Don't see enemies everywhere, always keep it for yourself. If you're wrong, nobody will judge you. Keep it to yourself, pretend you didn't notice. Let them come more and more on the surface, and when it's obvious to everyone that they're enemies, then strike.

Bai Zhen rushed to Zhe Yan, he removed the poisonous dart from his neck and noticed a familiar scent. "Mo Yan look!" He gave the dart to him. "Could it be?" Bai Zhen frowned.

"Who stayed back at the tent?" Mo Yan asked.

"The twins, Weng Chan, Cang Yi's father but...

"Exactly." Mo Yan and Bai Zhen exchanged glances in silence.

"I will attend Zhe Yan, luckily the poison hasn't entirely spread into his blood flow. It could be neutralized. Second brother give me a hand. We need to place him on the bed." Bai Zhen and Bai Yi placed Zhe Yan on Feng Jiu's bed and Bai Zhen quickly began neutralizing the poison.

"Do you know what you're doing?" Bai Yi asked.

"After spending much time with this old phoenix, I've learned a thing or two about toxins." Bai Zhen replied.

Dong Hua was trying to find his little fox thru their connection. It was weak but he was able to pin point her location. "She is not far away but we need to hurry. Lian Song come with me. Mo Yan stay and find out who behind this. Bai Zhi help Mo Yan nullify the scoundrel." They quickly disappeared.

Bai Zhi was angry to find out that have a mole was in their mist. "Bai Zhi, Bai Yi come with me, we need to find out who this rat is and squash it." Mo Yan left with the Bais. While Bai Zhen continued healing Zhe Yan. "Old phoenix, someone tried to get rid off you. Not on my watch!"

Dong Hua and Lian Song appeared at a cave entrance. Dong Hua looked around skimming through their surroundings. He could sense that they were not alone. "We have company. Jiu'er is inside but most likely we'll walk into a trap."

Lian Song stopped Dijun on his tracks. "Dijun wait, I have an idea." Lian Song mentally said. "The best blows are the ones they never see coming, let exchange our identities. To make our enemy believe you're too difficult to attack. Look stronger than they think, by building uncertainty. When the enemy doesn't know the real costs and dangers, they will stay put. Whoever is behind this are expecting you to come in and rescue Feng Jiu. Their forces are hidden inside the cave. Let me set a trap so you can get to her out quickly."

"The biggest dangers come from the unexpected. When you attack first at their vulnerabilities you take action and minimize the unexpected. All right Lian Song I will go with your plan" Dong Hua replied.

Meanwhile at the training camp

Mo Yan and the Bais returned to tent where the rest were waiting. "Is everything all right shifu?" Zi Lan asked, he noticed that everyone was tense upon their return. Mo Yan remained quiet looking around who was there.

"Did any of you left the tent while we were gone?" Mo Yan asked.

"I sent my son to get some things for me from our camp, why?"

Bai Yi immediately draw his sword and point it at Cang Yi father. "What's the meaning of this? Why am I being corralled?" Cang Yi father shouted.

"Because Qing Qui's Queen is missing!!!" Bai Yi enragedly replied. Weng Chan immediately went to his side to help him. The twins were surprised too. "Xiao Jiu is missing? How did it happen?" Xiao Yan asked.

Cang Yi father eyes widen. "What???"

"You heard me. Did you sent your son to kidnap our queen as your way to take revenge?" Bai Yi furiously asked him.

"I did not order such a vile thing Bai Yi, appease your anger before you regret it". Cang Yi father answered.

Bai Zhi took over. "Bai Yi lower down your sword son, let him speak first. We don't know yet his involvement on Xiao Jiu disappearance."

"Zi Lan" Mo Yan called.

"Yes shifu."

"Take Lord Yan Chiwu with you along with a retinue of soldiers and go to the Eagle Clan camp and look for Lord Cang Yi. Find him and bring him back here alive." Mo Yan sternly commanded.

"Right away shifu." Zi Lan and Yan Chiwu left to carry Mo Yan orders.

"Mo Yan let's cut to the chase and let me find out if his father has anything to do with his son schemes. You know very well that I can get any information that I need." Bai Zhi annoyingly argued with Mo Yan.

Mo Yan sighed "I know Bai Zhi but your methods are rather belligerent. We need to consider all things first before acting harshly."

"We don't have time to waste here, I promise that I won't be that messy or at least that severe, just a tiny bit." A macabre smile was drawn on Bai Zhi's face. Mo Yan nodded in agreement.

"Tie him up." Bai Zhi ordered.

"How dare you Bai Zhi after all of these years you suspect me and incur on torturing your allied!!!"

"My granddaughter has been kidnap. She is Qing Qui's Queen. If you or your son have anything to do in her kidnapping, it is considered as an open declaration of war against us. Is better that you deal with me rather than her husband his Lordship Dong Hua Dijun, which is Qing Qui's Prince Consort. Dijun will show no mercy to anyone. On the other hand, I might consider our friendship and show you some leniency. But if you wish to face Dijun's wrath be my guest. One thing I'll tell you, nobody will be able to save you or son if Dijun takes charge. Nobody has lived to tell the tale either."

"Bai Zhi do you think that I will risk my life and be here if my motives were shady? Think about it."

"Right now, what I care the most is having my granddaughter back safe in one piece. But I let you choose. Me or Dijun, your pick."

"Where is your honor Bai Zhi?"

"Honor? I'm defending our Clan honor. And right now, my patience is running out." Bai Zhi glared him directly.

"I have the right to defend myself before you act unjustly."

"All right, I will give you that, consider this my leniency. Let's wait and see if your son turns up before I begin." Bai Zhi said.

Zi Lan and Yan Chiwu went to the Eagle camp. They were received by their general. "We are looking for Lord Cang Yi."

"Lord Cang Yi already left the camp; he should be on his way to his father lord." The general responded.

Zi Lan and Yan Chiwu exchanged glances. "We have orders to look for Lord Cang Yi, and we will not leave until we carry out our orders, let us pass." Yan Chiwu demanded. The general agreed and assisted them in their search. Cang Yi was found unconscious and tied up outside the camp.

"Lord Cang Yi!!!" His general found him unresponsive. "We need to bring him to the main camp; his lord father is being held for questioning. Quick, bring a stretcher!" Zi Lan ordered. They lift Cang Yi and brought him to the main camp where Mo Yan was patiently waiting.

"Shifu, we found Lord Cang Yi tied up outside the camp unconscious."

"Cang Yi!!! Untie me Bai Zhi, let me help my son." Bai Zhi freed him up.

"Who did this to my son!!! Perhaps it was one of your soldiers Bai Zhi."

"You..." Bai Zhi was about to charge him and Bai Yi and Weng Chan held him.

"STOP at this moment!!!!" Mo Yan demanded. "We need to get to the bottom of this. Whoever is behind this chaos want us to be divided from the inside. Let me check your son for internal injuries." Mo Yan did a quick scan and saw that he was fine. He zapped him with an energy booster to revive him. Cang Yi opened his eyes and started to cough.

"Lord Cang Yi how are you feeling?" Mo Yan asked him.

"I'm fine now, but I was attacked and I didn't have a chance to properly defend myself. What is going on?"

"Qing Qui's Queen has been kidnaped and high god Zhe Yan has been poisoned, he was safeguarding her while we were here. Your father told us that he sent you out the main camp. It was then when she disappeared." Mo Yan replied.

"I see. And you assumed that our clan was involved in her kidnapping." Cang Yi answered assessing the situation.

"We won't tolerate being bullied by your clan Bai Zhi." Cang Yi's father expressed.

"Lord Jīn Yīng, we inadequately acted based on suspicion before gathering all facts and evidence. We hope that you understand our dire situation." Bai Zhi expressed.

"As a father, I completely understand why you reacted the way you did. As a clan chief..."

"Father we shouldn't bear any antipathies. Judging the circumstances, we should work together and unite our forces to find her highness. This takes priority." Cang Yi admonished his father.

"I admire your character Lord Cang Yi." Weng Chan said.

"We all have experienced some very low moments, and some very high moments, and now we are experiencing unexpected and violent twists and turns that we could never have anticipated. Is how we react in the midst of uncertainty that we rise or fall. Is how our character is built up or can be destroyed completely." Lord Cang Yi expressed.

"Very well said." Weng Chan replied.

"Shifu, we should check how high god Zhe Yan is doing, perhaps if he's well enough he can give us more details of his encounter with the kidnaper." Zi Lan said. Mo Yan agreed. "Let's all go and see if Zhe Yan is awake."

Feng Jiu's mother arrived late. The camp was on high alert. She found out about her daughter disappearance and Zhe Yan's poisoning. She rushed to see how things were being handled. She went to Feng Jiu's chambers only to see Bai Zhen working on Zhe Yan's body. At the same time, everyone came into the room. Bai Yi was surprised to see her there.

"What are you doing here?" Bai Yi asked.

"I received a missive that Xiao Jiu wanted to see me. I tried my best to arrive earlier but for some strange reason I couldn't. And now I come to see all of this. Where is Xiao Jiu Bai Yi?" Her eyes misted with tears. She grabbed Feng Jiu's outer robe and brought it to her chest in anguish.

Bai Zhen was able to stabilize Zhe Yan, he was now resting. "How is he holding up?" Mo Yan asked.

"He's out of danger, if we would had arrived later than we did, then it would have been a different story. I gave him a powerful medicinal tonic to cleanse his body. All the poison is out of his system now. He should wake up tomorrow. Any news on Xiao Jiu?" Bai Zhen asked.

"Dong Hua and Lian Song are looking for her. We haven't heard anything so far but I'm certain that he will find her. In the meantime, we have to run a full investigation on our camps. We have a mole to catch." Mo Yan said.

Inside the dark cave...

Feng Jiu woke up and felt disoriented. She opened her eyes to see where she was taken. She honed her fox senses to have a better view of her surroundings. "Hmm, it seems that I'm inside a cave. But by who?" Her hands and feet were chained up. She could hardly move. "Dong Hua, please tell me that you are near. She mentally called him.

"Little fox, Lian Song and I are coming to get you. Are you all right?" Dong Hua replied.

"I'm ok for now but for some reason I feel power depleted and weak. I can't move."

"Seems like her highness has regained consciousness." Feng Jiu couldn't see where the voice was coming from.

"Who are you?" Feng Jiu was struggling to move.

"It's useless for you to try, the chains are draining your powers and your essence. The more you move the worst it will be for you."

"Why?" Feng Jiu demanded.

"You have gained so many enemies your highness. Your capture serves a higher purpose to catch a bigger fish."

"How did you managed to breach our security?"

"Let's just say that I have always been nearby."

"A spy?"

"Precisely."

"For whom?"

"Your highness you are full of questions. Some quiet time should do you good." A gag magically appeared in Feng Jiu's mouth. "That's better."

Dong Hua and Ling Son arrived where Feng Jiu was trapped. "Dong Hua this was way too easy." Lian Song said.

"This location has a forcefield, it's probably a trap." Dong Hua did a series of hand seal movements to shatter the forcefield. There was a second layer of a barrier, stronger than the first one. Dong Hua carefully assessed it. "Wait Lian Song! This layer has a trapping mechanism. Whoever placed it, is expecting company. Let me unseal it first." Dong Hua shattered this one too.

Inside Feng Jiu was pale and weak. Her essence was quickly being drained. Lian Song on Dong Hua's form walked first. He immediately was trapped on a formation. Feng Jiu's kidnapper came forth. "Finally, the famous Dong Hua Dijun is trapped!!"

Dong Hua on Liang Song form swiftly deactivated the formation to avoid Lian Song being sent anywhere. He yanked Feng Jiu's chains, ungagged her and grabbed her in his arms. Then he neutralized Feng Jiu's kidnapper and Lian Song captured him. Dong Hua took everyone's on his powerful aura and traveled back to Feng Jiu's room, surprising everyone.

"Dijun!!!" Feng Jiu's mother went to see her precious daughter unconscious in his arms. Lian Song forced his captor to the floor and Mo Yan subjugated him.

Dong Hua conjured another bed and placed his beloved in it. "Mo Yan work with Lian Song, I place you in charge on this investigation. Find out who this rat is working for. I won't kill him now, Jiu'er needs me, but I will deal with him later! Make sure he doesn't escape or kill himself first. Everyone, leave now!!" Dong Hua commanded. His murderous aura was shifting.

The Bais were hesitant to leave, they wanted to stay with Feng Jiu, but Dong Hua wanted to take care of her with nobody around. He didn't trust no one right at that moment. His rage was rising to a dangerous level.

"Brother, control your anger and regulate your breathing Dong Hua. Remember that everyone is at stake here if you lose control of yourself." Mo Yan pleaded.

"Mo Yan I'm not in a mood to be lectured right now! My wife is hurt and whoever is behind it will pay with their life. Now leave, I have to attend her!!!!

Nobody dared to say anything, they helped Lian Song and left the room. But Feng Jiu's mother stayed behind. She was terrified and trembling due to Dong Hua's anger but held her resolve. He didn't say nothing when he saw her kneeling and quietly sobbing. He understood that she wanted to be around his Jiu'er.

Dong Hua placed a strong protective barrier around the room to prevent anyone from entering. He then scanned Feng Jiu's cultivation; she was weak. He couldn't sense the baby anymore. Dong Hua was beyond mad, he got agitated. By that time, Zhe Yan regained consciousness. He opened his eyes and coughed; his throat was dry. Feng Jiu's mother went to help him. He faintly saw her face and gave her a weak smile. Zhe Yan slightly saw a silver mane from across the room. "Dong Hua?" Zhe Yan weakly called out his name. He sensed that Dong Hua aura was fluctuating affecting the environment. He promptly managed to get up and went to his side.

"Dong Hua you succeeded to bring Xiao Jiu back. How is she?"

Dong Hua nose was flaring in anger. Zhe Yan was hesitant to touch him. He knew better. "Dijun please let me check her and see if everything is well with the baby."

Dong Hua eyes were completely dark. He dangerously stared at Zhe Yan. Without breaking eye contact, Zhe Yan risking his life carefully grabbed Feng Jiu's wrist and closed his eyes. He scanned her entire being with his phoenix essence. After a couple of minutes, Zhe Yan opened his eyes. "Don't worry Dijun the baby has been hidden by Xiao Jiu phoenix powers before she was kidnapped. Although she has a weak pulse, the baby is alive."

"Are you sure?" Dong Hua asked with a dark tone.

"I wouldn't dare lie to you about this. But she needs to recuperate her loss cultivation."

"I can transfer some of mine."

"You can't Dijun, you are unstable. You'll risk yourself and Xiao Jiu to turn dark, plus it will affect the baby too."

"I'm not going to let her be like this!!" Dong Hua seethed.

"Calm down please. Let me help her." Zhe Yan pleaded.

"NO!!! I won't let anyone to hurt her Zhe Yan. Last time I left, she got kidnapped. I won't trust her care to no one at this point." Dong Hua was being unreasonable overprotective.

Zhe Yan understood his emotional distress. But he knew that he needed his help. "I completely understand Dijun, at least let me help you then."

Dong Hua closed his eyes and sighed hard, he regulated his breathing, reducing his rage gradually calming himself. After he was himself again, he referred Zhe Yan "All right Zhe Yan, let's get her better."

"Xiao Jiu is pregnant?" Her mother asked, surprising both with her reaction.

"It was supposed to be a surprise. Xiao Jiu was going to reveal it to you." Zhe Yan serenely answered.

Feng Jiu's mother ran to her side but Dong Hua blocked her. "Dijun please, I'm her mother. I will not harm her. Let me be with her when she wakes up." She implored.

"Dijun she can help me gather all we need to nurture Xiao Jiu health. You can trust her." Zhe Yan interjected. Feng Jiu's mom, knelt to her side and grabbed her wrist to feel her pulse. She vaguely smiled and said "This little one is going to be strong. My dear daughter hold on tight. We are here to help you."

For the next few days, Zhe Yan and Dong Hua worked non stop on getting Feng Jiu's health to a better state. Feeding her medicine mixed with Dong Hua's golden blood to nurture her. Progressively, color returned to her skin. Her breaths were steadier and so was her pulse. She was making progress. Feng Jiu's mother made special meals to sustain their cultivation.

"Now she is ready to receive your essence. You can slowly transfer some of your cultivation in the morning. Only in increments of 15 percent each day for a least a week. After that, her body needs to safely absorb your cultivation until she is ready to regain consciousness again on her own. You also need to take medicine so you can also regain your lost cultivation too. After each transfer, you need to rest so your chi doesn't get unbalanced. I will monitor your health." Zhe Yan told him.

Dong Hua nodded in agreement. He noticed signs of weariness on Zhe Yan. "You need to rest too old bird so you can keep up. I don't want you to end up featherless. Who stabilized the poison?"

"Bai Zhen did. He learned the proper way to do it. I taught him a bit about toxicology among other things, while he was my student. He's probably worried about my progress."

Dong Hua expressionless nonchalant face shifted to his beloved little fox. "Jiu'er I'm right here, you are safe little fox and so are you little one." Dong Hua conjured up a comb and started to comb her lustrous mane. Her mother watched from a distance how the almighty deity was carefully caring for their daughter. She felt his despondency. She knew he needed Xiao Jiu in his life.

Days quickly turned into weeks and Feng Jiu was still recuperating. Feng Jiu's mother managed to nurture Zhe Yan's health. "You need to be strong Zhe Yan. I'm glad that you are getting better too." She placed her hand on his chest and Zhe Yan grabbed it. "You still worry about me?" He asked.

"Always. You are such an arrogant and childish bird not asking for help when you're in the brink of death!! Of course, I worry about you." She lowered her face.

Zhe Yan lifted her chin up and with a sparkling glance told her: "I miss you so much. I cherish these rare moments."

"Is the same for me Zhe Yan. At least let me take care of you while I can." She sadly told him.

Dong Hua was watching the tender scene from across the room. He felt that he was intruding their space, so he placed a privacy cloak around him and Feng Jiu. He could feel their pain, anguish, their yearning for one another. A sensation he knew too well. His persistent little fox was able to heal his broken heart after their past long separation when he sent her away. This feeling he probably can never properly expressed it. In his analytical mind it was not merely an emotion. Rather, it was more like his soul grappling with a pervasive emptiness that lurks in its dark and unexplored corners. It was a paradoxical yearning for some inexplicable "more," while being purely satisfied with the moment. He was aware of introversion, but it also has a catch. He often observed what many other don't notice. Because of this intense power of attentiveness, he has the ability to relate his experiences to those of others, having heightened powers of empathy. That dissonance in his soul was the epitome of his introversion. Dong Hua comprehended their need. He understood that fate has been persistent too, causing him and his little fox to suffer constantly. He developed a new sense of respect for the couple who had withstand thousands of years of separation accepting their new paths with a rare comprehension to him. Their hidden love was the pure powerful force able to sustain them for so long. Feng Jiu always was the reason to bring them together each time. But each time was more painful to go their own separate ways after they dealt with whatever reasons their daughter made them to see each other. Feng Jiu delicately shifted on the bed, softly calling Dong Hua's name, breaking his line of thought.

"Dong Hua" Feng Jiu whispered.

"Jiu'er my love, I'm right here." He got closed to her face and she weakly open her eyes and sweetly smiled. His ethereal glaze always affected her awareness. She opened her big brown doe eyes that unmanned him. He internally smiled knowing that she'll always reacts like this. "Breathe with me sweet little fox." He softly touched her phoenix flower pulsing a slight energy flare for her to recover faster.

Feng Jiu felt a warm wave running thru her entire body. She fluttered her eyes. "Am I dreaming? Are you really here?" Feng Jiu placed her hand on the side of his face. Dong Hua placed his hand on hers and smiled. "You're not dreaming Jiu'er. You have awakened."

A brief silence was held. Feng Jiu was gathering her thoughts. His proximity to her was too much for her body to handle. "How long I've been sleeping?" She softly asked.

"A couple of weeks." Dong Hua answered.

Feng Jiu was quietly staring at Dong Hua. She knew she got hurt and was a bit worried. "Husband, I knew you were coming for us." She slid her hand to grab some of his long hair. He carefully placed his hand on her belly. "You two are my precious treasure. I will not let anyone harm you. The baby is doing well. How are you feeling?"

"A bit dizzy and bit hungry." Feng Jiu responded on a childish tone.

Dong Hua smirked at her reaction. He immediately placed several cushions to her back for support. "Let me feed you this broth. You need to regain your strength." Dong Hua grabbed a spoon.

"You cooked for me?" Feng Jiu furrowed her brows.

Dong Hua smiled at her cute expression. "No, my love. Your mother did. She is here tending your father now." He pointed at their direction from the privacy cloak. Feng Jiu saw them interacting with each other. Her mother was feeding Zhe Yan. She wanted to get up, but Dong Hua held her. "Little fox, don't worry, your father is okay. The poison was properly defused from his body. He's doing much better Jiu'er. Give them some private time, they've earned it."

Feng Jiu nodded observing her parents. "I wish they can be together again. They truly love each other. Just like I love you Dong Hua."

"And I love you Jiu'er. You and I will continue living our love thru all lifetimes little fox, no matter what."

"I know that you have made a huge sacrifice to be with me. You are risking too much for us to be together. Right now, we're reaping the consequences of it." Feng Jiu lowered her head sad.

"Little fox look at me. Don't be sad. I have no regrets Jiu'er. I've chosen you to be with forever because I couldn't live anymore without you. I don't care if we must pave our way thru chaos to achieve our happiness. You taught me that fate can be rewritten with choice and we are willing to rewrite our own fate. Here we are ready to enter another phase together, expecting our little bundle of our love. Something that I never thought it will be possible in my lifetime. Don't even think for a second that I regret being with you or that I will abandon you again. You are my lifeline, my center, and my reason for living Jiu'er. For a long time, I was in a cold lone place, until I met you. The only regret I have is not giving you a chance in the past when you asked me to. I was blind back them. But now I have vowed to make you happy as long as we both shall live, and I'm intended to live by my promise to you and our child."

Feng Jiu felt reassured hearing his words. "Dijun, I'm grateful that you are with me. My love for you is bigger than the universe itself. But I'm also a bit alarmed of the things that we might face in the near future. With this upending war, things have greatly changed. And now our baby will have to face the same risks. But I know that as long as we're together, we will face anything. I don't want you to handle things alone. I'll get better and be by your side stronger than ever. I won't let anything happen to our baby." She hugged her belly.

"I know you won't. You did a great job hiding the baby when you were caught. Not even I was able to detect him when I brought you back. I want you to be healthy and strong for our child. Your only job for now is to get better. I don't want to expose you to unnecessary matters. Let me deal with the rest. Don't be upset about it, I'll handle everything. For now, let me feed you. I want to take care of my pregnant wife."

"You're doting me too much husband."

"Is because I love you the most." Dong Hua smiled at her.

"Hey, that is my line!!!" Feng Jiu cutely protested.

"Is a mighty fine line. I really like it. Here eat. You can talk with your parents after you finish eating." Feng Jiu let Dong Hua feed her. When she was done, she gave him a sweet chaste kiss on the lips, surprising him. Dong Hua was caught off guard. "Behave little fox, you just waked up and are still weak." Dong Hua sweetly admonished her.

"But I was just rewarding you for saving us and for feeding me." Feng Jiu batted her eyes seductively to Dong Hua in her efforts to charm him.

"No love-play yet Jiu'er, I mean it. Be a good girl and behave. Besides, your parents are in the same room that we are." Dong Hua unbelievably said.

"Since when you cared about company? Huh?" Feng Jiu crossed her arms pouting at him.

"Little fox, you know that I don't give a hoot about keeping appearances. But you're in no condition to engage in that type of activities now. So, don't use your tantalizing ploys on me because it won't work. I'm focused on getting you better. Don't force me to sleep away from you."

"It was just an innocent kiss. And don't you dare sleep in another room, or I'll be mad at you and hunt you down Dong Hua Dijun."

"I know how innocent your kisses are my sweet, naughty and voracious little fox. You are an insatiable woman. I still remember our wedding night. The way you were looking at me like something to eat. It gave me shivers!!! You immerse me with your sensuality and when we start is hard for me to stop. I can't get enough of you. If you keep up with your mischievousness, I will keep a safe distance from you until you get better. Understand? Can we change the subject? The baby is hearing all of this."

Feng Jiu giggled at his conclusion. "All right, all right I'll behave husband. Now go and interrupt the love birds over there so they can see that I'm fully awake." Dong Hua placed the empty bowl on the small table and removed the privacy shield. Feng Jiu cleared her throat "Fùqīn, Mǔqīn."

"Oh kittling, you are finally awake!!!" They went to her and hugged her. Dong Hua moved to give them space annoyed that he had to share his precious little fox with them.

"How are you feeling darling?" Zhe Yan asked first.

"Better. And you?" Feng Jiu held his hands.

"Better too." Zhe Yan smiled and kissed her hands. His eyes were misted with tears. Feng Jiu saw his weariness. She frowned a bit knowing that he needed to rest too.

"You have suffered much Xiao Jiu you are thinner. Don't worry sweetheart, mama is here too, I will cook your favorite's dishes. You need to eat more now that you are expecting. I've heard the happy news while your husband and your father were attending you. I'm overjoyed to know that we'll be grandparents soon." She hugged her delicately. "You have made me so happy."

"Mama, this is a secret; only the four of us know about our pregnancy. We intend to keep it hidden for as long as we can."

"I understand. It will be hard for me to hide my excitement, but I know the importance of guarding your pregnancy from others specially now when were at brink of war. Don't worry darling, I won't tell a soul. Dijun thank you for bringing her back"

"It's my duty as her husband. You can stay with her for as long as she needs you. I still need to find out the results of the investigation. I don't want Jiu'er to exert herself, she still needs to recover her lost cultivation."

"But you also need to rest. You haven't done so Dong Hua." Zhe Yan said.

"Taking care of Xiao Jiu has exerted both of you already. Let me prepare nurturing dishes for the three of you, while I'm here. Is the least that I can do to help you get better. We'll take turns watching Xiao Jiu so everyone will have time to rest too. I won't leave her side while you are away Dijun." Feng Jiu's mother expressed.

"A retinue of Tai Chen imperial soldiers are here to safeguard this courtyard. They have specific instructions. I won't remove my protection shield from this room either. It will serve as another layer of protection while I'm away handling things. I will prepare the next-door room for you Zhe Yan so you could be near Jiu'er when she needs to be checked. Only you and her mother will have access to enter and exit her room. We'll place a partition wall on the other end of the room with a bed so your mother can sleep here with us. When I'm done, I will directly come here to take care of you. Jiu'er you will not be alone a single minute. If you need me use your bells, and I will rush to come to you. I don't want you to use your powers yet, you are still in recovery. Remember that your job right now is to get better. I will handle the rest of things. Be a good wife and do as you're told." He raised his famous eyebrow to her to emphasize his commands.

Feng Jiu was not pleased about her confinement, but she acceded. "Then is settled." Feng Jiu woefully said. "Dijun, are you going to let the rest of the family visit me?"

Dong Hua exhaled relentlessly. "Two at a time and not for long. I don't want you to be stressed out with what's going on. And no going outside the room either. Don't expose yourself, we are still trying to figure out how many spies we have here. Is for your safety and the baby." Dong Hua warned her.

"All right husband, I will listen to you and cooperate with your arrangements." Feng Jiu pouted.

"No fooling around or forcing yourself upon others. Tai Chen's imperial soldiers will not yield to your demands no matter how much you'll try to persuade them. I mean it Jiu'er. This is serious. I promise you that when all of this is over, I'll make it up to you, but for now I must protect both of you the best way I can. Please behave."

"Be at ease husband, I already promised you that I'll be good." But Dong Hua was not 100% convinced knowing his mischievous little fox character. He only hoped that she will listen and stay put.

"All right Jiu'er I'll be back as soon as I can. Zhe Yan come with me. You can return later, but we'll need you now at the training camp." Dong Hua softly kissed her head and left enforcing the protective shield around their room.

Back at the training camp

Mo Yan saw Dijun and Zhe Yan coming. He greeted them respectfully. "Dijun, Zhe Yan."

"Tell me that you have news." Dong Hua harshly said. Mo Yan remained silent which riled Dong Hua even further. "Where is Lian Song?"

"He's gathering the latest intel. He should be back any minute." Mo Yan answered.

"Take me to the prisoner." Dong Hua demanded.

Mo Yan sighed. "Right this way." When they arrived at the prison Dong Hua opened the door with his powers. Zhe Yan and Mo Yan stayed outside the jail. The prisoner was chained up unharmed with no signs of torture. Dong Hua got closed to his face with menace. "You had the audacity to touch and kidnap my Dihou. Not only that, but you also placed her in danger too. Tell me what should I do to you to make you talk." His dominant dark tone inflicted terror on him.

The prisoner was nervous but held his head high. "Even if you kill me, I won't betray my master."

"You have guts, I'll give you that. Unfortunately, I'm not impressed. Since you're not willing to talk, I will help you with your issue." Dong Hua firmly placed his index fingers on the spy temples inflicting agonizing pain while reading his mind. His screams were heard all over. He was bleeding thru out his eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. When Dong Hua obtained the information he needed, he opened his hand and obliterated all his essence, leaving a lop corpse chained up. After that, Dong Hua conjured a basin of water and cleansed his hands and changed his bloodstain robes with his powers.

"I see that you haven't lost your touch." Mo Yan said.

"You took too long getting results. Lian Song is about to come to confirm the information that I acquired from this rat."

Seconds later Lian Song rushed to the prison. "Dijun, I have news."

"Speak."

"Dihou's kidnapping was a distraction. The mastermind behind it is Lord Cang Yi."

Zhe Yan, Mo Yan and Lian Song exchanged glances. Their brother expression was familiar to them.

"What a naughty eagle. Let the hunt begin" .... Dong Hua said with a malefic smile on his face.