Chapter 116: A Great Gale, Rising!

Princess Ning of the Ning Kingdom remained silent under such circumstances.

She realized that no matter what she said now, it would seem utterly powerless.

The Emperor of the Great Yan sighed deeply. Princess Ning’s silence at this moment seemed to confirm the truth.

After sighing, he looked at Princess Ning with a complex mixture of emotions.

He neither liked nor disliked her.

Previously, the Emperor had tried to convince himself that if Princess Ning was the first to pass through the Four Great Passes, he would, whether willing or not, pass the throne to her.

He would not disrupt the ancestral system.

He had prepared himself mentally, but never expected such a turn of events in the end.

Princess Ning… turned out to be a remnant of the Great Chu.

The emperor’s aged eyes fixed on Princess Ning’s splendid countenance as he spoke slowly, his voice hoarse.

“Your identity has now been exposed.”

“During the opening of the secret realm and the reactivation of the Four Great Passes anomalies, the images from your Heart-Testing Pass in your mind were revealed.”

“I fear countless reports have already spread from the imperial capital. Once the royal families across the world receive the news, they will soon converge upon Tianhuo City. You must flee quickly.”

“Although I do not know the situation with the Prince of Ning or why he would claim such a remnant of Great Chu as his daughter… in this situation, even he cannot protect you.”

The Great Yan Emperor had always considered the face of the Prince of Ning and the dignity of the Great Yan Empire, so he refrained from acting against Princess Ning.

Had he wished to act, he would have crushed her the moment she left the secret realm.

Even in his old age and weakened body, his mastery of the Celestial Realm would make dealing with her effortless.

Princess Ning stared blankly at the emperor, evidently surprised that after her identity was mysteriously revealed, the Great Yan Emperor would let her go.

The entire royal world was watching her. Would the emperor really let her go so easily?

She did not believe it.

She looked at the emperor’s deeply sunken eyes and wrinkled, aged face. Her own magnificent features remained unchanged as she gave a slight bow towards the emperor and the gathered nobles of the Great Yan royal family, then slowly stepped back.

After leaving the ancestral temple, Princess Ning hesitated not a moment. She quickly unleashed her primordial spirit’s power. White, shimmering energy flowed from between her brows like drifting light, lifting her body as she soared into the air.

Her figure quickly vanished within the ancestral temple.

Silence returned instantly.

The air seemed to freeze.

The emperor’s aged and slightly clouded eyes lifted slightly to watch Princess Ning’s figure disappear toward the horizon, his expression unchanged.

“Your Majesty, will you really let her go just like that?”

“She is, after all, a remnant of Great Chu. The Golden List prophecy once foretold that Great Chu would rise and unify the world. If the prophecy is true, then she, as the only living remnant of Great Chu, is invaluable.”

An elderly man in a majestic dragon robe beside the emperor spoke cautiously.

The emperor shook his head.

“In the end, we must consider the dignity of Great Yan and the Prince of Ning. She has been hidden in Great Yan for so many years and has been the prince’s daughter for so long. Perhaps the prince has always known her true identity but has shielded her.”

“Recently, the Prince of Ning was able to withdraw his troops from the territorial battlefield and sought justice for her. If he later learns we acted against her, who knows what chaos might ensue.”

“Therefore, we cannot act openly.”

After speaking, the emperor’s aged eyes glanced sideways at the dragon-robed elder.

“But if we cannot act, others might—and then it won’t be under our control.”

The elder’s expression flickered, but he nodded without hesitation and stepped forward, vanishing instantly.

The emperor watched the direction Princess Ning had fled and slowly rotated a set of rosewood Buddhist prayer beads in his hand.

“Longhu is the Grandmaster of the Heavenly Heart Mountain of our Great Yan, rarely venturing out. His ascension to the Celestial Realm is little known.”

“With Longhu’s intervention, no royal family in the world would dare challenge Great Yan.”

“This remnant of Great Chu... what secrets does Great Chu truly hold...”

“No matter what, this remnant appearing in Great Yan belongs to Great Yan alone. No one else may seize her.”

The emperor murmured, staring into the distant night sky.

The noble family members around him remained silent, unwilling to speak.

Though the emperor said he would not act against Princess Ning openly, that was only on the surface—publicly sparing her and giving the Prince of Ning some face.

In secret, action could still be taken beyond the prince’s reach.

At this moment, the Prince of Ning was still unaware of what had transpired on the territorial battlefield.

By the time he learned of it and tried to return, all would have settled, too late.

If the emperor refused to acknowledge it, the prince could only brood in silence, powerless.

The nobles understood the emperor’s true intentions immediately.

Nearby, Li Zhongxin had yet to grasp the situation. After emerging, seeing Princess Ning leave before him, he was deeply disappointed and had not paid attention to her conversation with the emperor.

When the emperor played the projection stone’s images, Li Zhongxin was stunned, his mind a chaotic mess, unable to sort out his thoughts.

Only then did he realize.

The very Princess Ning, who had been competing with him for the Great Yan throne, was the remnant of Great Chu who had stirred unrest in the entire empire during this time!?

This meant all his recent schemes against her had been in vain.

Even if he did nothing, the throne would still fall to him without incident.

By rights, he should be happy, but he inexplicably was not.

Having lost twice consecutively to Princess Ning was a fact beyond dispute.

Had it not been for her concealed identity, the throne would have truly fallen to her.

And he would have no chance.

“Father, I want to go help Uncle Longhu.”

Li Zhongxin stepped forward.

The emperor glanced at him with a hint of affection for his once-proud son, thought for a moment, then nodded slightly.

“Go, but don’t interfere with your Uncle Longhu.”

With the emperor’s consent, Li Zhongxin swiftly departed on the wind.

…

Princess Ning, clad in splendid robes, floated on her primordial spirit’s power as her delicate form streaked toward the outskirts of Tianhuo City.

Tianhuo City was no longer safe.

She did not know if she could escape now that her identity was exposed, but regardless, staying meant death.

At the same time, Princess Ning could not fully trust the old fox, the Great Yan Emperor, even though he said he would not act against her.

Would he suddenly change his mind?

Were his words mere surface excuses?

Princess Ning dared not gamble.

She had few people to rely on; the only one she could count on was still beside Cheng Guang, the heir of the Duke of the Nation.

The heir of the Duke of the Nation...

Thinking of Cheng Guang, her beautiful brow furrowed slightly. For some reason, recalling earlier that morning, she felt every word he spoke carried hidden meaning.

Now, trapped and soon to be surrounded and slain by agents sent from royal families across the world,

the only person she might turn to was Cheng Guang—the enigmatic heir of the Duke of the Nation.

She did not know if Cheng Guang came to warn her of her likely exposure or for some other reason.

Her heart was filled with confusion.

Even the exposure of her identity was an unexpected shock.

How could the noble heir Cheng Guang have known?

Did he sense the strange changes in her?

Or did he know that the scenes within her Heart-Testing Pass would be projected as illusions?

Her mind was tangled.

As her form, veiled in primordial spirit energy, passed beyond the inner city, she instinctively aimed for the outer city—but her steps faltered.

She stopped, thinking briefly.

Then changed direction.

Princess Ning decided to meet Cheng Guang first.

She knew where Cheng Guang lodged in Tianhuo City.

In a matter of breaths, she arrived.

As she approached the teahouse, she saw atop its roof a handsome, graceful young noble with a serene smile, hands behind his back, watching her.

He appeared unsurprised by her appearance.

Hovering midair, her exquisite face shrouded in spirit energy, her gaze pierced through to look at Cheng Guang.

After a moment’s gaze, she saw the heir’s lips part, and a calm voice reached her ears.

“Princess is here; why not come down for a cup of tea?”

His tone was even, emotionless, yet his eyes invited her.

Princess Ning was puzzled.

Though she had come seeking him,

now that the whole royal world watched her, why would Cheng Guang invite her so calmly, showing no change in expression?

Was he not afraid?

She pondered, then descended lightly.

Her elegant form landed before Cheng Guang, her splendid robes exuding a pleasant fragrance.

Her magnificent face unchanged, her starry eyes met his.

“My lord, my identity is now exposed. Did you already know this and came this morning to warn me?”

Cheng Guang smiled and nodded in response.

Princess Ning looked deeply into his eyes, her breath catching, then asked, “Then why didn’t you expose my identity directly?”

Cheng Guang countered, “If I had revealed it so plainly, would you have believed me?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“I never thought my identity would be exposed because there was no flaw in me—except within my heart...”

She bit her red lips lightly, unable to forget or let go of the scene inside the Heart-Testing Pass.

Upon awakening, everything had changed; time itself seemed lost.

Her parents, the emperor and empress of Great Chu, were gone.

The Great Chu palace had been trampled.

When she opened her eyes, Great Chu was no more; only she remained of the royal family.

This loneliness was etched deeply into her soul.

This desolation pierced to her very heart.

Cheng Guang nodded.

“I said it; you wouldn’t believe me, so it was better not to say.”

Princess Ning fixed her gaze on him.

For some reason, a kinship, as if born of blood, welled up within her.

Her starry eyes grew complex as she took a deep breath to suppress her turbulent emotions and asked:

“Since you discovered my identity, why didn’t you act against me then?”

“You must carry the Great Zhou Emperor’s orders, yes?”

Cheng Guang did not answer but smiled faintly, looking toward the distant heavens.

“There is no great reason. I simply did not want to.”

“Why don’t you run now? More people are gathering around.”

“I won’t run,” she shook her head.

Her tension eased in their conversation—perhaps influenced by Cheng Guang’s calm demeanor, or something else.

She thought further.

“Maybe from the moment my identity was exposed, I could no longer escape. You were right this morning.”

“Until now, I was never afraid—not just because I believed my identity would remain hidden.”

“But because I was not afraid of death.”

“For decades, my heart has been heavy. Great Chu has fallen, and to me it feels like a dream. Upon waking, my father and mother have become figures from millennia past. Everything I knew has vanished like smoke.”

“I seem like an outsider to this world, to this human realm.”

“I was always someone meant to die. Even if my identity is exposed, it’s only that the end has come a little sooner. My wish to vindicate Great Chu remains unfulfilled.”

In this moment, no worry lingered in her starry eyes.

She looked at the many powerful figures slowly approaching the teahouse, speaking as if to family, her tone tinged with gratitude.

“Though I do not know why you warned me this morning or refrained from striking me, I must thank you.”

“I feel you bear me no ill will.”

“And I feel a faint kinship toward you.”

“This kinship is somewhat absurd—even though your grandfather is the one who led the forces that destroyed my family…”

Recalling the scene of cherry blossoms collapsing, stained with red tassels, tears glimmered in her eyes.

“Today, I may not live. I will not burden you further.”

At first, she had hoped to seek help from Cheng Guang, but seeing the many powerful presences gathering, she realized that even he had no strength to protect her.

Nor would he have reason to.

With that, she stepped forward and rose into the air, preparing to flee.

At that moment, a figure appeared beside Cheng Guang.

---

His tiger-like eyes fixed on the lone figure standing amid surrounding predators beneath the sky, trembling slightly.

Qin Beifeng knelt on one knee, clasping his fists, pleading:

“My lord, I failed to complete our deal and have no face to ask further, but I beg you allow me to protect our lord.”

Only now did Qin Beifeng realize that the Princess Ning before him was the very lord of old.

That lord had grown taller and matured, changed in temperament and appearance, so much so that even he had difficulty recognizing her.

As a general of the Great Chu’s mighty forces, Qin Beifeng could not stand idly by.

He had agreed to the deal with Cheng Guang to allow a meeting with his lord, hoping to protect her in this crisis.

But the deal failed, the meeting never happened, and now her identity had been exposed so soon…

These sudden changes left him disoriented.

Cheng Guang glanced at Qin Beifeng and surveyed the surrounding figures emerging into the night.

“This place is filled not only with Great Wei, Great Yan, and Great Yuan, but also many other dynasties and noble clans.”

“There are countless eighth and ninth rank experts, perhaps even Celestials hiding nearby. If you go to help her, you die together; if you don’t, you live.”

Qin Beifeng did not hesitate.

Lowering his head silently, he knelt again, his tiger eyes brimming with tears.

“My lord, I cannot watch the last bloodline of Great Chu disappear!”

“Please, grant me this request!”

His life now rested entirely in Cheng Guang’s hands.

If Cheng Guang refused, he could not act.

Cheng Guang shook his head calmly.

“What meaning is there in your actions? How could you alone protect her?”

Qin Beifeng’s face darkened, his body trembling.

At that moment, Cheng Guang looked to Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang nearby.

“Uncle Qian, Uncle Li, you shall also intervene and protect her.”

“This is at least someone I found first; I won’t let them take her away.”

Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang were stunned.

Though the Great Zhou Emperor had ordered them to kill the Great Chu remnant, their lord now commanded them to protect her.

Without much hesitation, they agreed.

In their minds, Cheng Guang’s word carried more weight than any imperial order.

These words reached Qin Beifeng’s ears, who looked at Cheng Guang in disbelief.

He had not expected Cheng Guang to consent, much less to send the deputy chiefs of the Lighting Division to aid him.

Why?

Why would the heir of the Duke of the Nation help him?

Qin Beifeng gazed at Cheng Guang, his tiger eyes trembling with emotion and doubt.

Cheng Guang said little, waving his hand.

“Go.”

Qin Beifeng fell silent, bowed deeply again, then rose.

Stepping forward, his azure battle armor shimmered like a phantom, solidifying with his breath.

Qian Siyuan smiled warmly at Qin Beifeng, admiringly.

“He’s far more skilled than us. Truly the first genius of Great Chu’s past.”

After speaking, he stepped forward, hands behind his back, gliding away.

Li Zhengyang laughed loudly, whistled, and members of the Lighting Division surged out near the teahouse.

He boomed to the night-covered crowd:

“Everyone, this woman belongs to my lord! The Lighting Division will protect her!”

As his words fell, Qin Beifeng, Qian Siyuan, and Li Zhengyang formed a barrier before Princess Ning.

Princess Ning’s starry eyes looked at Qin Beifeng in surprise.

She had not expected Cheng Guang to send him to aid her.

Qin Beifeng’s gaze was filled with respect and emotion as he knelt and bowed deeply.

“Your Highness!”

Princess Ning sighed.

“General Qin, I have failed you. Please do not blame me.”

“Now I am doomed. Why did you come out...?”

Qin Beifeng shook his head.

“If I cannot protect Your Highness, it will be my greatest regret.”

Princess Ning’s heart was tangled.

After a moment’s silence, she looked at Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang beside Qin Beifeng.

She had not expected Cheng Guang not only to send Qin Beifeng but also to dispatch the Lighting Division members to protect her.

Why?

She suddenly turned to look at the heir of the Duke of the Nation atop the teahouse, dressed in brocade robes, handsome and otherworldly.

Her questioning gaze found little response.

Cheng Guang did not look at her but instead stared at the clouds, as if watching someone.

Why?

Before she could speak, the air trembled with a rolling thunderous sound like the movement of a vajra.

“One must say, the heir of the Duke of the Nation from Great Zhou is rather overbearing.”

“If the Duke himself came, we might show respect, but for you alone to want to monopolize the Great Chu remnant, we will not allow it!”

“The Great Chu remnant carries secrets that could unify the world. Do you think you alone can claim them?”

The air quaked.

Several voices of varying timbre echoed.

Then more figures emerged from the night.

Princess Ning watched closely.

One wore a blue robe and scholar’s cap, youthful and smiling—Wu Qiche, the third prince of the Great Yuan.

Another was an elderly man wearing a dragon robe, his face aged but hair black and radiant, eyes shining with vitality beyond his years.

Behind him stood a pale, frail-looking young man.

Seeing these two, Princess Ning narrowed her eyes—Li Longhu and Li Zhongxin of the Great Yan royal family.

They had indeed come.

Princess Ning’s gaze swept over Li Longhu and Li Zhongxin.

Li Longhu smiled faintly without emotion, looking at her as if she were a stranger.

Li Zhongxin clenched his fist slowly upon seeing her.

Despite her dire state, he felt great pressure from this woman who had always outmatched him.

Instinctively tense.

Princess Ning did not linger on Li Zhongxin but shifted to the last person—a sturdy middle-aged man in gray robes, with a deep, cold aura and stern expression.

He was likely from Great Wei.

All four great dynasties, including Cheng Guang, had gathered.

Princess Ning noticed that although these figures initially fixed their gaze on her, they soon shifted their attention to Cheng Guang atop the teahouse.

Cheng Guang remained calm, his expression unchanged as he gazed steadily at the firmament.

He seemed fascinated by something in the clouds, watching intently.

He paid little heed to the powerful figures sent by the three great dynasties and noble clans around.

Many felt insulted by Cheng Guang’s attitude, their faces darkening.

But due to his status and the solemn Lighting Division operatives guarding the area, no one was willing to be the first to challenge the heir of Great Zhou.

Apart from Qin Beifeng, Qian Siyuan, and Li Zhengyang, the other Lighting Division detectives and silver-ranked officers were a tough force for ordinary nobles to confront.

Cheng Guang’s steady gaze remained fixed on the sky.

He knew Princess Ning’s exposure was no accident but a carefully orchestrated plan.

Who was behind it?

Someone sitting atop the clouds, like an immortal, manipulating fate and treating royal families and the Great Chu remnant as mere pawns.

Even Cheng Guang himself was but a pawn.

He was puzzled, staring at the heavens.

Under the dark night canopy, the sky seemed an unfathomable abyss.

He could not find the figure who had appeared near the pillar of light, the one who had revealed the world to Princess Ning’s heart.

He slowly withdrew his gaze, looking at the many eyes watching him like predators.

His calm and steady face remained unchanged.

Scanning the crowd, he spoke softly:

“Overbearing?”

“So what if I am? Today, she is under my protection.”

His gaze returned to the sky, as if speaking to the person above who treated him as a pawn.

He was not worried that his rashness might bring consequences.

His only desire was to expose who was behind this grand game.

He also wanted to understand why this hidden figure had gone to such lengths.

After Cheng Guang’s words, Wu Qiche’s expression shifted.

He found the heir of the Duke of the Nation strange.

According to intelligence, Cheng Guang did not seem foolish.

Though his status was high and the Lighting Division powerful, to oppose all the world and seize the Great Chu remnant alone was unwise.

If he had secretly taken her to the Great Zhou Dynasty, that might be one thing.

But now, with her identity revealed and all eyes on her, Cheng Guang still wished to monopolize her.

Utter folly!

How dare he?

Was he insane?

Wu Qiche inhaled deeply, staring at Cheng Guang’s calm face, unable to understand the heir’s stubbornness.

He also did not know Cheng Guang’s true purpose.

After his expression shifted, he said nothing further, choosing to observe.

Meanwhile, Li Longhu’s aged face showed little change upon hearing Cheng Guang’s words; he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

Though Li Zhongxin had never met Cheng Guang before, he was familiar with his background.

Hearing such arrogant words, he was still mildly surprised.

He frowned slightly.

He knew without doubt that Cheng Guang would soon be taught a lesson.

With so many forces gathered, not even the Great Yan royal family would show him mercy, let alone the heir of the Duke of the Nation.

The middle-aged Great Wei man looked slightly moved upon hearing Cheng Guang.

He stared at him, then showed a rare glint of appreciation.

His cold voice, like iron scraping, came out:

“You have great courage, heir. Great Wei had little interest in this Great Chu remnant. If you can fend off the world, I, Guan Kezhong, will not intervene.”

Guan Kezhong’s words stirred many waves.

They made Cheng Guang glance at him a few more times.

Atop the clouds, the immortal-like figure in white robes sitting amidst the mists lowered his gaze onto Cheng Guang.

He was surprised by Cheng Guang’s actions.

Looking at Princess Ning, protected by the Lighting Division, he rubbed his temples in annoyance.

“Someone actually defends her…”

Then his gaze returned to Cheng Guang.

Suddenly, he seemed to discover something and murmured curiously.

“Strange.”

“This heir of the Duke of the Nation—I cannot see through him…”

He fingered the air, weaving many magical seals.

But moments later, his body trembled as if struck by lightning, eyes wide.

With a spurt, he spat blood, staining the horizon red.

He hurriedly waved his robe, dispersing the blood-colored sky.

“Cannot see through, cannot see through…”

“There is someone in this world I cannot fathom.”

“I refuse to believe it.”

He pinched a finger, and many seals radiated from his fingertips.

At that moment, atop the teahouse, Cheng Guang suddenly sensed something, his brow twitching slightly.

The dormant Suppression Pearl trembled violently, as if under immense pressure, shaking faster and faster.

Cheng Guang’s intuition stirred; he raised his eyes to the firmament, as if piercing through layers of clouds to glimpse the figure sitting among the mists like an immortal.

Crack… crack…

A sound like glass shattering came from his brow.

Finally—

Bang.

The Suppression Pearl shattered abruptly.

Cheng Guang’s hidden aura instantly revealed itself.

His aura shifted sharply.

His expression remained calm as he looked at the figure in the sky.

He seemed to see that figure lowering their gaze to him, a smile at the corner of their lips—they had won.

Above the clouds, the white-robed figure appeared slightly more stooped, still smiling, fingers lightly pinching.

“So it is as I thought.”

“The Great Chu Crown Prince...”

“There is this variable.”

“I had believed only that girl remained of the Great Chu royal family. Unexpectedly, there is another.”

“The Crown Prince’s fate should have been early death; why is he still alive?”

“And… his bloodline is strange, somewhat resembling that fellow’s…”

The white-robed figure pondered, then suddenly recalled something, robes fluttering, eyes flickering.

“Yes, yes.”

“To awaken that girl, this degree of stimulus should suffice.”

The figure pointed slowly.

At the same time, Cheng Guang felt a chill, a bone-piercing coldness invading his body.

His aura’s sudden change had already startled all who watched.

Now, the transformation shocked everyone in Tianhuo City.

Light burst from the space between Cheng Guang’s brows.

Behind the light appeared a towering figure clad in dragon robes, majestic yet lifeless.

All felt the royal aura of Great Chu emanating from the luminous figure.

Li Longhu squinted, shocked.

“Why has the heir’s aura suddenly changed? He seems no longer the same person.”

“And that phantom behind him—it feels like facing the Great Chu Emperor of old.”

“Could that be the Great Chu Emperor?”

Li Longhu’s Celestial Realm senses were keen; he detected the anomaly first.

He thought deeply.

Could the heir of the Duke of the Nation be the Great Chu Crown Prince who had supposedly died without a trace?

Had he disguised himself as the heir all these years to survive?

If so, what of the real heir?

Was he already dead?

The thought chilled Li Longhu’s scalp.

If true, the Great Zhou was about to undergo upheaval.

Others watching Cheng Guang also realized this, eyes widening in shock.

Initially, their gaze had been fixed on Princess Ning.

Now, it was on Cheng Guang.

If he truly was the Great Chu Crown Prince who never died,

his value would far surpass that of Princess Ning, a princess from long ago.

“Madness! Madness!”

“If the heir is truly the Great Chu Crown Prince, it explains why he wishes to protect Princess Ning!”

“The world’s order is about to change!”

“Quick, spread the news!”

A roar of commotion rose from all directions.

Messages spread rapidly.

At the same time, the appearance of the Great Chu emperor’s aura shook the mortal world.

From every dynasty and palace deep within, eyes turned toward the Great Yan imperial capital, Tianhuo City.

Meanwhile, Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang were utterly bewildered by their lord’s sudden transformation.

“Lord, what is happening?”

“Your aura, and the phantom behind you…”

Qian Siyuan, usually gentle and smiling, looked stiff and unsure.

He revered his lord deeply.

Having served alongside him, Qian Siyuan admired Cheng Guang.

Though Cheng Guang’s cultivation was less than his, his rank and status were higher.

His investigative skill and intelligence earned Qian Siyuan’s profound respect.

Therefore, even if Cheng Guang ordered him to defy the Great Zhou Emperor and protect the Great Chu remnant, Qian Siyuan would obey without hesitation.

But now…

He suddenly learned that the lord they had revered was no longer who he seemed.

Not the heir, but a man of Great Chu…

Likely the Crown Prince from long ago…

At this moment, Qian Siyuan felt his entire belief system shatter.

Li Zhengyang felt equally unsettled.

He looked at their lord’s calm face, took a deep breath, and gently patted Qian Siyuan’s shoulder to steady him.

Without turning, he addressed Cheng Guang:

“Lord, we will protect you. Let us leave quickly. Just one Princess Ning has attracted so many royal forces’ attention. If your identity is confirmed, it is beyond the Lighting Division’s capacity.”

Li Zhengyang’s words brought Qian Siyuan back to himself.

He inhaled deeply, resolutely turning to the shocked, reddening crowd.

“Lord!”

“I, old Qian, will no longer care about anything! Let me protect you one last time!”

“You and Princess Ning must leave together!”

“Do not return to Great Zhou!”

Qian Siyuan ignored the strange aura on Cheng Guang and stepped forward to shield him.

At that moment, someone could no longer restrain themselves.

Had Cheng Guang’s aura not changed, they might fear the Lighting Division and hesitate.

But now?

They realized Cheng Guang was not the heir of the Duke of the Nation but likely the Great Chu Crown Prince who never died!

Facing this Great Chu Crown Prince!

Who had impersonated the heir!

They no longer believed the Lighting Division would obey him.

Hundreds of figures surged toward Cheng Guang’s direction.

Some charged at Princess Ning.

“Attack!”

“Even if we cannot get Princess Ning, capturing the Great Chu Crown Prince is a great feat!”

“Anyone who blocks us dies!”

Powerful energies flashed continuously.

Terrifying auras spread like shockwaves in all directions.

Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang gritted their teeth.

Seeing attackers aiming at their lord, their eyes reddened with rage.

They surged forward together.

The remaining Lighting Division detectives glanced between their lord and the attackers, hesitated.

Someone spoke:

“Perhaps we shouldn’t act. The lord’s aura may truly be the Great Chu Crown Prince’s…”

Another replied:

“Hmm…”

Silence fell.

The roaring energies around contrasted sharply with the stillness.

Watching from the heavens, Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang remained on alert.

After a moment, someone grew impatient, eyes bloodshot.

“I don’t care! Who the lord is—I only know he treats me differently from other nobles in Great Zhou, drinks and dines with me. Even if he’s the Great Chu Crown Prince, in my heart, he’s my lord!”

“I, Wang Ergou, am uneducated and alone, with no kin. If I die, so be it!”

Wang Ergou stepped forward, following Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang.

Passing Cheng Guang, he shouted:

“My lord, today with me here, no outsider will harm you!”

Cheng Guang turned to look at Wang Ergou but did not see his face clearly.

Behind Wang Ergou, many Lighting Division detectives burst forth.

“For the lord, fight!”

“For the lord, fight!”

“For the lord, fight!”

These words stirred Cheng Guang’s usually calm heart.

He had thought after his identity was revealed, the Lighting Division would abandon him.

After all,

he was not truly the heir.

Nor were they bound to him.

Yet now,

they protected him simply because they wished to.

Cheng Guang’s eyes trembled.

He looked toward the distant battlefield.

Lighting Division detectives fought alongside powerful forces from the three great dynasties and numerous noble clans.

Outnumbered and outmatched.

They could not hold out long.

Cheng Guang looked to the sky, addressing the hidden figure.

“Is that your purpose?”

“You broke my Suppression Pearl, so your cost must have been great.”

“What exactly is your aim?”

“Why risk everything to do this?”

He was puzzled.

At that moment, Qin Beifeng looked at Cheng Guang, tiger eyes wet with tears, seeming like a sobbing child.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

“You are the Crown Prince?”

Qin Beifeng could hardly believe his eyes.

Before, he had not suspected.

But now, the more he looked at Cheng Guang, the more he felt his aura resembled that of the Great Chu Emperor.

“Your Highness, I have failed you!”

“I could not protect Great Chu, nor Your Majesty!”

Qin Beifeng knelt to the ground.

After a deep bow, he rose and looked at Princess Ning behind him.

“Your Highness, you two must run as far as you can. I will hold off everyone with my life!”

Qin Beifeng bowed again, then drew his sword.

His armor hummed as he soared into the enemy ranks.

“Great Wind, arise!”

“Come and fight!”

…

(End of chapter)