"Do you really think that just because the tiger isn't showing its power, it has become a sick cat?"
Glancing at the man below who was bleeding profusely, Night Star's cold gaze fell on Li De Xu's face. "Since when did General Li become the master of Boiling City? How can you disregard the laws of the Heavenly Universe Kingdom and allow your son to act recklessly?"
"Hmph!" Li De Xu's eyes were filled with malice as he spoke without holding back. "In Boiling City, I am the boss. Even if you are General Zhen Guo, you must follow my orders."
"Heh heh..." His attractive brows arched into a curved line, but in an instant, his narrow eyes narrowed sharply, shining like swords as they pierced directly at Li De Xu, as if intending to stab him through.
His thin lips curled slightly, his voice cold as if looking at livestock, devoid of emotion. The two words he uttered sent chills down Li De Xu's spine: "Despicable!"
Indeed, it was despicable that such an arrogant person could live safely in Boiling City; it was truly a waste of the Heavenly Universe Kingdom's resources.
Like Night Star, standing under the sunlight with a serious expression, the man in black, resembling a cypress tree, stared blankly for a moment with indifferent eyes before mercilessly lifting the terrified Li De Xu.
His pupils were mixed with disbelief and anger; his thick lips seemed to want to say something but couldn't utter a word. All that could be seen was the knife glinting in his abdomen, reflecting strong light under the sun.
The glaring blood spilled out along the fine gray satin, first trickling out drop by drop, then gushing forth like demons surrounding the King of Hell, opening their bloody mouths wide!
Bang!
Without mercy, he threw the corpse in front of him onto the ground and glanced at it with disgust. He then wiped his blood-stained hands on his black clothes, his eyes filled with disdain.
Turning to look at the tall man, he spoke with some concern. "Master, is what we are doing too..."
Before he could finish the words "too ostentatious," he saw the man standing with his back turned suddenly turn around. His sharp gaze and emotionless words cut through the air: "Are you suggesting that I should change my mind?"
He paused for a moment; a hint of fear flashed across his cold face before he lowered his head. "I didn't mean that."
"Ah, father, father, what happened to you?" The man, still in shock, suddenly shouted, his trembling hands reaching out to touch the nose of the person he called father.
He pulled back his hand sharply, looking in disbelief at his father who had already passed away. Anger surged within him, uncontrollable rage. "You, Night Star, actually killed the City Defense General in Boiling City. Today, I will not let you go."
"Come here." His furious voice rang out as he addressed the dozen or so attendants behind him. "Capture them! I want them to regret provoking me."
The attendants were still in a daze when they heard their young master's command. They shivered and glanced at Night Star with trepidation, hesitant to step forward.
The man in black had acted swiftly and decisively, cold and ruthless, leaving no room for the City Defense General to react before he fell to the ground. With their skills, they were no match for these few people.
Although they were merely attendants of the City Defense General, they were actually hired thugs. The attendants of Li Manor had been bullying others in Boiling City; they were numerous and had the backing of the City Defense General. The citizens of Boiling City dared not voice their anger.
Yet they were also flesh-and-blood individuals who wanted to live a few more years. These people clearly possessed extraordinary skills; why should they throw themselves against a rock?
"What are you standing there for? Is my word no longer effective? Don't forget who gave you the privilege to act recklessly in Boiling City! Who provided you with good food and drink?" The already furious man felt even more enraged seeing his attendants hesitate.
The dozen or so attendants hesitated; after all, they knew that if it weren't for Li De Xu, they wouldn't have such a good life.
But...
"Enough noise." The man standing in the sunlight frowned tightly, impatience evident on his face. "Black-clad ones, take care of it."
The black-clad individuals received their orders and swiftly moved. In just a moment, those who had come with Night Star quickly and decisively dealt with these powerless attendants and the man.
When leaving the capital, although it seemed to outsiders that only a few miscellaneous people were brought along, these few individuals were capable fighters who could take on ten opponents each. Those with only mediocre skills stood no chance against them.
In an instant, the noisy street fell silent; one could hear a pin drop. On the ground lay twenty people sprawled out, including Li De Xu and his son.
Their methods were sharp, all resulting in instant death, and the citizens who had originally been gloating and watching the commotion began to retreat, each person’s eyes filled with uncontrollable fear. This handsome man was terrifying!
They had thought someone could teach Li De Xu a good lesson; even if they couldn't stand up for themselves, at least it would relieve their anger. But unexpectedly, this man arrived and took the lives of more than ten people.
Thinking of this, their bodies involuntarily moved back, and some even bumped into the man in black out of panic, instantly frightened to the point of falling to the ground, not daring to look up at this cold man.
The citizens tightly closed their eyes, internally crying out that it was over, they were doomed. This person would surely kill them just like he had killed those others.
Their bodies trembled uncontrollably, drenched in cold sweat. However, the small knife they anticipated did not stab into their abdomen. As they slowly opened their eyes, a shadow blocked the intense light before them; it was the leader.
His voice was no longer as cold as before. He slowly extended his long hand and pulled them up, speaking lightly, "There's no need to panic; we are not bad people!"
This explanation seemed somewhat forced. Upon entering Boiling City, he had killed the City Defense General. Who would believe that he was not a bad person? Yet no one dared to voice this thought.
"Th-thank you..." Their voice trembled incessantly, and without thinking further, they fled into the crowd.
The man in black frowned tightly and whispered to Night Star, "My lord?"
He raised his hand to stop him from speaking. The dark blue long sleeves were embroidered with a green snake at the edges, appearing increasingly eerie under the sunlight.
With narrow eyes observing the citizens of the city, a hoarse voice rang out, "You don’t need to be afraid. I am General Zhen Guo of the Heavenly Universe Kingdom, here by Imperial Decree to oversee Boiling City. My actions today are not directed at you; we are all one family with the common people. I will not allow anyone to oppress you. From now on, you can live your lives in peace; your safety in the city is my responsibility."
"But how do we know you are not like him?" A questioning voice arose from the crowd.
The previous City Defense General had been like that too; when he first arrived, he treated them with great care. But later on, his son and his followers acted recklessly in the city, robbing and even harassing women. They were furious but dared not speak out.
The indifferent gaze followed the source of the voice, only to see that citizen immediately lower their head, not daring to meet his eyes directly. His voice was no longer as cold as before but merely calm as he stated, "Today I promise here!"
"Anyone in the city who dares to oppress the common people, extort wealth, or harass women—any hand that steals will be chopped off, and anyone who cannot control their own life will have their life taken. This is what Night Star said today; you must remember it!"
Although he appeared cold, he never treated the common people as mercilessly as Li Ye did. He understood well the principle that food is paramount. While Li Ye was unjust, he could not afford to be unkind.
He did everything in his power to protect his subjects, simply so that when these people suffered injustice, they would have a place to seek fairness.
"Night General is wise; welcome Night General into the city." Suddenly, a voice broke through the silent crowd, followed by more voices joining in.
All were expressing gratitude for Night General's care for the common people; this was the respect of the citizens of Boiling City.
In an instant, cheers erupted, echoing throughout this city filled with decadence.
In the Heavenly Universe Kingdom's Kyoto Imperial City, majestic palaces stood beside the Heaven and Earth Hall. The furnishings within the palace were solemn and sacred, and on a large red bed lay an extraordinarily beautiful woman.
Her eyes were tightly closed, her oval face framed by long eyelashes resting gently on her eyelids beneath slender willow brows. Her small mouth was delicate, and her long red dress was as vibrant as fire; if one overlooked her head of white hair, she would appear even more enchanting.
Although the white hair did not clash with her exquisite face, it was indeed somewhat startling.
Suddenly, her tightly closed eyes opened wide; her dark pupils darted around. Everything she saw brought a flicker of surprise to her eyelids. She flipped over and sat up from the bed, scanning her surroundings.
On either side of the bed were golden-framed edges, with bright red curtains blocking everything inside. Yet she could still see several faint candle flames flickering precariously in the darkness.
In the center of the bed stood a redwood tea table, and directly opposite it were two soft couches. To the left of the couch was a wooden table with a round mirror placed on top.
Just as she prepared to get out of bed, she noticed that her pink clothing had been replaced by a long red dress without her noticing. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes as she rose and walked to sit in front of the round mirror. Her dirty face bore no blemishes at all; her willow brows furrowed—where was this?
With a creak, the wooden door was pushed open, and a young woman entered wearing a blue palace outfit. Her delicate face was free of makeup, and her hair was neatly styled in palace fashion.
Looking at Mo Xier sitting in front of the bronze mirror, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes as she slowly walked forward with a gentle smile. "Miss, you are awake?"
Tilting her head and glancing at her, Mo Xier asked in confusion, "Where is this?"
The smile remained, and the tone was soft. "This is Kunning Palace! I am called Zhiruo, sent here to take care of you!"
Kunning Palace?
A shock ran through Mo Xier's heart. Wasn't this supposed to be the queen's chamber? She only remembered being trapped in a dark iron room, enduring hunger and nightly nightmares, and then waking up here.
However, wasn't Kunning Palace always empty? As far as she knew, the emperor had not taken a consort. Although there were three thousand beauties in the harem, Li Ye had never shown any intention of choosing one.
It was clear that her presence in Kunning Palace was the emperor's doing, but what did it mean for him to place her in this coveted palace of the harem?
Her eyes narrowed slightly; she was neither overly delicate nor imposing. With a gentle tone, she stood up and smiled. "Thank you, Zhiruo. May I ask where the emperor is now?"
Mo Xier's attitude unexpectedly made Zhiruo feel fondness for her. Having been accustomed to serving various mistresses in the harem, she had never encountered anyone like her who spoke so softly and respectfully.
No longer distant as before, she replied gently, "You are too kind. The emperor is currently in the Imperial Study. He should come over shortly."
Suddenly remembering something, Zhiruo exclaimed, "I didn't realize you were already awake, so I haven't brought any food. I will go instruct the Small Kitchen to prepare a meal right away."
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