On the other hand, he also thought that the emperor’s decree had to be carried out in order to sustain the needs of the stomach that could not be ignored.“Your Majesty, if we simply demand without giving anything in return, the people will grow resentful toward us.”“Then what is your suggestion?” asked Emperor Yan Yuan.“We should use the palace treasury to purchase food supplies from them,” Liu Zun suggested.“There is no need! What use is it for me to be emperor if the people will not submit to my decree? Order the soldiers to carry out my command at once!” Emperor Yan Yuan barked.“But, Your Majesty, the people may lose respect for you if we force them,” Liu Zun quickly replied.“Do not defy my orders! Once the war is over, I will rule with an iron fist so that no one will ever dare shake my authority again!” Emperor Yan Yuan snapped.“As you command, Your Majesty. I shall see it done at once.” Liu Zun bowed respectfully before leaving the hall.The chief general of the Yuan Dyna

“Oh, they will be preparing, Ranu. Do you think they might head toward the cave where we are hiding?”“It’s possible, Mei. Those soldiers who returned most likely went to inform their comrades.”“In that case, let’s finish them off now!” Mei Hwa replied eagerly.“Not here. Let’s wait until they enter the forest first. If we fight here, we’ll have trouble clearing away their bodies.”Mei Hwa nodded. The two of them then darted into the forest to carry out their plan—to slaughter the hundreds of soldiers who intended to ambush Wan Fenli and the others.Three hundred soldiers, led by Han Zi, finally moved toward the cave where Wan Fenli, Mahesa, and Wang Dong were sound asleep. They deliberately left their horses at the junction, as it was impossible to ride them in the darkness.When they reached the forest and drew closer to the cave, the steps of the soldiers halted—two figures were already standing in their way.“Your steps end h

Wan Fenli quickly left after Ranu finished speaking. The female warrior, who was also the leader of the Sky Sword Sect, darted into the darkness of the night, disappearing through the lush trees of the forest.“Mei, you should sleep first. I’ll keep watch tonight!”Mei Hwa shook her head. She couldn’t allow the young man to stay awake while she slept soundly.“Mei,” Ranu called softly, “if both of us don’t sleep tonight, then who will stand guard tomorrow?”“What dream did I just have? Ranu never calls me with such gentleness,” Mei Hwa thought to herself.“Why are you silent and not answering my question?”Startled from her thoughts, Mei Hwa stammered, “Ah… yes. I’ll sleep first, then tomorrow I’ll take the watch while you rest,” she replied.The beautiful girl lay down on the green grass beneath a large tree. Beside her, Ranu sat cross-legged, trying to ease the lingering pain in his arm.The night passed in pe