"Wh... what?"
Xia Yanran's pretty face stiffened. Before she could react, Jiang Yu's hand was already gripping her neck.
"Don't come any closer, or don't blame me for being ruthless!!"
"Jiang Yu... you..." A flash of panic instantly appeared in Xia Yanran's eyes.
She never dreamed in her wildest dreams that this husband, who had just moments ago sworn to make her rule the world, would in the blink of an eye use her life as a threat!
"Jiang Yu, how dare you!" Seeing this scene, Jiang Yan and the others also showed astonishment on their faces.
But before they could even utter a threat, a trace of confusion suddenly flashed in Jiang Yu's eyes.
What the...?
Heaven and earth fell silent, transforming into an endless night.
A black moon seemed to rise faintly in the void, exuding boundless eeriness.
Then, he looked on bewildered as Xia Yanran's figure was pulled into the embrace of a young man in white robes.
He only felt a pain in his head, and his whole person was actually captured by Jiang Yan.
"My Lord!!" Xia Yanran looked up at that handsome, calm face, her heart trembling violently.
Although she didn't know how this lord had saved her... being held so forcefully in his arms at this moment gave her an inexplicable sense of security.
Ding! The Daughter of Fate feels gratitude, utterly disappointed in the Son of Fate. Congratulations, Host, on plundering 200 Luck Points and 2000 Villain Points.
"Princess Yanran, you've had a fright." Ling Xiao's gaze was calm as he looked at Jiang Yu, whose expression was gradually turning ferocious, and said softly, "Jiang Yu, you have truly disappointed me! Killing Qi Deqiang, in my view, was the act of a true man. Killed, so be it. I would have protected you. But you should never, ever have used Princess Yanran's life as a threat. Utterly shameless!"
"I..." Jiang Yu's body trembled, but in the end, he had no strength to argue.
Yes!
This young lord's reprimand... is absolutely right!
What's wrong with me?
No matter how desperate or terrified I was, I shouldn't have harmed Yanran!
Thinking this, Jiang Yu actually shed tears of remorse.
"My Lord, Jiang Yu has one request!!" Jiang Yu suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with resolve.
"Speak!"
"If I do not survive this journey, I hope the Lord will take care of Yanran for me! Don't let her suffer again as she did today!!" Jiang Yu gritted his teeth fiercely. In all of Great Xia now, the only one he could trust and rely on was this upright, transcendent lord.
With his promise, Yanran would surely face no more setbacks.
"Humph! At least you still have some conscience. Rest assured, I will naturally protect Yanran." Ling Xiao snorted coldly, picked up Xia Yanran, and sped off towards the direction of Huayuan Palace.
From beginning to end, not a trace of jealousy appeared on Jiang Yu's face.
Now, his future is uncertain. If there's anything he can't let go of, it's only Xia Yanran.
Yanran, promise me, be happy!
If I get another chance, I will take you to rule the world another day!!
---
Huayuan Palace, Rear Hall.
Ling Xiao gently placed the young woman in his arms onto the soft couch and removed Jiang Yu's robe from her body.
For a moment, a ripple stirred in Xia Yanran's heart.
If... the Lord wants to... should I refuse and act reserved, or... cooperate with him?
Neither seems quite appropriate!
Although I haven't consummated the marriage with Jiang Yu, I still bear the title of his wife.
But if I refuse, what if the Lord gets angry?
So annoying!
"Yanran, you've had a fright today. Rest well. Don't worry, regarding Jiang Yu, I will speak with your father... I know you actually care for him in your heart. But Great Qi also needs an explanation. I will spare his life."
But!!
What made Xia Yanran feel a sense of loss was that Ling Xiao merely took the soft quilt on the couch, covered her with it, and then turned and left.
From beginning to end, he didn't spare her an extra glance.
My Lord!!
You are truly someone whose heart belongs to heaven and earth. How could you waste time on trivial matters of love between men and women!!
It was Yanran... who was narrow-minded!
Indeed, those who can become masters of a domain are never petty men lusting after beauty!
Only after Ling Xiao's figure disappeared did Xia Yanran, curled up on the couch, reveal an extremely complex look in her eyes.
The events of today had been full of twists and turns for her.
Fortunately, she hadn't been defiled by that beast Qi Deqiang. But...
Thinking of Jiang Yu, Xia Yanran felt somewhat confused and puzzled.
The talent he displayed was real. The dominance he showed when slaughtering Qi Deqiang was also real.
A peerless prodigy like him should be the focus of all attention. Why was he willing to stay by her side, enduring for three years?
And... there doesn't seem to be a royal clan named Jiang in the Western Frontier. Could it be an alias?
But what is he plotting, what is he hiding?
That black, sinister flame is very alarming.
It seems to be a kind of demonic flame!
Could it be... that Jiang Yu is a demon?
Also, what did he mean about my body...?
Dissolving the Primordial Yin Essence?
In the end, Xia Yanran couldn't figure it out and fell into a deep sleep.
At this moment, she didn't want to bother with anything. Whether Jiang Yu was a demon or an emperor, from the moment he used her life as a threat, the already fragile trust between them had shattered.
After all... life is precious!
But, as the Lord said, perhaps there had always been a trace of affection in her heart that she was unwilling to admit.
Three years of being together morning and night...
---
Outside Huayuan Palace, Ling Xiao glanced back at the main hall behind him, and his figure instantly vanished from the spot.
"Master!" Before the Heavenly Hall, Die Ying stood beside Ling Xiao, her eyes filled with respect and awe.
"How are the death warriors you've been training?" Ling Xiao took a sip of the clear tea offered by Ye Qingchan, his expression remained consistently calm.
The line is set, the fish is in the trap.
It's about time to reel in the net.
After all, when it comes to Sons of Fate, long nights indeed invite many dreams.
Characters like Lin Xi and Xia Chen, even though Ling Xiao had them completely under control, still managed to produce some unpredictable mutations.
Of course, if everything proceeded exactly as Ling Xiao envisioned, then the phrase 'Heavenly Dao's protection' would be truly pale and powerless.
Now, Jiang Yu's luck was nearly exhausted. He just needed one final, fatal blow, and this piece of leek would be ready for harvest.
And what could be considered a fatal blow?
Hehe, Little Yanran is his weakness. And the wonders of that Primal Origin Spirit Body are truly excellent!
Rather than letting someone else benefit, might as well... I lead the way for the world!
"Their comprehension is quite good. But for them to carry out missions independently, I'm afraid it will still take some time." Die Ying reported truthfully.
"Pick one who isn't promising. They will be of great use tonight." The corners of Ling Xiao's mouth lifted, and a sinister glint also flashed in Die Ying's eyes.
"Yes!"
---
Night fell.
The events of the day had long spread throughout the Great Xia capital.
But surprisingly, Emperor Xia had not executed Jiang Yu. Instead, he was imprisoned in the heavenly prison.
Of course, there was a deeper meaning from Ling Xiao behind this.
After all, the Supreme Lord had said that this Jiang Yu possessed demonic intent and might have some astonishing identity. There was no hurry to kill him yet; perhaps they could uncover greater secrets about him.
Although Emperor Xia coveted the Spirit Flame on the young man, since the Lord had spoken, what could he do? Of course, lock him up and subject him to severe torture to extract a confession.
---
Great Xia Heavenly Prison.
Jiang Yu was bound hand and foot, hanging in the cell.
Before him, Jiang Yan looked coldly at the young man, a whip covered in blood in his hand.
"Royal Son-in-Lief, still not talking?! Speak! Who are your accomplices here in Dragon Fortune City?"
Fang Cheng's disappearance was bizarre and inexplicable. Therefore, Emperor Xia had personally ordered this Forbidden Army Grand Commander to interrogate Jiang Yu to prevent any unforeseen events.
"Spit! I want to see Emperor Xia! I want to see that Lord!" Jiang Yu's expression was ferocious, his eyes filled with the intent to die.
He suddenly regretted deeply. Why did I have to show off like that?
Killing Qi Deqiang was one thing, but why did I have to take Xia Yanran hostage, completely cutting off my own retreat?
If I had been more steady then, given that lord's righteousness and sense of justice, seeing my devotion to my wife, perhaps he would have helped me, right?
But now...
I brought this upon myself!!