The Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles, a name that struck fear into hearts, a name that proclaimed that wherever the Blood Eagles appeared, the heavens and earth would tremble.
These individuals were bloodthirsty and cruel, forming their own domain in the desert. They were not to be approached, for to approach was to die. Not a single soul would be spared.
Many had only heard whispers of them, never having seen them with their own eyes. It was unimaginable that they would actually appear in the capital.
Liu Liu looked up, wondering what kind of bloody storm would engulf the capital. Her heart was filled with more than just unease. These people, compared to Feng Luo, were likely even worse. Who, she wondered, was controlling them from behind the scenes?
Upon hearing Liu Liu’s words, Feng Xie’s expression also turned dark and ominous. He had not expected these cruel and bloodthirsty individuals to converge upon the capital. For what reason had they appeared here? There was no time to ponder further.
The imperial cavalry charged forward, directly at the Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles. It was evident that the Thirteen Eagles were wielding treasures of the highest caliber.
Having gained an initial advantage with their weaponry, their blades flashed out in waves, like surging tsunamis, overturning all manner of debris on the street. Seeing this tyrannical sword energy, Feng Xie immediately waved to Liu Liu.
“Liu’er, go to the rear and protect the Empress Dowager and Mu Xing.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Liu Liu’s figure flickered, and she soared upwards, landing on the imperial carriage behind them. She heard the heavy breathing from within the carriage and softly reassured, “Mother, do not fear, nothing will happen.”
She wasn't worried about her son. That young man had seen all manner of grand occasions. However, these Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles were no pushovers. They truly needed to be cautious.
“Mother, we are fine.” Little Mu Xing peeked his head out from behind the curtain to comfort his mother. In truth, he felt no fear; on the contrary, he was quite excited. Why were these people trying to kill his father? He couldn't fathom it.
As soon as Little Mu Xing’s head emerged, a sharp, formidable saber grazed Liu Liu’s forehead and lunged towards Mu Xing.
Liu Liu instantly leaped, a chilling aura enveloping her. With a delicate shout, she pushed off with her feet, standing atop the saber.
Her feet sank slightly, destabilizing the saber, which was then swiftly clamped by her feet. Her body began to spin with a dominant, icy momentum. Suddenly, she released her grip, channeling her footwork into a gust of wind that swept outwards.
The black-clad assailant, seeing that he was about to suffer a direct blow, immediately released the saber and rolled backward, evading the attack. Once stable, he gathered the wind with his palms and, with a forceful motion, the saber spun back into his grasp – a truly remarkable display of skill.
Liu Liu couldn’t help but sigh. She looked up to see the street below awash in chaos, blood splattering everywhere. Upon closer inspection, she realized that it was Feng Xie’s own guards who were being injured. Only the high-skilled guards like Yue Ying could withstand the Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles.
The imperial cavalry, though brave and skilled, were only effective against ordinary adversaries. Against these martial arts experts, their tactics were utterly useless.
Continuing this way would only lead to the annihilation of the imperial cavalry. Feng Xie, well aware of this, immediately gave a stern command for the cavalry to retreat.
Liu Liu saw anger clouding Feng Xie’s imperial yellow robes, the air around him stirring the fabric as it danced. He was clearly enraged. Was he intending to act himself? Her expression immediately turned cold, and she called out,
“Your Majesty.”
Before Liu Liu could speak, a cold, furious voice echoed from mid-air: “Audacious scoundrels, you court death!”
It was Prime Minister Liu Ting, accompanied by Jin Shaoyuan and Prince Yan, Feng Lie, arriving to provide aid. Liu Liu breathed a sigh of relief. No matter how formidable the Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles were,
they might not be able to defeat this group. She raised her eyebrows and swept a cold glance across the scene. The leader of the black-clad figures decisively waved his hand: “Withdraw.”
Thirteen figures leaped through the air like lightning, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Yet, a thousand-mile transmitted message lingered: “Feng Xie, blood for blood. Do not expect peace in the capital.”
Feng Xie’s face flushed red, then pale, then green. His eyes were fierce, as if he wished to kill. What enmity did these Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles hold against him? He flicked his sleeve and gracefully descended from the imperial carriage, pacing back and forth before it with a somber expression. The Prime Minister and the others standing nearby remained silent.
Liu Liu approached Feng Xie and spoke with a deep voice.
“Your Majesty, this is a grave matter. These Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles are from the desert. We do not know why they have come to the capital. That person just now spoke of blood for blood, implying they harbor a deep hatred for Your Majesty. They are different from Feng Luo; Feng Luo’s contest with Your Majesty was aimed at humiliating you, making his schemes somewhat easier to decipher. But what grievance do the Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles have with Your Majesty? We know nothing.”
As soon as Liu Liu finished speaking, Prime Minister Liu Ting, standing behind her, immediately interjected.
“Your Majesty and Your Highness the Empress need not worry. These Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles are martial artists. We shall immediately summon the leader of the martial arts alliance, Zhan Yun, and mobilize the sect leaders of the major factions. We can surely eliminate these Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles. Even if we cannot eliminate them, at least we can drive them out of the capital.”
Everyone agreed with Liu Ting’s suggestion. Feng Xie’s expression regained some composure, though it remained grim. The icy aura around him deepened, his thin lips pressed together. These detestable individuals hiding in the shadows were as annoying as ants. He would not let them revel in their arrogance for long.
“Let us go to Prince Yan’s manor.”
Feng Xie spoke with calm composure and was the first to board the imperial carriage. The injured guards on the street were already being attended to.
Liu Liu also boarded the carriage. After the skirmish, everyone felt a sense of unease. The capital now felt like it held two time bombs: one was Feng Luo, and the other was these Iron-Blooded Thirteen Eagles.
Liu Liu sat in the carriage, observing the Emperor’s closed eyes and the occasional flutter of his eyelashes. She knew he was contemplating a strategy. A tender feeling welled up in her heart. She reached out and covered his hand, softly saying,
“Your Majesty, do not be anxious. We will face these people together, and everything will be alright.”
Feng Xie was startled. This was one of the few times Liu’er had actively comforted him. With her by his side, he was determined to do his utmost to eliminate these wicked individuals.
If she had not returned, he might have been defeated by Feng Luo long ago. Thinking this, he suddenly felt much more relaxed. What was there to fear? Mu Xing was grown. Even if something happened to him, he had Liu’er and Mu Xing’s existence.
“It’s fine, I am thinking of a strategy.”
“Good, I will help you think of one.” A warm, intimate current filled the carriage. After the recent events, their hearts had drawn closer. They shared a common purpose: to bring fortune to the people of Tianfeng, which made them kindred spirits.
The luxurious imperial carriage majestically halted before the gates of Prince Yan’s manor. On either side of the grand entrance, two rows of people knelt; they were all court officials.
How could they not attend the prince’s wedding? Also present were wealthy merchants and renowned martial arts sects, all gathered there. Upon hearing of the Emperor’s arrival, everyone knelt on either side, their loud voices echoing through the heavens.
“We welcome Your Majesty and Your Highness the Empress!”
Feng Xie lifted the curtain, revealing his slender fingers. The sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow upon his tall, imperial yellow figure, making him appear like a descending deity, too awe-inspiring to gaze upon directly.
Feng Xie alighted from the carriage and extended his hand to help Liu Liu down. From the carriage behind, the Empress Dowager, supported by the chief eunuch Qing An, descended, followed closely by Crown Prince Mu Xing. The entire party stood before the gates of Prince Yan’s manor.
Feng Xie surveyed the assembled ministers and, with a sweeping gesture, declared, “Rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Everyone stood up and moved to the side, not daring to raise their eyes or even breathe loudly. The groom of the day, Prince Yan, stepped forward and respectfully said, “Your Majesty, Your Highness the Empress, Your Highness the Empress Dowager, His Highness the Crown Prince, please follow this subject to the designated chambers to rest.”
Feng Xie nodded. Feng Lie immediately led the way. Only after the Emperor had departed did the ministers relax.
The Emperor’s presence was truly imposing. They all took out their sleeves to wipe away sweat. The steward of Prince Yan’s manor led a host of servants, respectfully ushering the guests into the main hall.