Inside Duie’s quarters, his heart was practically lodged in his throat as he stared at the bowl of extra-spicy porridge. Drenched in cold sweat, he looked at the dish and then at Yu Sui.

  "Brother Yu! Trust me, I won't tell a soul! If you want, I’ll even sign a legal will right now just give me the papers and I'll sign!"

  Then, looking at Yu Sui with a flash of his usual mischief, Duie added,

  "Huh, seriously? Brother Yu, look at me. I’ve kept your secret for all these years; why would I speak now? Yu Sui, my friend, have faith in me. And don't forget, you know one of my secrets too... so I’m not about to risk my life for no reason."

  Yu Sui teased him back,

  "Is that so? I thought you might have forgotten."

  At those words, Duie’s expression faltered. He lowered his gaze, and in a heavy, somber voice, he whispered,

  "No, brother. How could I ever forget that? I am still the same person I was back then."

  Seeing the sudden gravity on his face, Yu Sui softened.

  "It seems that 'headache in your stomach' has finally cleared up. Shall we go?"

  Duie managed a smile again, and together they headed toward the Great Hall. Yu Sui’s expression loosened as well, though he hid his inner turmoil from Duie. As they entered the hall, where Lady Shiyan Lee and Lady Wang Ayi were waiting, the room filled with warmth. However, in a quiet corner, Yu Sui spotted Wuzu. She stood there silently, offering him a deep, respectful bow.

  The hall was packed with people. Then, the first step echoed a step that belonged not to a prince, but to an Emperor. Mo Yan entered. Everyone stood in reverence as he walked down the center path toward the throne. Every stride carried dignity and absolute discipline. The crowd watched his glorious silhouette, feeling as though King Dao Shuling himself had returned. As Mo Yan ascended the throne and sat, the assembly took their seats. Yu Sui watched him, his heart overflowing with disbelief and immense pride.

  But before a single word could be spoken, the body of a guard crashed through the main doors.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Instantly, Mo Yan and Yu Sui sprang into action. They stood up and unsheathed their swords in a flash. At that moment, Wui Guan stormed in with fifty followers. Behind them were twenty of Mo Yan’s own disciples, led by Bao Fang and Su Nian, their blades drawn.

  The hall fell into a terrifying silence mixed with chaos. Seeing the naked steel, everyone except Mo Yan’s followers fled the hall. When Wui Guan’s eyes landed on Yu Sui standing there, the last shred of mercy in her gaze was incinerated by rage.

  Without a word, Wui Guan hurled a mantra talisman directly at Yu Sui. In mid-air, the paper transformed into a black serpent, lunging at him with bared fangs. But before it could reach him, the crown upon Yu Sui’s head awakened. A deep, crimson aura erupted from it, devouring the serpent before it could even strike.

  Lady Shiyan Lee, Lady Wang Ayi, Duie, and especially Wui Guan froze in shock. The serpent turned into a ball of fire in the air and crumbled into ashes upon the floor.

  A heavy silence descended. Mo Yan stepped forward and stood firmly by Yu Sui’s side. This sight only infuriated Wui Guan further. She gave a crooked, venomous smile and signaled the twenty disciples to advance. Mo Yan, who had already noticed his disciples, gave no reaction.

  The twenty disciples moved in from both sides, approaching Mo Yan. Wui Guan waited for a bloody spectacle, her smile widening but her eyes suddenly stretched wide in disbelief. Instead of attacking, the disciples moved past Mo Yan and stood behind him in perfect formation. Mo Yan looked back at Su Nian and the others. Su Nian’s eyes reflected pride and duty, while Mo Yan’s expression remained one of unwavering resolve.

  For Wui Guan, the dam of patience finally broke. She drew her sword and charged forward herself.

  In the blink of an eye, the battle erupted. Yu Sui remained standing, silently calming the rage boiling within him. Wui Guan’s sword clashed against Mo Yan’s with a violent ring. Soon, the entire hall echoed with the clashing of steel.

  Wui Guan, burning with hatred, turned to strike Yu Sui. But before her blade could get near, Mo Yan moved. He stood like an iron wall between her and Yu Sui, pointing his sword at her. His stance was immovable, his eyes trailing fire. A lethal, bloody duel broke out between them. Wui Guan tried desperately to bypass Mo Yan to reach Yu Sui, but Mo Yan was so masterful with his blade that not even the tip of her sword could graze Yu Sui’s robes.

  This was enough to break Wui Guan’s sanity. Her rage exploded toward the heavens as she screamed:

  "Wake up, Mo Yan! You are protecting a demon! Step aside, Mo Yan!"

  Mo Yan’s sword whistled through the air, nearly grazing her neck as he countered her. Wui Guan retreated, her voice echoing in every corner of the pavilion:

  "How dare you protect him... Mo Yan! To what depths of betrayal will you sink? Huh! After killing my husband, Master Shen Jichuan?!"

  Wui Guan’s eyes were spitting fire, her anger uncontrollable.

  "Shen Jichuan! He helped you once! Do not forget that, Mo Yan! You are alive today only because of him! And what did you do? You killed him! You should be ashamed to call yourself an Emperor! Is this how you repay your debt of gratitude? Shame on you, Mo Yan! How long will you keep protecting this demon?"