Zhou Yufei fluttered her long eyelashes, staring motionlessly at Chen Yang.
In the days leading up to the national war, she had heard more than once that this war could only be won by Chen Yang; any other general would have faced certain death.
After the victory was announced, she witnessed countless people bowing respectfully toward the direction of Hanyun Valley, all of them murmuring, "Unrivaled National Scholar, our nation is fortunate to have you!"
What Zhou Yufei didn't know was that on that day, Chen Yang had stood in his armor, his spear thrust toward the sky. Behind him were millions of iron-willed warriors, fearing neither powerful enemies nor death itself. In that battle, Chen Yang had co within a hair's breadth of death. After the battle, he knelt before Phoenix Water Mountain and would not rise. A single general's success is built upon a mountain of bones.
She rembered when she was very young, soone had asked her whom she wanted to marry. The little girl had blurted out without hesitation, "When I grow up, I want to marry a great hero."
Ti flew, and seasons changed. Now, she had truly fallen in love with a hero—and not just any hero, but the greatest hero this vast nation had ever known, a man without equal: the Unrivaled National Scholar.
But to marry him… Perhaps there's no chance in this lifeti. Still, this is enough, isn't it?
"Why are you crying?" Chen Yang asked.
Zhou Yufei quickly turned away, wiping the corners of her eyes. She tilted her head back slightly, trying hard to stop the tears from falling, and forced a smile. "It's just the wind. I got so sand in my eye."
Chen Yang silently shook his head and sighed deeply.
This silly woman. It's raining outside. How could there be sand, and how could it get in her eye?
Then, he took a step forward, moving the umbrella to cover her completely, doing his best to shield her from the wind and rain. For a fleeting mont, Chen Yang had wanted to pull this woman into his arms.
But how long could he maintain this restraint? He didn't know, nor did he dare to think about it. In his entire life, Chen Yang had never shied away from anything and believed he never would. And yet… Sigh.
The misty drizzle painted the scene with a touch of chill. Fish occasionally leaped from the surface of the river, sending out ripples. The snow that had accumulated over several days began to lt faster.
When the rain finally ceased, Zhou Yufei was like a little bird released from its cage. Holding the hem of her skirt, she ran in her high heels, occasionally spinning around, her joyful laughter echoing ceaselessly. Over the years, Zhou Yufei had learned to let go. She no longer dwelled on the past but enjoyed the present, unafraid of the future.
"Co and catch !" she laughed teasingly.
Chen Yang shook his head with a gentle smile. "Be careful, don't twist your ankle."
A whole afternoon wasn't enough to see all the endless scenery. When Zhou Yufei grew tired, they had dinner together and then said their goodbyes.
In the comrcial van, Yang Hu, who was driving, suddenly spoke. "Boss, I've dealt with those people at the hotel. What about that damned Little Prince? Should we just go take care of him? Keeping a domineering and unreasonable rich heir like him around is just asking for trouble."
Chen Yang gazed out the window and waved his hand dismissively. "He is the grandson of the forr Pri Minister, Zuo Chang. A few years ago, Zuo Chang was absorbed into the Imperial Clan. His power and connections are not to be underestimated."
"The Imperial Clan again," Yang Hu gritted his teeth, his gaze deepening. "Boss, why have the elders from the Elders' Court never ntioned this Imperial Clan before?"
"What difference would it have made if they had?" Chen Yang retorted.
Yang Hu was left speechless.
That's right, what difference would it have made? Even knowing the Imperial Clan was a great mountain pressing down on the masses, what could one do besides worry? Just think, even the forr Pri Minister was willingly absorbed into the Imperial Clan and might have even considered it an honor. What does that say about their power?
"There's no need to rush this," Chen Yang said calmly. Now that they had made contact, a full-blown confrontation was only a matter of ti.
「The next day.」
The rain had passed, and a warm sun hung high in the clear sky. It happened to be the weekend.
What should have been a day for families to enjoy an outing was torn apart by a sudden piece of news, igniting heated discussions among the masses.
"My God! Soone dared to kill the Little Prince's n? Are they fearless or just suicidal?"
"All I can say is, Cangyun City isn't peaceful these days! The Luo Family was annihilated, and three of the four great clans are gone. Is anything impossible anymore?"
"If you put it that way, could it be..."
With no clear facts, rumors ran wild. All sorts of speculation filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere. This Little Prince was the noblest of the nobles. The number of people in Cangyun City who would dare to touch him could be counted on one hand.
"It's almost certainly the Forr Chief Military Commander."
"Isn't that guy a bit too audacious? He was just issued a Death Order by the Imperial Clan, and now he's provoked the forr Pri Minister's most beloved grandson?"
…
At a bend in the upper Qingyuan River, the force of the current had ford a protruding peninsula, upon which sat a private manor. Under the veil of night, the area was desolate, save for the brilliant lights twinkling from the estate, where luxury cars were lined up at the entrance. Aside from the usual crowd of young masters, an unfamiliar young man was visiting today.
Luo Qi, the eldest grandson of Luo Yunhai.
The Luo Family had been preparing for a grand wedding, the marriage of the century. The groom was to be none other than this man, Luo Qi. However, before the bride could even cross the threshold, the entire Luo Family was razed to the ground.
At thirty-two or thirty-three, his physique was exceptionally robust. He held a cigarette, his expression as dark as murky water.
Seated opposite him was a young man in his late twenties, dressed in a white robe. His eyes burned with a deep, sharp intensity, like a sheathed sword, its power contained but palpable. He occupied the seat of honor, swirling a glass of wine in one hand. In the other, he toyed with a black feather arrow more than a foot in length; its material was indistinct in the dim light.
It was said that this feather arrow was a Treasure Weapon and the most prized possession of the Zuo Family. Zuo Chang had gifted this very arrow to his most cherished grandson.
Who, then, could this impressive young man be, other than the renowned Prince Zuo Fan?
The death of two subordinates caused no emotional fluctuation in the Little Prince. He cast a brief glance at Luo Qi. "Are you certain it was him?"
"One hundred percent certain!" Luo Qi vowed, thumping his chest.
Zuo Fan nodded slightly and smiled. Turning to an old man standing behind him, he said, "You heard him. It's the Forr Chief Military Commander."
The elder wore a green robe, his silver hair draped casually over his shoulders, giving him a certain otherworldly, sage-like air.
"I can kill him," the elder stated flatly, his voice as steady as a rock.
Zuo Fan had no doubts. He turned back to Luo Qi. "Where is he now?"
"I don't know," Luo Qi shook his head. "As you know, I just returned from the outer territories and have only just finished handling my family's affairs. I haven't been able to track him down yet." Speaking of his family, a look of grief washed over the brawny man's face, and his fists clenched so tightly they cracked. "However," Luo Qi's tone turned chillingly cold, "I heard that Su Ling is quite close to him. Perhaps we could start there."
He was attempting to kill with a borrowed knife, using the Little Prince's sharp blade to avenge the Luo Family's blood feud.
"Are you sure?" Zuo Fan asked.
Luo Qi nodded with conviction.
"Go and kill him," Zuo Fan ordered, not wasting any more words. As the elder turned to leave, Zuo Fan added, "Leave him breathing. I want to see him."
WHOOSH.
The elder vanished into the darkness.
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