"You are too presumptuous. How I handle this matter is not for a mere subject to question. She is the Empress, are you not overly anxious?"
"She is also my sister, not yours alone. Moreover, you do not like this Empress. When Liu'er returns this time, I will go to great lengths to bring her back, even at the cost of my life."
Liu Ting confronted the Emperor defiantly.
Upon hearing his words, Feng Xie laughed rather than grew angry. Dislike him? If he disliked him, why would he be so troubled these past few days, unable to even attend to court affairs? The rebels in Qingshan had yet to be dealt with. Would he use himself as bait to capture someone if he disliked him?
The two stood in the study, gazing at each other coldly. Suddenly, a chilling aura swept through the air, and the surroundings became as silent as if deserted. Their ears twitched, and they knew a large group of assassins surrounded the study. Feng Xie's dark pupils suddenly brightened, a smile playing on his lips as he spoke softly.
"Want to see Liu'er? Then follow me. Let's play a game, and I believe Liu'er will appear soon."
"Mm," Liu Ting didn't quite understand his meaning.
But since the Emperor said so, he would trust him this once. Furthermore, judging by his words, he wasn't entirely letting the matter go. Thus, he nodded vigorously and said arrogantly, "Alright, let's go out and deal with those people."
"Good," Feng Xie pursed his thin lips, stood up, and the two figures sped out of the door, landing on the paved ground in front of the study. He spoke coldly, "Since you've come to assassinate me, then show yourselves."
A strong wind suddenly arose, swirling fallen leaves. Dark, ominous clouds gathered, and a large group of people clad in black night-traveling attire descended, each holding a gleaming sword. Facing Feng Xie and Liu Ting, Liu Ting couldn't help but mockingly glance at Feng Xie, "It seems there are quite a lot of people who want to kill you."
Feng Xie let out a cold snort, a killing aura surging around him. His handsome features were tinged with a sinister elegance, a smile playing on his lips, "Only if they have the ability."
As soon as his words fell, he brought his hands together, condensing a powerful stream of light in his palm, like a natural weapon, emitting a powerful surge of energy, spinning rapidly in his hand with a gust of wind.
Liu Ting smiled in understanding. He knew the Emperor's unfathomable martial arts, but he wasn't far behind. He raised his sword, and a cold glint flashed, piercing directly towards the black-clad figures.
Seeing the scene before them, the black-clad figures dared not be careless. A large group split into two formations, surrounding Feng Xie and Liu Ting. The leader among the black-clad figures gritted her teeth, her bloodthirsty eyes fixed on Feng Xie, completely disregarding the powerful light emanating from him, intent on a mutual destruction.
Her sword pierced directly towards his throat but was easily dodged by him. The sphere of light met it directly, and the black-clad figure instantly dodged.
The sword transformed into a surge of sword energy, striking the light sphere. The sword was deeply attracted, her energy colliding with his. The sword rang out with clangs until, with a forceful counter-swing, the sword returned to her hand. Her complexion turned pale.
She hadn't expected this dog emperor to possess such profound internal energy. Would their mission truly fail tonight?
No. A look of desperation flashed in her eyes. She silently thought, Liu'er, you must find Liufeng. Your aunt can no longer see you. With that, her body spun rapidly, executing a move that combined sword and person, person and sword.
This desperate move was akin to pushing oneself onto a blade, controlling the sword with one's own body, a sure path to death.
Feng Xie's expression changed drastically. If this black-clad figure were to perish tonight, his plan would be ruined. He immediately unleashed his soul-absorbing technique, enveloping himself in his aura.
As she lunged towards him, he absorbed her with his internal energy and then repelled her. With a thud, the black-clad figure fell to the ground, spitting blood. In helpless resentment, she looked up at the sky and sighed, her sword turning swiftly to slash across her own throat.
Feng Xie swiftly reached out and pressed her acupoints. She was still useful to him; he wouldn't allow her to die so easily.
Feng Xie retracted the light sphere and waved his hand. A large contingent of guards emerged from behind him. Ri Ying and Yue Ying rushed forward.
"Take them down."
In the moonlight, this voice was as cold and chilling as ice, instilling a bone-deep chill in everyone. Feng Xie strode to the leader of the black-clad figures, reached out, and tore off her black veil, casually saying, "Master Ming Hui, you are still of use to me. I believe Liu'er will return to see you."
"Master Ming Hui?"
Liu Ting was startled and walked over. Indeed, it was Master Ming Hui, her eyes filled with fierce resentment. She was Liu'er's master. Why would she infiltrate the palace to assassinate the Emperor?
Liu Ting couldn't understand her intentions. Was she a remnant of the previous dynasty? Then what was she trying to achieve by constantly interacting with his sister? Liu Ting glared at her. If Feng Xie weren't standing beside him, he would have sternly questioned her.
"You know her?" Feng Xie asked casually. Liu Ting quickly shook his head. He wasn't looking for trouble. Knowing an assassin who infiltrated the palace to attack the Emperor? Moreover, if he revealed that she was Liu'er's master, wouldn't that implicate the Liu family?
"How could I know her, Your Majesty, are you joking?" Feng Xie, unconcerned, signaled to Ri Ying, who respectfully stepped forward.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your subordinate will take them away immediately."
"Keep a close eye on them, make sure they don't commit suicide. Tomorrow, post a public notice, and they will be executed in ten days," Feng Xie's words in the night were as chilling as hellish apparitions, causing the black-clad figures to involuntarily shudder.
Although they knew this would be their fate, they still felt fear when the day truly arrived. Moreover, they hadn't even managed to scratch their enemy. It seemed their ambitions had indeed been too grand.
"Yes," Ri Ying led the guards and took all of them away. Liu Ting looked at Feng Xie beside him and suddenly felt that this Emperor was too terrifying. It turned out this was all his plan. Then, did Liu'er leave the palace on her own?
Otherwise, why would this man say Liu'er would return? This man's schemes were too profound. Liu Ting's subtle changes in expression did not escape Feng Xie's gaze. A playful smile curved his lips.
"This time, Liu'er forced my hand. If she wants to play, how can I not oblige?"
Liu Ting felt a prickle of fear and couldn't help but inwardly plead, Sister, please don't come back! If you do, this Emperor will surely imprison you in the palace, and he will definitely cripple your martial arts.
Knowing Feng Xie's intentions, Liu Ting now wished for his sister not to return. He turned to leave, only to hear a mocking voice from behind.
"If anything like this happens again, do not blame me," the cold and evil warning echoed. Liu Ting knew this man could be ruthless to the point of disowning his own kin, so he didn't expect him to be merciful. However, he retorted defiantly, "If you dare to harm Liu'er, I will seek retribution even if it costs me my life. Even if it's futile, making the world see your fickle and heartless nature will suffice." With that, he walked away without looking back.
Feng Xie angrily flicked his hand. This man was infuriatingly similar to his Empress. He had previously said they were not alike, but their personalities were very much the same. He flashed back into the study, but thinking that he would soon be able to close the net, his expression relaxed considerably. Tonight, he had imperial decrees to handle.
The sunny and pleasant shores of Xiaoyao Island were as beautiful as a painting. Nestled by the mountains and water, the mountains were lush and steep, the water clear and transparent, and the air sweet, carrying the rich scent of the Chu River water. Liu Liu had made a grand plan for the future of the Seven Star Tower, including water transport businesses, shipping businesses, and land businesses.
The Salt Gang, Tea Houses, and Coin Exchanges – each was a future target for the Seven Star Tower. Her goal was to make the Seven Star Tower the largest underground transport operation in the Tianfeng Dynasty within five years.
Everyone was enthusiastic about her plans, feeling the future prospects and hope.