"Sir!" No one expected such a result; seeing Wu Ziyue seriously injured and fallen, all the Black-armored Guards were aghast and wanted to step forward, but upon seeing Mu Hanyan directly point the Cold Sky Sword at Wu Ziyueâs heart meridian, they suddenly stopped.
"You, what do you want?" With Mu Hanyanâs sword pointed at his heart meridian, Wu Ziyue lost all his previous arrogance and was trembling with fear.
"Donât worry, I wonât kill you. However, I need you to accompany me to the Capital." Mu Hanyan smiled slightly and said.
Disgusted by such scum, Mu Hanyan actually wished she could kill him immediately, but she knew that doing so would make it impossible to conclude todayâs events.
No matter how despicable Wu Ziyue was, he was the only son of the Shoulder-to-shoulder King and the City Lord of Dingbian City. Killing him would incite not only the Black-armored Guards but even the Old City Lord who favored her would have to fight her to the death.
Taking him as a hostage and safely reaching the Capital was the best choice. With Emperor Yueâs wisdom, he would surely not believe Wu Ziyueâs outrageous lies. Only by confirming Wu Ziyueâs crimes of failing to defend the city could the old general and the Geng Family Master be saved. She had clearly considered these matters before taking action.
Wu Ziyueâs face turned pale; he knew that while he might deceive others with his ghostly tales, thereâs no way these lies would pass in the Capital before the Emperor and the cunning ministers. Once he reached the Capital, he was finished.
"Rumbling!" A heavy hoofbeat sounded in the distance.
Could the Exotic Beasts be returning? Everyone was startled, but soon all worries dissipated.
Within moments, a golden cloud billowed forward, kicking up dust along the way. As it neared, it became clearer: a troop of cavalry donned in golden heavy armor, within whom a golden dragon flag fluttered in the wind.
"Imperial City Guards, itâs the Imperial City Guards!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.
The Imperial City Guards, responsible for guarding the Imperial Palace, akin to the Emperorâs personal soldiers, never leave the Capital City, yet here they were in Dingbian City. What was happening?
In the blink of an eye, the Imperial City Guards arrived. A young commander draped in golden battle armor and wearing a golden mask rode a magnificent Red Charcoal Cloud Smoke Beast to confront Mu Hanyan.
Seeing this young commander, Mu Hanyanâs expression turned odd, as he evoked a sense of familiarity.
"Whatâs happening here?" The young commander, having already seen the strange scene unfolding, inquired with a frown when he saw Mu Hanyanâs sword pointing at Wu Ziyueâs heart meridian.
"Reporting, Sir, I am Wu Ziyue, City Lord of Dingbian City. This person claims to be an An Yun Envoy yet harbors ill intent, secretly colluding with Exotic Beasts to invade the Capital and undermine our Shangyue foundations. After I uncovered their plot, they launched an Exotic Beast attack on the city and are now attempting to kill me to silence me!" Wu Ziyue eagerly stated.
In days past, he wouldnât be so polite, even if they were the Imperial City Guards, but the situation was different now. He knew that his last hope rested with this young commander. If the commander believed his words or recognized his name, considering the Shoulder-to-shoulder Kingâs power, he might act and ensure Mu Hanyan meets a grave fate.
Though Mu Hanyanâs single strike defeated him, causing serious injury, upon regaining his mind, he realized it was due to his lack of battle experience, not her weakened state.
Faced with the Imperial City Guards, famed as the Emperorâs personal soldiers, even at her peak, Mu Hanyan was no match for them. They were the elite of the elite, each possessing extraordinary natural talent as Elite Swordsmen.
"Oh, is that so?" The young commander spoke softly, slowly removing his mask.
Yue Fanchen! Indeed, it was him! Mu Hanyanâs heart sank.
"Mu Hanyan, surprised, arenât you? So soon weâve met again. That sword strike of yours last time, I remember it vividly. I wonder if weâll have another chance to duel today." Yue Fanchen said with a chuckle.
Hearing Yue Fanchenâs words, the crowdâs expressions shifted, while Wu Ziyueâs face lit up with joy.
Yue Fanchen had long left Shangyue to study under masters, then sent into the Imperial City Guards for training. Though Wu hadnât seen him before, he knew his name well and heard he recently attended the Longyan Academyâs freshman competition in An Yun, returning unsuccessful, or so they said.
Apparently, he likely lost to Mu Hanyan, forming quite the vendetta between them. Such a chance for revenge would surely not be missed.
Upon hearing Yue Fanchenâs words, Huayue and the othersâ hearts sank as well, exchanging glances and preparing themselves to act.
"However, that can wait; letâs handle official matters first." Yue Fanchen suddenly stowed his smile and grew exceedingly stern.
"I am Yue Fanchen, Commander of Shangyue Countryâs Imperial City Guards, on orders to welcome Princess Yan back to the Capital!" Yue Fanchen bowed and respectfully addressed Mu Hanyan.
"What! Which Princess?" Everyone was stunned. Mu Hanyan was their Shangyueâs princess?! Wasnât she the An Yun Countryâs envoy? She was actually their Shangyue Countryâs princess?
Even Mu Hanyan herself was taken aback.
"I am Yue Fanchen, Commander of An Yun Countryâs Imperial City Guards, ordered to welcome Princess Yan back to the Capital!" Yue Fanchen solemnly declared once more, with a faint smile gracing his lips.
"You, are you speaking to me?" Mu Hanyan looked around, realizing amongst the elderly and young, she was the only woman present; thus, the princess must surely be her.
"Princess Yan, please proceed with me to the palace to meet the Emperor." Yue Fanchen finally broke into a smile, finding Mu Hanyanâs dumbfounded state quite amusing.
"You, what did you just say?" Wu Ziyue was utterly dumbfounded, staring at Yue Fanchen blankly. Mu Hanyan was a princess? Was this real?
"Ah, almost forgot about you, claiming Princess Yan destabilizes the Royal Family. How senseless, fighting your own kind. Never mind, take him along too." Yue Fanchen muttered, waving his hand as several guards stepped forward to detain Wu Ziyue.
The Black-armored Guards looked at each other, yet none dared to obstruct.
Though they were hailed as elite, their rank and strength couldnât compare with the Imperial City Guards before them. More importantly, Yue Fanchen executed the Emperorâs orders, thus they dared not act.
"Stop, stop, I am the princely heir of the Shoulder-to-shoulder King, release me!" Wu Ziyue shouted in terror.
Yue Fanchen waved his hand, and a guard promptly knocked Wu Ziyue unconscious with a slap.