White-Robed Chief

Her reputation had spread faster than them hurrying on with their journey such that she was famous even before they arrived at certain places. It was truly strange.

As a result of Xiao Qi’s killing along the way, more than fifty masters had fallen under her sword.

Chu Li had offended too many people in the martial art world. Especially now that he was with Xiao Qi, the fact that the Yi Public House was extremely formidable was also bearing down too many martial art world masters.

Since there was an opportunity to teach Chu Li a lesson and kill Xiao Qi in the process, they were extremely eager to do it. As they could not wait, they either banded together with others or fought alone. Consequently, Xiao Qi had been extremely occupied throughout their journey as she was encountering different opponents every day.

In the beginning, Xiao Qi was still merciful, whereby she did not cripple them of their martial arts. Yet after some advice from Chu Li, she eventually realized that being forgiving would only attract more people as she was not intimidating at all. So, she finally became ruthless by negating their martial arts or slashing their limbs off.

With her treasure sword, she attacked at an exceptionally high speed. Besides, with the help of Chu Li’s God’s Limbs, they were untouchable wherever they went. Until now, she had not faced a strong enemy.

If someone had more profound inner energy than Xiao Qi, Chu Li would secretly operate his inner energy to assist her. If someone had remarkable swordsmanship and had excellent speed, Chu Li would guide Xiao Qi with his God’s Limbs. The combined attacks from the two of them were truly awe-inspiring.

In the evening, a third of a mile away from Fairy’s Capital’s south gate.

A group of strong, capable Protectors was seen occupying one side of the road and people were disallowed from getting close to the parting pavilion by the road.

In the parting pavilion, the evening breeze stirred. Prince Bao and Prince Kang were seen sitting by the stone table as they sipped on tea that was brought by their scribes.

Roughly a hundred protectors surrounded the pavilion, so much so that not even a fly could enter. They watched their surroundings like ravening tigers and they were constantly alert.

If someone like King An could be murdered, what was impossible?

As those from the Imperial Family had been worried lately, the protectors had become stricter as well.

The two princes conversed while they enjoyed their tea.

“I wonder how Little Chu is now? It must feel awful to be crippled of his martial arts.”

“I don’t think he’ll be too depressed. After all, he has a beautiful wife by his side.”

“Haha…” Prince Bao shook his head. “He has benefited from his misfortune. Little Chu’s truly blessed to have married the Third Lady!”

“Third Lady is not easy to deal with. I heard that she has been killing people throughout her journey and have since earned the title White Sword Fairy.” Prince Kang chuckled. “I didn’t expect Third Lady’s martial arts to be so powerful!”

“Third Lady…” Prince Bao sighed. “Indeed, she’s a rare, strange lady, but only a strange lady like her deserves Little Chu.”

“That’s true.” Prince Kang grinned. “This time, we have finally managed to transfer Little Chu back. I wonder if it’s going to be a blessing or a curse.”

They were quite worried about Chu Li’s current state.

Chu Li was renowned in Fairy’s Capital, but it was all built on the foundation of his profound martial arts. However, since Chu Li’s martial art had been negated, it meant that he was a featherless phoenix. For that, they were afraid that he would be suppressed by the public.

Even if Xiao Qi had magnificent martial art skills, she was still far from how Chu Li used to be. Thus, it would be tough to save the situation.

Moreover, King An’s Imperial Residence had no leader now. The moment King An died, King An’s Imperial Residence was destined to decline and it was no longer daunting. As such, those with ulterior motives would attack them unscrupulously, leaving Chu Li in an unfavorable spot.

“It doesn’t matter.” Prince Bao shook his head. “Everyone thinks that Little Chu’s reputation is entirely built on his martial art, but they’re unaware that his schemes are outstanding too.”

“As outstanding as his schemes are, I’m afraid that he won’t be able to stop the assassins.” Prince Kang sighed.

He foresaw that once Chu Li returned to King An’s Imperial Residence, it would be flooded with assassins, given the fact that many people wanted to take his life.

Prince An simply smiled. “You’re underestimating Little Chu. Let’s just wait and see. If it doesn’t work, we’ll just send these masters over.”

Prince Kang nodded.

While they conversed, a young scribe suddenly uttered softly, “Your Highnesses, Head Chief Chu has arrived!”

“Let’s go welcome him!” Prince Bao suggested with a smile.

The two of them then moved past their Protectors to go welcome Chu Li and Xiao Qi.

…

When Chu Li and Xiao Qi returned to King An’s Imperial Residence, Xiao Shi, Song Liuying, and Xue Ningyu welcomed them at the entrance.

After many days, King An’s body had been buried.

The residence was filled with a solemn atmosphere, and people were anxious to know if King An’s Imperial Residence would remain. They wondered if the consorts would return to their respective homes, forcing everyone else in the residence to disperse.

Even though King An’s Imperial Residence was still here, without King An, it would not be valued by the Emperor anymore. Its status would be so insignificant that it would be more inferior to a crown prince’s official residence, which was extremely different from how it used to be.

The instant Chu Li arrived, everyone’s spirit lightened up.

Nevertheless, once they recalled that Chu Li had lost his martial art and was now nothing but a crippled man, their hearts sank again.

As soon as Chu Li entered the residence, he heard a voice outside before he could even sit to rest. “Head Chief Chu from King An’s Imperial Residence, receive your order!”

Upon hearing that, Chu Li quickly went outside. Following that, he gave fist salutes to the two black-robed internal guards of the Imperial House. “Chu Li from King An’s Imperial Residence accepts the order!”

Due to the brightly lit lanterns, the two black-robed internal guards of the Imperial House could be seen clearly.

“Chu Li is ordered to enter the Palace immediately, and he is to be accompanied by his wife, Lady Xiao.” Smiling, the two black-robed internal guards of the Imperial House then gave him a fist salute. “Head Chief Chu, enter the palace with your wife. It’s best that you start moving now. The Emperor is waiting for you.”

Chu Li replied slowly, “Alright, please wait for a moment, I’ll get changed.”

“Faster, you must not let the Emperor wait.” The two imperial guards nodded.

At that moment, Xiao Qi was pacing back and forth in Chu Li’s courtyard. When she heard what was ordered, she panicked.

The instant Chu Li returned to her, she quickly approached him.

Chu Li shook his head. “You don’t have to say anything.”

Xiao Qi furrowed her brows. “Is the Emperor suspecting you?”

Chu Li smiled. “I don’t think so.”

Xiao Qi was relieved. “I’m just afraid that he has sensed something. You must be careful.”

While she was not completely aware of an Enlightened Master’s power, she knew that one must be unfathomable and could be capable of anything.

Chu Li nodded. “Just pretend as if you don’t know anything.”

Xiao Qi pursed her lips tightly before she nodded.

After changing into new clothes, they followed the internal guards to the Imperial House.

Xiao Qi was led to the Empress by the Scribes, whereas Chu Li was brought to Chong Wen Hall.

Chong Wen Hall was brightly lit.

Memorials to the throne were placed on the Emperor’s table, and Leng Qufeng was seen sitting on his armchair in a bright yellow robe. His face was pale as he read the memorials to the throne downheartedly, seemingly impatient as he constantly frowned. Then, he threw the memorial aside. He was too mad to continue reading it.

A brief moment later, he picked it up again, wrote a few words with a red-inked pen, then tossed it aside again.

“Emperor, Chu Li is here,” an old scribe with white brows reported after he entered Chong Wen Hall.

“Oh…?” Leng Wufeng pushed the memorials aside and became extremely interested. “Call him in!”

“Yes.” The old scribe with white brows quickly brought Chu Li into the main hall.

Once Chu Li had entered the hall, he greeted the emperor with a bow and a fist salute. “Greetings, Emperor.”

As of now, Leng Wufeng did not bear the imposing manner of an Enlightened Master. Instead, he appeared like an elder with no martial art skills yet his eyes were still as sharp as ever, where his prestige could be vaguely sensed. The Enlightened Master was intentionally curbing his true self.

Leng Wufeng looked at Chu Li from head to toe. Then, he nodded satisfyingly. “Your martial arts has really been crippled. You’re such a fool.”

All Chu Li did was smile.

He wanted to escape so badly as his heart had been warning him to stay away from Leng Wufeng.

In spite of that, Chu Li still maintained a straight face and he became more steady.

Leng Wufeng then asked, “King An’s Imperial Residence is now tied to you, what are you going to do? Have you not regain your martial arts after such a long time?”

Chu Li shook his head.