「Liang City.」
Xu Nian carried a small bag of silver, about fifty taels. His goal for the night was simple: to spend lavishly and vent all his accumulated frustrations. With players from the Sect watching over things, he felt at ease. Thirty Ninth-Grade Martial Artists, all capable of resurrection if slain—only a true fool would dare provoke them.
However, the moment he entered the gates of Liang City, his pace slowed considerably.
Was someone watching him?
From the instant he set foot in Liang City, he sensed someone tracking him. Previously, he might not have noticed. But now, he was a genuine Martial Artist, having become a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist in less than a day. In the Jianghu, that was enough to shock everyone. Such a person couldn't just be described as a genius; he was a complete monster!
He had not walked far along the street before he ducked into an alley. In a few breaths, an ordinary-looking man approached, glanced around, and then headed into the alley. Just as the man had taken a few steps, a fierce fist emerged from the shadows, smashing towards him.
Rock-breaking Fist! One of the External Martial Arts techniques, and also a technique mastered by players. Currently, almost all players possessed External Martial Arts skills, save for Junlin, that ostentatiously wealthy Rich Second Generation.
The man, sensing danger, raised his arms in defense, blocking the blow with brute force. The terrifying force of the strike took him by surprise. But before he could react, the second punch was already upon him. Recognizing his attacker, the man quickly retreated, creating enough distance to fight.
As the punch missed, Xu Nian's heart tightened. The first punch had been easily blocked. From that moment, he knew this person was no ordinary fighter. After all, he was a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist. There was probably no one in Liang City who could block his fist without a scratch! This man… a formidable enemy!
Just as Xu Nian speculated about the man's identity, the man suddenly knelt on one knee.
"I am Sun Ping, Captain of the Brocade Guard under the Northern Tribunal of Inquisition, and I pay my respects to the Seventh Prince!"
The man's words made Xu Nian's brows furrow.
Brocade Guard? That's not right. Why would someone from the Brocade Guard be here?
Xu Nian pondered, "Were you assigned a case in Liang City, or were you sent here to monitor me?"
Hearing this, Sun Ping clasped his fist and explained respectfully, "I am here on His Majesty's orders to temporarily protect the Seventh Prince in Liang City."
"Protect? I thought he would treat me like garbage, thrown out and neglected." Xu Nian's words were laced with coldness. But these weren't his own thoughts; he was influenced by Luo Yushu. After all, Luo Yushu was the true Seventh Prince. Even in death, the resentment in his heart still affected Xu Nian.
Sun Ping did not answer, remaining reverently kneeling on the ground.
"Go back. Tell him not to send anyone else. The Seventh Prince Luo Yushu died when he was thrown into the Celestial Prison. The one alive now is only Xu Nian, Sect Leader of the Profound Yellow Sect!" Xu Nian's tone was icy. He then turned and walked away, hands clasped behind his back, paying no further heed to Sun Ping kneeling on the ground.
After Xu Nian departed, Sun Ping remained kneeling. A moment later, a burly figure walked into the alley. His steps were steady. Each one landed like a heavy hammer on Sun Ping's heart.
"I pay my respects to the Commanding Envoy, sir!" Sun Ping prostrated himself completely, pressing his forehead firmly to the stone-paved ground, his body trembling with fear.
Darkness concealed the Inspector's face, rendering his features indiscernible.
"Has the Seventh Prince's strength recovered?" asked the Inspector, his tone terrifyingly calm, holding an unspoken menace.
"His Highness now possesses the strength of a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist," Sun Ping replied respectfully. "That single punch is enough to ensure His Highness's safety in Liang City."
"Not enough!" The Inspector said indifferently, "You will accompany me to eliminate those scum lurking in the shadows. His Majesty's intention is for the Seventh Prince to no longer be embroiled in the conflicts. Since the Seventh Prince has now chosen the life of the Jianghu, we must not interfere further."
"But..." Sun Ping's face tightened instantly. Those people in the shadows were not individuals they could easily provoke.
"Hm? But what? Don't forget your station!" The Inspector said coldly, "We obey only His Majesty's commands. I don't care with whom you've had contact. You no longer need to watch the Seventh Prince. Come with me... to kill!"
"Sir, those people were sent by the Ninth Prince. Doing this might offend the Ninth Prince!" Sun Ping reminded him through gritted teeth.
"Oh? Are you defying orders?"
"I dare not!" Sun Ping suddenly looked up. "My wife and children are all under the Ninth Prince's surveillance. If..."
He was not here merely to protect Xu Nian. Someone had also sent him here to find an opportunity to kill. Matters of the Imperial Dynasty were not for them to meddle in. As pawns, they could only follow the arrangements of the chess players. The Ninth Prince was one of those chess players—and one who controlled the lives of his entire family!
"If you die, your wife and children will naturally be safe," the Inspector said coldly. "Alternatively, you could act now: kill me, and then fully commit to the Ninth Prince and his faction."
Make a move? Sun Ping knew he was no match. He was well aware of his own limitations. The Inspector of the Brocade Guard was a blade in His Majesty's hand, not someone just anyone could contend with.
So…
"I understand, sir." Sun Ping's eyes were filled with a longing for this world. The next moment, he raised his hand and struck his own chest.
THUMP—
Blood gushed from his mouth, his eyes filled with reluctance. He had no choice. The Imperial Dynasty's struggles meant that from the moment he was assigned this role, there was no turning back. For the safety of his family, he could only choose to betray the Ninth Prince. But what was the result? The Inspector had ultimately discovered his deception.
In the darkness, the Inspector looked at Sun Ping's corpse and spoke coldly, "Take his body back. Report that he was attacked and killed by Jianghu people. His wife and children will be well cared for from now on. Also, clean up all the riffraff in Liang City."
"The Seventh Prince no longer requires protection. Everyone, follow me back to the Capital City to report. Keep your mouths shut. Don't make me, the Inspector, take action against you personally."
"We are all Brocade Guards. I do not wish to lay hands on you, nor do I want your families implicated. Remember my words!"
With that, he turned and walked out, exuding murderous intent. From the shadows, several Brocade Guards emerged, cold sweat beading on their faces. They took Sun Ping's corpse and departed under the cover of night.
「As for Xu Nian…」
At that moment, his head full of doubts, he arrived before Cuihong Tower and paused.
The largest brothel in Liang City! He had only heard of it before and never imagined he would now have the money to visit. But Sun Ping's appearance made him sense danger.
A Brocade Guard Captain! It was impossible they'd only send a Captain; something was definitely wrong. If His Majesty truly wished to protect him, he wouldn't have sent just a Captain. Someone of that rank was too easily targeted.
There's a problem!
Xu Nian glanced at Cuihong Tower but ultimately abandoned the idea of going inside to enjoy himself. Instead, he turned and headed towards the city gates.
Enough thinking for now. It was better to deal with the current issues in Liang City first. He was Xu Nian now. He would deal with Luo Yushu's affairs later, when he had a chance to return to the Capital City and investigate them slowly.
By then, it would be time for him, Xu Nian, to lead the players in their bid for supremacy!