Luo Bingfeng was momentarily stunned, his expression darkening. “Qian Ye must have known about these issues but chose not to explain them. This is clearly an intentional deception! I will not let this go. The Turbid World Enlightenment must be recovered.”
The woman tried to persuade him, “Bingfeng, don’t forget that you were the one who wanted the exchange in the first place.”
“Times change. Now, these three secret manuals are as good as useless to both of us. What’s the point of exchanging them? Besides, if you can’t cultivate the Dawn Illumination, then no one else should get it either!”
“You’re being too stubborn.”
“I can’t help it.” Luo Bingfeng said coldly.
The woman sighed lightly. “During the transaction, I sensed a familiar aura on their airship. If my guess is correct, it should be Gonggong Liu who arrived.”
Luo Bingfeng was startled. “Which Gonggong Liu?”
“The one from the palace, of course.”
Luo Bingfeng’s brows furrowed, worry crossing his face for the first time. “Has he discovered your identity? Even if he knows, it doesn’t matter. Even if he came for that matter from the past, I’ll find a way to keep you safe. Hmph, even if he’s the top expert in the palace, I’ll risk my life and take him down with me.”
The woman shook her head. “I’m not sure if he knows my identity. After all, it’s been so many years. But by intentionally releasing his aura, he was warning us not to make any moves. He didn’t act on the spot, perhaps pretending not to know about me. If we go to Nanqing now, wouldn’t we be walking into a trap?”
Luo Bingfeng stood with his hands behind his back, his face cold, his voice icy. “These imperial scoundrels are like lingering ghosts. I regret agreeing to guard here for the Heavenly King, leaving me unable to escape. If I were still in my prime, even Gonggong Liu would not have been invincible. Heh, I, Luo Bingfeng, can disregard life and death for you, but I doubt the former Grand Marshal, now the top man in the palace, would fight to the death for those few brats.”
The woman spoke softly, “Bingfeng, you promised me you wouldn’t do anything reckless for me. How could you forget?”
“But…” Luo Bingfeng’s chest was still filled with pent-up anger, and in a fit of frustration, he swept his sleeve, turning everything in the study to dust.
At this moment, Qian Ye had already returned to Nanqing City, finally escaping the suffocating atmosphere of the airship. Li Kuanglan and Song Zining left the airship expressionless, one after the other, and went their separate ways. Only Gonggong Liu, calm and collected, remained on the airship, taking a moment to admire the scenery of the neutral lands before slowly making his way to the carriage, assisted by a small attendant.
Neither Song Zining nor Li Kuanglan had escaped unscathed. Upon returning to the city lord’s mansion, Gonggong Liu immediately summoned them for a meeting. To their unease, Qian Ye was also present. Additionally, City Lord Ji Rui, who had been keeping a low profile, was called to join them.
Gonggong Liu no longer bothered to conceal himself, not deliberately suppressing his aura. The mere exudation of his presence made Ji Rui and Qian Ye feel uncomfortable. Gonggong Liu’s cultivation method was quite intricate; the stronger one’s strength, the greater the perceived threat and pressure. Without a corresponding cultivation method to counter it, one would be at a disadvantage even before engaging in combat.
Although Li Kuanglan and Song Zining had methods to resist, they were each preoccupied with their own thoughts and were caught off guard, feeling even more intimidated.
A small attendant stood behind Gonggong Liu, rhythmically massaging his shoulders. Gonggong Liu’s eyes narrowed slightly, smiling. “This trip to the neutral lands has been quite fruitful. Not only is the scenery unique, but the people are also intriguing. I am sure the Empress will be pleased upon my return.”
Ji Rui, who was already uneasy, was very aware of Gonggong Liu’s power, even though he wasn’t entirely clear about his origins. Just moments ago, Gonggong Liu’s aura had taught him a lesson. Now, hearing him speak, he couldn’t help but realize that Gonggong Liu was a high-ranking official from the palace.
Even if the empire was far away, Gonggong Liu was right in front of him. With his sheer power, crushing Ji Rui would be as easy as squashing an ant. Startled, Ji Rui felt his legs weaken, nearly causing him to kneel.
But as soon as he moved, an invisible force pressed down on him, like a thousand-pound boulder, immobilizing him. Gonggong Liu, without moving, calmly said, “My trip here is mainly to follow the Empress’s instructions. With the task almost complete, it’s time to return. However, before I leave, there’s one thing I want to make clear. Almost finishing a task and completely finishing it are often just a little bit apart, but many things fail at the last step. So, I’ll say it now: if this matter is not completed, I’ll have to come back. I cannot disappoint the Empress, and neither can those responsible.”
Gonggong Liu’s words carried a veiled threat, which Qian Ye found confusing. Li Kuanglan and Song Zining, however, understood the implications, feeling deeply uncomfortable.
Song Zining, under pressure, began to scrutinize Qian Ye, calculating in his mind. Qian Ye, feeling his gaze, felt unsettled, but under Gonggong Liu’s overpowering aura, he couldn’t confront Song Zining.
Only Ji Rui, seasoned and astute, recognized that this matter did not concern him, making him the most relaxed, though his outward display of fear was even more exaggerated than that of Li Kuanglan and Song Zining.
Gonggong Liu continued, “The world is no longer peaceful; wars are breaking out everywhere. Soon, the neutral lands will also be in turmoil, but that has nothing to do with me or the matter at hand. All of you listen carefully. Don’t think you can fool me. If I have to use the palace’s methods, it won’t be pretty.”
Li Kuanglan and Song Zining both wore bitter smiles, while Ji Rui nodded fervently in agreement.
Gonggong Liu’s gaze shifted to Ji Rui, his smile not reaching his eyes. “City Lord Ji…”
Ji Rui, quick to read the situation, immediately responded, “I am merely a nominal city lord. I will follow the orders of Li, Song, and Qian Ye.”
Gonggong Liu nodded. “It’s rare for a city lord to be so considerate. I won’t say much more. On this trip, many people tried to spy on me, and I’ve dealt with them. So, for the next period, the city should be relatively quiet, with no real threats. You can focus on your own tasks. But once word gets out that I’m gone, everyone will come.”
Ji Rui promptly said, “Rest assured, Sir. I will fight to the death to protect the three young masters.”
Gonggong Liu replied, “Good. I’ll remember your dedication, City Lord.”
Ji Rui was overjoyed. “Thank you, Sir, for your support!”
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