The five figures drifted through the sky, traveling unhurriedly toward the Imperial Capital. Song Que suddenly stopped above a village, instantly sensing an unusual aura hanging heavily in the air."Something isn't right down there," Song Que muttered. His sensitivity to the world around him warned him of an approaching threat. "We need to go down and see what's happening."Below them, what appeared to be a peaceful village was actually being consumed by terror. Wild beasts roamed freely, threatening the lives of its residents. Song Que's four companions immediately recognized the leadership role he carried and swiftly followed his instructions.Amid the despair, an elderly man whose face was etched with sorrow raised both hands toward the gloomy sky. "O Heavens, is there truly no salvation for us while this terror runs rampant? If these beasts break through our defenses, destruction will be our fate!"He stood amidst the growing chaos, his voice carried by the howling wind, serving a

The grand hall of the restaurant was filled with a tension that seemed to seep into the bones. With its towering ceiling and glass walls, natural light illuminated every corner, adding dramatic emphasis to the confrontation unfolding within.A gentle breeze drifted through the open spaces, carrying a faint rustling sound that was nearly drowned out by the oppressive silence.The polished wooden tables were arranged neatly, yet no one dared touch the dishes that had already been served.Every gaze was fixed upon the center of attention, where Zi Shin stood with a straight posture, facing Qing Fei whose body radiated an aura of fury. The energy released by Qing Fei resembled waves of scorching heat surging toward Zi Shin, almost visible to the naked eye.At another table, Zi Hao gripped the edge so tightly that his knuckles turned white, barely restraining his anger over the way his sister was being treated.Yewon, speaking in a voice that sought to calm the situation, tried to ease the

“Father, I refuse to accept a brother-in-law who is not part of the Imperial Family. If it were the Emperor of Wu or the Emperor of Wu’s own younger brother, that would be one thing. But this is merely the son of an Imperial Advisor. Isn’t this an insult to us, the rulers of the Qing Empire?” Qing Fei vehemently opposed his younger sister Yewon’s marriage to Zi Hao.Qing Duan looked at his son. “The Emperor of Wu has promised to give us half of the Shi Empire and open trade routes through the Wu Empire.”Enraged, Qing Fei slammed his hand onto the dining table made from centuries-old pine wood, causing several porcelain plates to shift from their places.“No, Father! How can we sell our dignity for such superficial benefits?” he shouted, his sharp eyes filled with deep disappointment.Qing Duan, seated calmly at the end of the table, let out a heavy sigh.“Fei, this is not about selling our dignity. This is about strengthening our position and securing the future of the Qing Empire,”

“For the bride and groom, please proceed with the Wedding Ritual.” The person appointed to officiate the sacred ceremony spoke. Zi Hao, wearing a bright expression and a gentle smile, looked at Qing Yewon walking beside him with eyes full of hope. Meanwhile, Qing Yewon kept her head lowered, her steps heavy. The white wedding dress she wore seemed like a symbol of surrender to a fate she had never chosen for herself. Although she knew that Zi Hao was a better choice than any of the other men who had once desired her, her heart still felt burdened because this marriage was not a decision that had come purely from her own wishes. As she walked toward the altar, Yewon tried to strengthen her resolve. “What am I even thinking?” she whispered inwardly, trying to drive away the doubts that continued to haunt her. On one hand, she felt fortunate because Zi Hao was known as a good and responsible man. On the other hand, she felt disappointed because she had no freedom to choose her own

Ming Lu felt an extraordinary tremor throughout his body, still staggering weakly after being struck by such a powerful punch. His body felt as though it had been hit by a boulder, his breathing was ragged, and his eyes were filled with confusion and fury. He stared at the figure who had just saved Qing Duan. Amid the faint shadows stood a man upright, radiating an overwhelming aura of power. Song Que.With a cold and expressionless face, Song Que stood beside Qing Duan, the Qilin Scale Sword in his right hand, ready to face an opponent far stronger than himself. Yet the sharpness in his eyes showed no fear, even though Ming Lu was a far more dangerous enemy."Song Que..." Qing Duan whispered, still panting as he tried to endure the pain from the battle that had just taken place. "What are you doing here?"Song Que glanced briefly at the old Emperor, his face remaining calm. "Guarding the palace, protecting those worthy of protection." He looked toward Ming Lu, who was still sprawled