass, arriving in front of the dilapidated main house.

Raising the lantern higher, Zhi Lian saw a rusty copper lock hanging on the door in front of him.

Zhi Lian sneered coldly and took out a key from his sleeve. This key was snatched from Qu Huaiyun earlier; he didn’t have much time left.

Despite the rusted appearance of the lock’s chain, Zhi Lian easily unlocked the copper lock with the key.

Inside the house, there was no damp mildew or dust; upon entering, Zhi Lian didn’t waste any time.

He moved to where the moonlight shone and looked at the few floor tiles.

Previously curious, he secretly followed Qu Huaiyun to this place but dared not get too close.

Unsure of which tile might loosen, he hurriedly squatted down and tapped on a few tiles.

"Sir, everything is ready!"

"Mm, let’s begin then."

Liao Cheng’s lips curled into a cold smile; those sent by the master were skilled experts. Tonight, the Qu Mansion would be forced to hand over the treasure map.

Once Yi Lanshan delivered the other half of the treasure map, it would be complete in his hands.

Qu Huaiyun thought he could rely on summer Qing without realizing that, in his master’s eyes, Xia Qing was merely a court puppet.

This treasure map was his promised achievement, and with such great merit, the master would surely reward him generously.

Liao Cheng already envisioned himself rising in rank and wealth, basking in endless glory.

Unable to contain his laughter, tonight was his chance to rise to power.

"Let’s go! Let’s meet the Qu Clan Leader." Liao Cheng brushed his sleeve, joyfully leaving the study.

Silent shadows infiltrated the Qu Mansion; upon landing, they vanished without a trace.

Lu Chen was on his way back; with Qu Huaiyun still unmoving, it seemed tonight would yield no information.

In his despondency, a sudden gust swept from behind.

Quickly turning to counter the strike, Lu Chen was startled to see a figure in black before him. What was happening?

Where were his men? He had stationed a team outside the Qu Mansion, so where did these people come from?

With two palms clashing, the opponent was no match and retreated two steps.

Seeing he couldn’t win against Lu Chen, the person turned to run, and Lu Chen promptly gave chase.

"Dong dong!" The sound from the floor tiles was distinct from the others, and Zhi Lian’s heart relaxed immediately.

Using the previous key, he pried open the tile, revealing a red wooden box inside.

Seeing the lock on the box, Zhi Lian thought for a moment, went outside the courtyard, and found a large stone.

He couldn’t be sure the treasure map was inside, so he needed to break it open to check.

Smashing this small lock required little effort, and Zhi Lian decisively struck the little copper lock with force.

With a single loud clang, the padlock fell from its place.

Opening the box, he saw the parchment with its burned holes.

Indeed, this was it! Zhi Lian felt elated, quickly stowing the treasure map in his chest before swiftly exiting the courtyard.

Time was running out; soon enough, Qu Huaiyun would find the key missing.

Zhi Lian panted heavily as he sprinted, heading toward the east wing where Gu Chengyu was temporarily lodged.

Fear gripped his heart now; he didn’t want to wait at the appointed place anymore—it was too dangerous. He could only find solace in Mr. Gu’s presence.

Ming Yan arrived at the agreed place with Zhi Lian, only to be attacked by a black-clad person upon stopping.

Startled, Ming Yan wondered what was happening. Could this person be Lu Chen, attacking him to seize the treasure map?

The opponent’s moves were fierce, and after a couple of exchanges with Ming Yan, a nine-section whip flew out from his waist.

In the chilly October nights of Hejian Prefecture, the cold could seep into one’s bones. Zhi Lian was lightly clad, yet sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Zhi Lian!"

Suddenly, a shout came from behind.

Zhi Lian’s legs threatened to give way in fright, about to collapse to the ground. But he quickly suppressed his fear, running even faster than before.

"Zhi Lian, won’t you stop? You better think clearly, look who’s here!"

Instantly, Zhi Lian had a bad premonition and halted, turning around to see.

The caller was External Yard Steward Manager Qiu, and the person beside him... wasn’t his mother, then who?

But what made him furious was that a sword rested on his mother’s neck.

"Mother!" Zhi Lian could no longer hold back his tears, gasping heavily.

"Zhi Lian, the master has not treated you poorly! Without the master, where would you find days of luxury? Your mother’s illness is one of affluence; isn’t it solely thanks to the master that she could be maintained?"

Manager Qiu snorted coldly, his eyes holding some pity for Zhi Lian, but mostly indifference.

Upon hearing this, Zhi Lian trembled uncontrollably.

He was filled with hatred! Yet, he couldn’t speak for fear of revealing his pent-up anguish.

Previously, he deceived his mother, saying the master appreciated him and wanted him to study to eventually serve the master.

His mother believed him, and he never dared to tell her the truth.

"Manager Qiu! Please, let us go!" Zhi Lian pleaded, casting imploring eyes toward Manager Qiu, hoping against hope that the master hadn’t arrived yet.

Manager Qiu shook his head, "Zhi Lian, you should know why I’m here. The master holds some sentiment for you, and for this mistake, he told me only to bring you back. Rest assured, your mother’s illness won’t be left unattended."