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Chapter 81: Eighty-One Treasures

"An ally?" The protagonist was not pleased. She sneered, "No need to cozy up. I told you these things to urge you to withdraw from this chaotic world, find a place to hide, and stop thinking about conquering the world."

In her past life, under the same palace walls, the protagonist's entire plan was foiled by Xu Zhen. Now, given another chance, she wanted to try breaking Xu Zhen's spirit.

"I know what you're trying to do," the protagonist said coldly. "You're with the Prince of Zhenbei, trying to gain the new emperor's trust and turn Chang'an upside down, aren't you?"

Xu Zhen looked at the protagonist calmly, not responding.

The protagonist continued, "I've seen the world change many times, more than you. I once walked to the end and saw corpses littered everywhere. You've never seen such a scene, have you?"

Xu Zhen smiled, "I haven't experienced that, but why do you want me to leave the stage? Will something terrible happen if I stay involved? Why don't you tell me what will happen? I'm timid, and if something truly terrible is going to happen, I'll definitely step back."

As she spoke, a branch was blown off a tree by the wind and hit her head.

Xu Zhen reached up, grabbed the dry branch, and twirled it in her hand, playing with it.

The protagonist, about to speak, suddenly felt uneasy. She thought Xu Zhen seemed to know everything.

But it seemed impossible.

If Xu Zhen had seen the end of the previous life, why would she side with the Prince of Zhenbei, with that monster?

That monster was terrifying beyond belief; Xu Zhen should know that better than anyone.

The protagonist stared blankly at Xu Zhen.

Xu Zhen, not getting an answer, asked again, "What exactly happens?"

The protagonist regained her composure and said solemnly, "Your students, friends, elders, all were killed by the Prince of Zhenbei."

Xu Zhen found it unbelievable.

"And you," the protagonist continued, gazing directly at Xu Zhen, "you were also killed, personally, by the Prince of Zhenbei." She added, "In the Battle of Huai River, many saw it. On a small hill at Mount Tai, the Prince of Zhenbei slowly drove a small red copper sword into your chest..."

A gentle breeze swayed the dry branches along the palace walls. The wind, now warm, blew steadily as the protagonist spoke of the late-stage chaos. She wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, trying to maintain composure, but sweat continued to trickle down her face.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the glazed golden tiles glowed, casting shadows from the towering palace walls over the corner where the two conversed.

Xu Zhen stood beneath the eaves, seemingly unconcerned. She smiled and said, "I already expected this."

The protagonist was incredulous: "You knew? And you're still by her side?"

Xu Zhen replied, "There's nothing to fear in this."

The protagonist retorted, "Nothing to fear? Do you know? Because of her mistakes, she killed you and dragged the entire world into chaos as your burial!"

Xu Zhen expressed mild surprise.

The protagonist continued, "Now you see what kind of monster you're following!"

Xu Zhen nodded, "Bringing calamity to the world isn't good. I'll teach her to change."

The protagonist almost agreed but remembered how Xu Zhen had tricked her many times before. She cautioned, "She'll kill you too, with her own hands!"