"Sir!" No one expected such a result; seeing Wu Ziyue seriously injured and fallen, all the Black-armored Guards were aghast and wanted to step forward, but upon seeing Mu Hanyan directly point the Cold Sky Sword at Wu Ziyue’s heart ridian, they suddenly stopped.
"You, what do you want?" With Mu Hanyan’s sword pointed at his heart ridian, Wu Ziyue lost all his previous arrogance and was trembling with fear.
"Don’t worry, I won’t kill you. However, I need you to accompany to the Capital." Mu Hanyan smiled slightly and said.
Disgusted by such scum, Mu Hanyan actually wished she could kill him imdiately, but she knew that doing so would make it impossible to conclude today’s events.
No matter how despicable Wu Ziyue was, he was the only son of the Shoulder-to-shoulder King and the City Lord of Dingbian City. Killing him would incite not only the Black-armored Guards but even the Old City Lord who favored her would have to fight her to the death.
Taking him as a hostage and safely reaching the Capital was the best choice. With Emperor Yue’s wisdom, he would surely not believe Wu Ziyue’s outrageous lies. Only by confirming Wu Ziyue’s cris of failing to defend the city could the old general and the Geng Family Master be saved. She had clearly considered these matters before taking action.
Wu Ziyue’s face turned pale; he knew that while he might deceive others with his ghostly tales, there’s no way these lies would pass in the Capital before the Emperor and the cunning ministers. Once he reached the Capital, he was finished.
"Rumbling!" A heavy hoofbeat sounded in the distance.
Could the Exotic Beasts be returning? Everyone was startled, but soon all worries dissipated.
Within monts, a golden cloud billowed forward, kicking up dust along the way. As it neared, it beca clearer: a troop of cavalry donned in golden heavy armor, within whom a golden dragon flag fluttered in the wind.
"Imperial City Guards, it’s the Imperial City Guards!" soone in the crowd exclaid.
The Imperial City Guards, responsible for guarding the Imperial Palace, akin to the Emperor’s personal soldiers, never leave the Capital City, yet here they were in Dingbian City. What was happening?
In the blink of an eye, the Imperial City Guards arrived. A young commander draped in golden battle armor and wearing a golden mask rode a magnificent Red Charcoal Cloud Smoke Beast to confront Mu Hanyan.
Seeing this young commander, Mu Hanyan’s expression turned odd, as he evoked a sense of familiarity.
"What’s happening here?" The young commander, having already seen the strange scene unfolding, inquired with a frown when he saw Mu Hanyan’s sword pointing at Wu Ziyue’s heart ridian.
"Reporting, Sir, I am Wu Ziyue, City Lord of Dingbian City. This person claims to be an An Yun Envoy yet harbors ill intent, secretly colluding with Exotic Beasts to invade the Capital and undermine our Shangyue foundations. After I uncovered their plot, they launched an Exotic Beast attack on the city and are now attempting to kill to silence !" Wu Ziyue eagerly stated.
In days past, he wouldn’t be so polite, even if they were the Imperial City Guards, but the situation was different now. He knew that his last hope rested with this young commander. If the commander believed his words or recognized his na, considering the Shoulder-to-shoulder King’s power, he might act and ensure Mu Hanyan ets a grave fate.
Though Mu Hanyan’s single strike defeated him, causing serious injury, upon regaining his mind, he realized it was due to his lack of battle experience, not her weakened state.
Faced with the Imperial City Guards, fad as the Emperor’s personal soldiers, even at her peak, Mu Hanyan was no match for them. They were the elite of the elite, each possessing extraordinary natural talent as Elite Swordsn.
"Oh, is that so?" The young commander spoke softly, slowly removing his mask.
Yue Fanchen! Indeed, it was him! Mu Hanyan’s heart sank.
"Mu Hanyan, surprised, aren’t you? So soon we’ve t again. That sword strike of yours last ti, I rember it vividly. I wonder if we’ll have another chance to duel today." Yue Fanchen said with a chuckle.
Hearing Yue Fanchen’s words, the crowd’s expressions shifted, while Wu Ziyue’s face lit up with joy.
Yue Fanchen had long left Shangyue to study under masters, then sent into the Imperial City Guards for training. Though Wu hadn’t seen him before, he knew his na well and heard he recently attended the Longyan Academy’s freshman competition in An Yun, returning unsuccessful, or so they said.
Apparently, he likely lost to Mu Hanyan, forming quite the vendetta between them. Such a chance for revenge would surely not be missed.
Upon hearing Yue Fanchen’s words, Huayue and the others’ hearts sank as well, exchanging glances and preparing themselves to act.
"However, that can wait; let’s handle official matters first." Yue Fanchen suddenly stowed his smile and grew exceedingly stern.
"I am Yue Fanchen, Commander of Shangyue Country’s Imperial City Guards, on orders to welco Princess Yan back to the Capital!" Yue Fanchen bowed and respectfully addressed Mu Hanyan.
"What! Which Princess?" Everyone was stunned. Mu Hanyan was their Shangyue’s princess?! Wasn’t she the An Yun Country’s envoy? She was actually their Shangyue Country’s princess?
Even Mu Hanyan herself was taken aback.
"I am Yue Fanchen, Commander of An Yun Country’s Imperial City Guards, ordered to welco Princess Yan back to the Capital!" Yue Fanchen solemnly declared once more, with a faint smile gracing his lips.
"You, are you speaking to ?" Mu Hanyan looked around, realizing amongst the elderly and young, she was the only woman present; thus, the princess must surely be her.
"Princess Yan, please proceed with to the palace to et the Emperor." Yue Fanchen finally broke into a smile, finding Mu Hanyan’s dumbfounded state quite amusing.
"You, what did you just say?" Wu Ziyue was utterly dumbfounded, staring at Yue Fanchen blankly. Mu Hanyan was a princess? Was this real?
"Ah, almost forgot about you, claiming Princess Yan destabilizes the Royal Family. How senseless, fighting your own kind. Never mind, take him along too." Yue Fanchen muttered, waving his hand as several guards stepped forward to detain Wu Ziyue.
The Black-armored Guards looked at each other, yet none dared to obstruct.
Though they were hailed as elite, their rank and strength couldn’t compare with the Imperial City Guards before them. More importantly, Yue Fanchen executed the Emperor’s orders, thus they dared not act.
"Stop, stop, I am the princely heir of the Shoulder-to-shoulder King, release !" Wu Ziyue shouted in terror.
Yue Fanchen waved his hand, and a guard promptly knocked Wu Ziyue unconscious with a slap.
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