In the Wild Forest.
Looking at Gu Han, who was extremely fast ahead, Fatty was so tired he couldnât catch his breath. âSlow down! Isnât Du Tengâs death a good thing?â
Gu Hanâs face was dark. âFatty, I just feel like something will happen.â
When he learned of Du Tengâs death from the burly man, he had a faint premonition, which only grew stronger the closer he got to the capital.
Please! Please, donât let anything happen!
As he was thinking this, his speed increased. Fatty curled his lips but didnât say anything, gritting his teeth and following. He actually understood Gu Hanâs worry. The main issue wasnât Du Tengâs death, but the fact that his identity was bound to trigger many uncontrollable consequences.
Ahead, a white-robed youth, Luo Wushuang, walked slowly toward them. He was full of leisure, as if strolling casually. In an instant, they passed each other.
Luo Wushuang stopped and glanced at the retreating figures of the two. â
Hmm
? Thatâs interesting. Next time I return, there might be one more friend? Mortal enemy?â
He smiled and continued forward, clearly headed for the extreme depths of the Wild Forest.
***
Outside the city.
Watching the city guard army gradually closing in, Chief Steward Liâs eyes were bloodshot, appearing like a madman. âWho dares! Who dares touch a single hair on them, I will slaughter him!â
The young man was full of mockery. â
Tsk tsk!
Youâre just a lowly eunuch, yet youâre jumping around so frantically. Lord Jiang, as the ruler, it seems you have no power to speak of. Should I mention it to my master and have someone else take your place?â
Jiang Ping became livid. âCommander Zhou, seize them!â
Commander Zhou sternly acknowledged the order. With wild surging spirit power, he threw a palm strike at Chief Steward Li.
Shielding Jiang Feng and Ah Sha, Chief Steward Li gritted his teeth and forcefully withstood the blow. However, one was at the Soaring Realm and the other at the Divine Connection realm. There was a full realm apart, and he naturally didnât stand a chance. He barely blocked it, repeatedly coughing blood while staggering back.
Yet, as if oblivious to his injury, Chief Steward Li barked, âYour Highness, I will hold them off! You take the little girl and leave first!â
A trace of sorrow flashed in Jiang Fengâs eyes. âNo! Chief Steward Li, let it go. If something happens to you, Iââ
Chief Steward Li was frantic with anxiety. âYour Highness, even if not for yourself, think of this little girl. We owe him too much. If something happens to her, how will we face him?!â
Jiang Feng was stunned, instantly remembering Gu Hanâs entrustment. âIâalright!â
He looked at Chief Steward Li, his fists clenched so tight they almost drew blood. He understood in his heart that he owed Gu Han too much. He could be fearless, face death alone, but Ah Sha absolutely must not come to harm.
Ah Sha was crying uncontrollably, âChief Steward Li, I-I wonât go! I want to stay and help you!â
The young man sneered repeatedly. âHelp? With your cultivation level, barely at Acupoint Unsealing, even if I stand hereââ
Before he finished, his expression changed dramatically. Ah Sha stared fixedly at him, her eyes filled with eerie light and hatred.
The young manâs face flushed crimson. He felt his spirit power rapidly going out of control, on the verge of exploding. âH-how could... I...â
The eerie light in Ah Shaâs eyes grew increasingly intense. âYoung Master said people like you deserve to die.â
As her words fell, several bloody holes instantly burst open on the young manâs body.
Jiang Ping was greatly shocked. âC-Commander Zhou, quickly! Hurry up and stop herâ no,
kill
her!â
Although Jiang Ping didnât know how Ah Sha did it, he absolutely dared not let the young man die here. Otherwise, forget the position of ruler, even his life would be hard to preserve.
Commander Zhou launched another full-force strike. Meanwhile, Ah Shaâs gaze grew dim. She stood there in daze, without the slightest reaction.
Chief Steward Li desperately blocked the blow. âYour Highness, quick! Take her away! Go!â
As he spoke, he vomited large mouthfuls of blood. Jiang Feng couldnât bear to look again. Taking the disoriented Ah Sha, he prepared to break through.
Jiang Pingâs gaze turned grim. âStop them! If they resist, kill them without mercy!â
Chief Steward Liâs eyes nearly burst from their sockets. âHow dare you! I will exterminate you!â
While speaking, a flash of unnatural red passed over his face, and his aura rapidly rose once more. Very soon, it surpassed the Divine Connection realm. He had burned essence blood, cultivation, lifespanâeverything, in exchange for a temporary boost in cultivation.
Jiang Ping was both shocked and furious. âDog slave! How dare you! Commander Zhou, kill him for me!â
Chief Steward Liâs cultivation level had become far higher than usual. With a sweep of his palm, a vast and powerful spirit force descended, throwing the city guard army into disarray. Many casualties fell.
âYour Highness, go!â
Not far away, Jiang Feng charged through with Ah Sha. His eyes were bloodshot, not daring to look back even once.
The severely injured young man instantly saw red. âDie! Everyone dies! You, eunuch, die! That little girl dies too!â
Chief Steward Li was nearly out of his mind. âTo hell with your mother! I will kill you first!â
After burning himself, his combat power increased dramatically, to the point that even Commander Zhou couldnât graze him for the moment.
Deafening crashes sounded continuously and for a time, the two were actually evenly matched. However, Chief Steward Liâs boost ultimately couldnât last long. As time slowly passed, waves of weakness constantly surged up.
My timeâs running out...
He suddenly had a clear realization and another full-power palm strike forced Commander Zhou back.
At the final moment of his life, he suddenly wanted to do something he had long wished to, but never dared. âJiang Ping, you dog bastard! Back then, you indulged that beast in harming the imperial consort. I will avenge her today!â
Jiang Ping trembled with rage. âYouâtreason! Treason! Dog slave, how dare you offend your superior! You must really be tired of living! I am the ruler of Great Qi!â
âTo hell with your ruler! Iâm here to slaughter a scoundrel like you!â His eyes suddenly became bright, and he let out a loud roar, âDead Fatty, watch closely! I also have the balls!â
As his words fell, his aura locked firmly onto Jiang Ping, and he charged forward with unstoppable determination. In his final moments, scenes from the past flashed before his eyes, finally freezing on one moment.
***
Inside the imperial palace, a young boy hid in a corner while crying.
Opposite him, a dignified, gentle, and graceful woman walked over. âWhy are you crying?â
âGreetings, Imperial Consort. They... they keep bullying me...â
âWhat is your name?â
âI-I am Li Fu.â
âLi Fu? Enough, from now on, stay by my side. They wonât dare bully you then.â
âThank you, Imperial Consort! Thank you!â
***
After another loud crash, it was calm again.