The Demon Lords

Chapter 449 55 Night Return_1

Life always seems to arrange odd circumstances at the most inexplicable moments, much like the present situation. Zheng Fan felt he had done nothing wrong.

As an envoy, isn't it perfectly normal to deliver harsh words? People always say one shouldn't lose one's imposing presence, even if outmatched. Besides, regardless of the future, the Yan Army has already camped outside the imperial capital. Isn't it only right for me to be a bit arrogant, domineering, and boastful? And isn't it standard procedure for you to feel wronged, resentful, humiliated, and endure it all? Could it be that this Second Young Master of the Zu family is truly such a brute that he'd fly into a rage over a few taunts and sarcastic remarks?

Zheng Fan felt like one of those modern-day scam artists. 'Go ahead, hit me! Hit me! If you have the guts, run me over and kill me!'

BANG!

The power of Mo Wan had just been expended. Perhaps due to his increased strength, or maybe because he had grown accustomed to desperate struggles, he hadn't immediately collapsed from exhaustion this time. However, even if he forcibly summoned Mo Wan again, it was unlikely to have any real effect against several hundred armored soldiers. Unless...

For a moment, Zheng Fan, the Blind Man, and A Ming all focused their attention on Zu Dongling. Capture the ringleader first!

Just as the situation reached a critical point, a sword flew straight over, embedding itself in the ground before Zu Dongling in an instant.

BUZZ!

The sword hilt quivered slightly, emitting a soft hum.

Zu Dongling's expression changed. He recognized the sword, for it bore the insignia of the Baili Family.

The Baili siblings were Baili Feng and Baili Xianglan. Of course, people were more accustomed to calling the former Baili Sword, as he was the pride of Qian State and a renowned sword cultivation master of the current age. The great Qian State scholar Yao Zizhan once composed a poem using a sword as a metaphor for a man, directly referring to Baili Feng as Baili Sword, and thus the moniker was born.

Consequently, in the contemporary street's assessment of the Four Great Swordsmanship Masters, some people expressed dissatisfaction. They claimed the Qian people controlled the literary world and that glorifying individuals through poems and essays was their specialty. So, if the Chu State's sword maker was forcefully elevated to the position of one of the Four Great Swordsmen by a single remark from the Jin State's Sword Saint, then Baili Sword's apparent top position was merely built up by Qian literati, who penned poem after poem in his praise after their drinking bouts.

Setting aside the Chu State's sword maker for the moment, the Sword Saint of Jin State was a madman, often acting erratically and not even giving face to the Jin imperial family or the Three Great Clans. Yan State's Li Liangshen was merely a common soldier. Compared to Baili Sword, these others lacked such extensive resources for drumming up praise.

It was much like the competition among courtesans in the imperial capital. Everyone had their own preferences and tastes. Some liked voluptuous figures, while others preferred delicate and petite frames. Some favored literary talent, while others were solely enamored with tiny feet. Yet, there was only one top courtesan. Ultimately, it all came down to whose patrons were more willing to spend lavishly to create buzz and support their favorite.

However, to describe Baili Sword in this way had a hint of sour grapes, because regardless, Baili Sword's skill was genuinely convincing.

Years ago, Baili Sword arrived in the imperial capital dressed in white. The Emperor himself welcomed him personally at Jade Dragon Bridge and appointed him as the Crown Prince's martial arts instructor. This event was common knowledge, known throughout the streets and alleys. However, there was another matter known only to the nobility: Baili Sword's sister had been recognized by the Emperor as his goddaughter and had remained by his side ever since, clad in silver armor.

From a distance, Baili Xianglan's figure emerged. Her expression was cold; not arrogant, but clearly radiating a 'keep your distance' aura.

Originally, Zheng Fan had naively believed the Qian Emperor's jest that she was a widow, and that the Emperor shared Cao Cao's particular tastes. But once he learned her surname was Baili, he naturally dismissed that notion.

Baili Xianglan's gaze fixed on Zu Dongling. She announced, "Imperial Edict: The Yan envoy is to leave the city."

Zu Dongling's expression flickered multiple times. He was now facing not only the pressure from the Imperial Edict but also the stark reality that the sacred and inviolable foundation of imperial authority had already been shaken by the presence of Yan troops outside the imperial capital. However, Baili Xianglan was also a sword cultivation expert. Even without the backing of imperial authority, her words inherently carried significant weight.

Zu Dongling raised his hand, and the soldiers behind him immediately parted to make way.

Baili Xianglan strode forward, drew her sword, and continued on her path.

Zheng Fan, the Blind Man, and A Ming followed behind her.

Zu Dongling's troops remained where they were.

First, there were assassins. Then, the very people who should have been his rescuers wanted to kill him. And now, the one who said they would kill him tomorrow had come to save him instead. The affairs of this world are truly quite interesting.

But what Zheng Fan desperately wanted right now was to leave this city. He thoroughly detested this feeling of his life and death being beyond his own control; he detested it immensely.

Baili Xianglan, true to the principle of seeing a task through to its completion, escorted Zheng Fan and his two companions all the way to the top of the city wall, where the city guards already had a basket prepared for their descent.

Zheng Fan cupped his hands towards Baili Xianglan and said, "Thank you for your assistance, Miss. Earlier in the palace, due to some misunderstandings, I was quite offensive towards you. I sincerely hope you can forgive my transgressions."

Bowing to a woman wasn't shameful at all, especially to a beautiful one; that made it even more justifiable. And if that beautiful woman also possessed terrifying strength? Well, not groveling at her feet could already be considered quite restrained.

Commander Zheng was a man who believed in being true to his feelings. If misunderstandings could be cleared up, it was always best to do so. Having witnessed the true capabilities of these formidable experts, Zheng Fan knew that while a vast army could undoubtedly overwhelm them, if they decided to take advantage of the chaos to assassinate him, he would surely suffer greatly.