Even though he possessed the ability to achieve a similar result to what Hao Zun had shown earlier, Fang Yun relied on an entirely different method. Instead of vanishing instantly like Hao Zun, he propelled himself forward using two advanced lightness techniques that he had mastered through years of relentless training. Hao Zun, on the other hand, truly disappeared from sight—his figure dissolving into the air only to reappear at another point in an instant.As the strongest warrior across the land of Hu, Fang Yun had confirmed this with certainty. When he fought Hao Li earlier, he had already activated the Divine Eye, yet he still failed to detect the slightest trace of Hao Li’s movement. There had been no shift, no step, not even an intention sensed through energy flow. It was as if Hao Li had simply ceased existing for a moment.“I can heal you, and I can also free you,” Fang Yun said after lowering himself into a crouch beside Hao Zun. His voice was calm but carried a weight of au

As Zhao Wen and Wang Dong spurred their horses toward the main formation, Prince Xiao Yu’s expression brightened with unmistakable relief. With a graceful yet commanding motion born from years of leadership, he lifted his right hand high into the air. Instantly, the thunderous rhythm of marching feet and galloping hooves faded into silence as his troops responded to the signal.“Your servant greets the Prince,” Wang Dong declared respectfully once he and Zhao Wen stopped before Prince Xiao Yu’s entourage, lowering his head in deep acknowledgment.“Wang, where are the others? Why have only the two of you returned?” Jian Kun asked, concern creeping into his voice.“The Princess and the others are waiting over there, Sir,” Wang Dong responded, pointing toward the concealed cavern among the sharp ridges of rock.“Why not gather at the three-way crossing?” Prince Xiao Yu asked next, puzzled by the choice.“It would be too risky to gather in an open junction, Your Highness. Allow us to guid

With flickering flames dancing in his palm, Fang Yun ran swiftly through the thousand-meter-long passage. The distance, though not insignificant, was easily covered by the young man in mere moments—his agile form cutting through the darkness like a shadow in the night.When he reached the end of the passage, Fang Yun saw an iron door above his head. He climbed the iron ladder leaning against the brick wall, his hands gripping the cold rungs with steady strength.Slowly, he pushed against the rusted iron door. Using just a fraction of his power, it swung open gently, making barely a sound.The stench of horse dung hit his nose immediately. It turned out the secret passage’s door was hidden beneath a pile of manure, right next to the stables.“No wonder it was so heavy,” Fang Yun muttered, wincing as he brushed dirt from his sleeves. Quickly, he leaped up and pulled the iron door closed again, moving with such care that not even a single clink of metal echoed through the night.After sc

:On the other hand, he also thought that what the emperor had commanded was indeed necessary to sustain the unbearable pangs of hunger that gnawed at the people’s bellies.“Your Majesty, if we only ask for something without giving anything in return, the people will grow to resent us,” he said, his voice laced with quiet concern that echoed softly in the grand hall’s high ceilings.“Then what do you suggest?” Emperor Yan Yuan asked, his eyes narrowing as he leaned back in his gilded throne, fingers steepled beneath his chin.“We could use the imperial treasury’s gold to buy food supplies directly from them,” Liu Zun proposed, hoping his words would reach the emperor’s more reasonable side.“Unnecessary! What is the point of me being emperor if my people refuse to obey my orders? Command the soldiers now to carry out my decree!” Emperor Yan Yuan roared, his voice booming off the marble walls and making the torches flicker wildly.“But, Your Majesty, the people may no longer hold you i

Fang Yun and Mei Hwa leaped high into the treetops, their bodies moving with the grace and lightness of seasoned warriors. Through the dimming light, the pair caught a faint glimpse of a group of people walking toward them, their figures casting long shadows on the dirt path below.“Who are they, Mei?” Fang Yun asked, his eyes narrowing as he stared intently at the hundreds of figures approaching. The near-darkness made it hard for him to make out their faces clearly, but he could sense the weariness in their steps.“I don’t know, Fang Yun. Let’s just wait and see. But from their clothes—and the number of women and children with them—they look like people from the capital. The direction they’re coming from leads straight there,” Mei Hwa replied, her gaze also fixed on the group, her brow furrowed with curiosity and concern.It didn’t take long for the hundreds of people, driven out of the capital, to reach the crossroads. Their feet were covered in dust, their faces pale with hunger a