In the underground prison, amidst the heart-wrenching screams of despair, Zhu Haomiao slowly lifted his head, frowning suspiciously.
"I think I heard someone slandering me..."
After sensing around with confusion, the young man, gaining nothing, withdrew his gaze to the prisoner convulsing before him.
A terrifying serpent as thick as an arm extended from behind Zhu Haomiao, wrapping around the prisoner. The snake’s head plunged into his chest, writhing joyously, as if gnawing on something inside.
Heart-rending howls echoed in the cell, scaring a prisoner not far away into a trembling state of fear.
Before long, the serpent’s phantom, seemingly satiated, released the fainted prisoner and slowly retracted behind the youth.
In an instant, a faint sense of fulfillment and satiety spread through his body and mind, causing Zhu Haomiao to squint his eyes in enjoyment.
[Book of Black]: Devoured Source Quality, [Dexterity] +1
After a long pause, the youth cast his gaze to another prisoner not far away, whose greedy and hungry look sent shivers down his spine, causing him to scream instinctively.
"You court lackey, if you mean to kill me, just do it! What kind of hero are you, tormenting people by pretending to be a god?!"
At these words, Zhu Haomiao glanced at the fainted "Medicine Remnants," smirking mockingly.
"Don’t you hold a deep grudge against him? Why are you sticking up for him?"
The prisoner was momentarily speechless, then, after a pause, lashed out in shame and rage.
"Jianghu matters should be settled within Jianghu. What does it have to do with you, a lackey of the court?!"
"Haha, you fought and destroyed a tavern in my jurisdiction, affecting 17 innocent bystanders, among whom 3 died and 6 were seriously injured. You tell me if it concerns me?!"
Leaning forward slightly, Zhu Haomiao’s gaze filled with oppressive force pinned the prisoner, causing him to drop his head in guilt, mumbling.
"I didn’t mean to, blades and swords have no eyes. You can only blame their bad luck..."
Upon hearing this, the youth straightened up, nodding expressionlessly.
"Very well, since that’s the case, meeting me is just your bad luck."
"[Immortal’s Grasp]!"
"Ahhhh oooo aoooo!!!"
[Book of Black]: Devoured Source Quality, [Strength] +1
After administering a customary "loving education" to the prisoner, Zhu Haomiao walked out of the prison and softly complained to Yan Yunsheng who stood waiting outside the door.
"These Jianghu ’knights’ are simply lawless, they don’t even consider human life!"
"And this is the Imperial City! Right under the Emperor’s feet!"
"I don’t dare imagine how rampant they must be in those far-flung provinces, removed from imperial authority!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Yunsheng hesitated, "The legitimate sects are actually better, as they still care somewhat about their reputations."
"The real issue is those Green Forest Heroes, gray forces, heretical sects, and Demon Gates. They are the main culprits behind various heinous incidents."
Hearing this, Zhu Haomiao squinted his eyes, a sinister, twisted black light flickering in the depths of his pupils.
"No, these aren’t your normal unruly folks anymore. A heavy hand is necessary!"
"I must teach them what the rules are!"
Standing silently behind the youth until his ominous aura gradually subsided, Yan Yunsheng softly reported pressing matters.
"Sir, this month’s internal martial competition has concluded. All the brothers have made great progress. Would you like to give a speech during the meeting?"
Closing his eyes, feeling the ever-growing and solid Anchor of Faith, Zhu Haomiao shook his head without hesitation.
"No need, just give me a brief summary."
"Yes, many brothers at the lower levels have broken through to the Eighth Rank, and among the nine inspectors, five have reached the Seventh Rank Peak, while two have already broken through to the Sixth Rank Realm."
"Myself and Dai Jinhong."
Observing Yan Yunsheng’s calm and indifferent expression, Zhu Haomiao couldn’t help but chuckle at the tease.
"Breaking through from Seventh to Sixth is a significant hurdle, stepping from the Lower Three Grades into the Middle Three Grade, meaning you have hopes of becoming a marquis. Why don’t you seem excited at all?"
In response, Yan Yunsheng clasped his fists respectfully, sincerely speaking with reverence.
"Sir, your brilliance is like the sun and moon in the sky. How dare I boast of my mere light of fireflies in your presence?"
This wasn’t Yan Yunsheng flattering. As a close confidant frequently by Zhu Haomiao’s side, he had witnessed the young man’s rapid advancement firsthand.
Having grown accustomed to the monstrous growth speed, his own progress seemed utterly insignificant, negligible!
Hence, not only was he not excited or boastful, but he also felt a sense of guilt for not living up to his tutelage, alongside an unease at being "left behind" by his superior.
Surprised, Zhu Haomiao gave Yan Yunsheng a glance, detecting his subtle emotions. Unable to decide whether to laugh or cry, he patted his shoulder.
"You’re merely mortal. Don’t force yourself to follow in my footsteps. You’ve done superbly."
Hearing the youth’s encouragement, Yan Yunsheng frowned and sighed deeply.
"I’m just afraid... of being useless..."
"That shouldn’t be a concern. You and Wilson have helped save me a lot of effort, allowing me to focus my energy on cultivation. That’s your value."
"As for your martial prowess, honestly, it doesn’t concern me much."
Unsure whether to feel happy or sad, Yan Yunsheng’s expression twisted, hesitating to speak, until he finally forced a bitter smile and clasped his fists.
"Hmm, just let things take their natural course, don’t force yourself."
Pattering Yan Yunsheng’s shoulder once more, Zhu Haomiao paced away, gazing into the distant sky.
Within the depths of his mind, he sensed stormy clouds brewing over the entire Imperial City, with turbulent undercurrents disrupting the heavens, seeming to foreshadow a significant calamity.
"Tsk tsk, the throne of power... truly drives one insane..."
Gazing at the firmaments, Zhu Haomiao curled his lips with profound meaning, sighing and shaking his head.
"Grandfather, that little bastard has shown himself, should we..."
Before he could finish, the white-haired elder clutched his chest, feeling a sharp pain that took a long time to subside.
"No! We must not make a move on him again."
After deep contemplation, the elder clenched his teeth, fiercely suppressing the murderous gleam in his eyes.
"Even three third-rank martial artists couldn’t take him down; he must have a master backing him!"
"In this current tinderbox of a situation, any movement on our part would inevitably cause a misjudgment and trigger a chain reaction!"
"Better to bide our time for now. Once you ascend the throne, we can then slowly settle the score with him!"
Upon hearing this, the Python Robed Youth furrowed his brows in disappointment, but understanding the gravity of the matter, he reluctantly nodded.
"We’ll deal with it later then."
Finishing his words, the young man changed the subject, troubled and restless.
"Grandfather, the edict has been sent to Yong State. The Yue King is likely preparing to depart soon. It seems Father is determined to wait for his arrival in Beijing before announcing the heir. What should we do?"
At these words, the elder painfully rubbed his brow, also unsure of the right course to take for a moment.