Undying Life

Chapter 731: Chapter 731: Hao Meili’s Revenge

"Boom!"

The four main gates of Feather Fan City slammed shut. Under the leadership of several generals, the troops began cleaning up the aftermath and restoring the previous arrangements.

Xiao Wang was left to await his fate.

However, Zhong Shan did not bring Xiao Wang up to the floating island. Xiao Wang looked up at Zhong Shan with a frown, puzzled by his intentions.

He was already a prisoner, so what was Zhong Shan planning?

"Guards, execute Xiao Wang on the spot!" Zhong Shan ordered abruptly.

Zhong Shan's command came too suddenly. Execute on the spot? Shui Jing, Zhao Suoxiang, Zhong Zheng, and others looked at Zhong Shan in surprise. Wasn't the emperor planning to recruit Xiao Wang? Why the sudden execution after all this effort?

Xiao Wang also felt a shiver run through him. The fearless facade he had maintained crumbled. Xiao Wang was no fool. He knew that Zhong Shan's decision to let his subordinates go was a move to recruit him. So why the sudden execution order?

Exhausted both physically and mentally, Xiao Wang suddenly felt a chilling sensation from head to toe. He realized that Zhong Shan had let his subordinates leave to avoid a desperate last stand, which would have caused significant losses. Now, by executing him, Zhong Shan could turn and deal with his subordinates easily.

He wants to kill me?

Xiao Wang believed that if Zhong Shan wanted him dead now, there was no chance of escape.

In that instant, the seed of "never be enemies with Zhong Shan" that had been planted in Xiao Wang's heart suddenly grew immensely. Zhong Shan's figure loomed large and overpowering, capable of crushing him like an ant.

Understanding the situation, Xiao Wang's mind accepted his fate. He felt utterly defeated, recognizing Zhong Shan's superiority. This realization changed Xiao Wang's inner mindset, seeing himself below Zhong Shan, not just physically but also mentally and spiritually. He no longer harbored any thought of opposing Zhong Shan.

Resigned to his fate, Xiao Wang took a deep breath, feeling a sudden weariness.

"The victor becomes the king, the loser the bandit. I surrender, but I hope you will spare my brothers," Xiao Wang said, pointing to the generals behind him.

"Commander—!"

The generals knelt together, tears streaming down their faces.

"Father, let's fight! Let's fight!" Xiao Yuanfeng shouted tragically.

"Let's fight—!"

The generals echoed his cry with a tragic shout.

"Silence!" Xiao Wang roared.

The voices stopped, but the tears in their eyes continued to flow.

Silencing his army, Xiao Wang looked up at Zhong Shan, awaiting his decision.

Zhong Shan looked at Xiao Wang, a hint of admiration in his eyes. He waved his hand.

Zhao Suoxiang's army quickly made an opening.

"Xiao Yuanfeng, listen to my command!" Xiao Wang ordered.

"Father!" Xiao Yuanfeng's eyes flashed with tragic determination.

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"Lead the army back to Dragon Slayer City!" Xiao Wang commanded.

"Father—!"

"Commander—!"

The generals were reluctant to leave.

"This is an order!" Xiao Wang said sternly.

"Yes, sir!" Xiao Yuanfeng accepted the order with unwillingness and sorrow.

Xiao Yuanfeng vowed to hold Dragon Slayer City because only by holding it might he save his father.

Under the command, the army slowly withdrew from Feather Fan City.

Just then, a sudden shout came from the sky.

"Wait!"

Everyone looked up to see three figures standing in mid-air.

Leading them was a man in white robes, the head of the Tian family, Tian Xiaozi. The other two were also known to Zhong Shan—two heavenly experts from the Tian family who had opposed him in the past.

Three heavenly experts had suddenly descended.

"Tian Xiaozi?" Zhong Shan's eyes narrowed.

"Zhong Shan, I didn't expect it to be you," Tian Xiaozi said with a faint smile.

"Master Tian, what brings you here uninvited?" Zhong Shan asked coldly.

Tian Xiaozi took a deep look at Zhong Shan and then glanced at the disheveled Xiao Wang below.

"Originally, I shouldn't interfere in a war between dynasties, but I hope you'll do me a favor and let me take Xiao Wang. If you need anything in return, just let me know," Tian Xiaozi said, rather presumptuously.

Tian Xiaozi's words angered everyone. Ten years of preparation had led to this moment, and now he wanted to take Xiao Wang just like that?

Zhao Suoxiang's eyes flared with anger. He raised his spear, ready to attack Tian Xiaozi at Zhong Shan's command.

Tian Xiaozi seemed to rely on his three heavenly experts as enough qualification to make such a request. His politeness towards Zhong Shan was merely a formality.

Looking at Tian Xiaozi, then at Xiao Wang, Zhong Shan smiled faintly. "If Master Tian wants him, then take him."

Everyone was shocked by Zhong Shan's words. Tian Xiaozi himself was taken aback, but quickly regained his composure.

"Thank you, Zhong Shan. You have my gratitude," Tian Xiaozi said, nodding. He gestured to his men, and they descended to take Xiao Wang.

As Tian Xiaozi's men approached, Zhong Shan called out, "But remember, Xiao Wang's fate is now in your hands, Tian Xiaozi. If he returns to oppose me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Tian Xiaozi paused, looking back at Zhong Shan. "Understood, Zhong Shan."

With that, Tian Xiaozi and his men took Xiao Wang and left.

Zhong Shan watched them go, his expression unreadable. Then he turned to his generals. "Prepare for the next phase. This isn't over yet."

The generals nodded, still processing the surprising turn of events. Zhong Shan's strategy was always layered, and they knew this was just another step in his intricate plans.

Zhong Shan's sudden generosity made Tian Xiaozi's pupils contract in surprise, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"You don't want anything? A city? One, ten, or even thirty, you can name your price!" Tian Xiaozi said in a serious tone.

The generals were visibly excited by this proposition.

"No need, take him away," Zhong Shan said, waving his hand dismissively.

The generals looked disappointed, but none dared to question their emperor's decision.

After giving Zhong Shan a long, deep look, Tian Xiaozi nodded. One of the heavenly experts grabbed Xiao Wang, and the four of them disappeared from sight.

"Father, this..." Zhong Zheng frowned slightly.

"The objective has been achieved. While Xiao Wang was subdued, he couldn't be fully recruited," Zhong Shan shook his head.

"Why? We had three heavenly experts to contend with, it wasn't impossible," Zhong Zheng didn't understand.

"Contend? We could do more than contend. I could have kept them here easily. But the situation is complex. In time, you'll understand. For now, Xiao Wang's best place is to return. What needed to be done is done. When the time comes, Xiao Wang will naturally become part of Great Zhen," Zhong Shan said confidently.

"But Your Majesty, Tian Xiaozi was willing to trade thirty cities. Why refuse?" Zhao Suoxiang asked, puzzled.

"It wasn't an offer for us; it was for Xiao Wang. How could His Majesty trade such a commander for thirty cities?" Shui Jing said, shaking his feather fan.

"Indeed. Feather Fan City will no longer be a point of contention for Xiao Wang after this. Rest and prepare to take other cities," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes!" Shui Jing and Zhao Suoxiang responded immediately.

Zhong Shan returned to the capital, Changjing.

In Dragon Slayer City, the generals eagerly welcomed Xiao Wang back. Xiao Yuanfeng was the happiest, overjoyed at his father's return.

After sending everyone away, Xiao Wang and Tian Xiaozi entered the main hall.

"Master, I failed you. I let you down," Xiao Wang said, bowing in apology.

"Forget it, everyone makes mistakes. Take this as a lesson," Tian Xiaozi said, comforting him.

"Yes," Xiao Wang nodded with a sigh.

"Don't blame yourself too much. Zhong Shan is indeed a formidable opponent. But don't worry, I have a plan to deal with him," Tian Xiaozi said solemnly.

"Oh?"

"This plan still needs some refinement, but once it's ready, Great Zhen will be leaderless, the Eternal World will be affected, and the Five Colors Imperial Dynasty will be severely damaged. It will be a triple victory. Then, you'll have your moment to shine, and we'll take the south, establishing a north-south standoff," Tian Xiaozi's eyes gleamed with determination.

"Yes!" Xiao Wang responded.

Back in Changjing.

"Your Majesty, a visitor claiming to be an old acquaintance requests to see you," a guard reported respectfully.

"Oh? Who?" Zhong Shan asked, curious.

"I asked, but she wouldn't say," the guard replied.

"Oh?"

"Several guards tried to stop her, but they were knocked unconscious instantly. It's very mysterious," the guard added.

"Mysterious?" Zhong Shan's brows furrowed.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Not daring to confront her, we led her to the East Dragon Pavilion and asked her to wait there for your return," the guard explained.

"What does she look like?" Zhong Shan asked.

The guard immediately used a spell to project the image of a girl, looking extremely haggard.

"Hao Meili?" Zhong Shan's pupils contracted.

The guard was taken aback. Hao Meili? The emperor had never praised anyone like this before. Could it be that the emperor had a soft spot for this type of woman?

"Alright, you can leave now," Zhong Shan said, taking a deep breath.

"Yes, sir!" The guard quickly retreated.

Zhong Shan headed straight towards the East Dragon Pavilion. Hao Meili? Why was she here? Where was her master, Xi Du Huang? And why did she suddenly look so haggard?

Zhong Shan soon arrived at the small courtyard of the East Dragon Pavilion. The main hall door was ajar, and in a small corner of the room, Hao Meili was curled up, hugging a colorful robe, looking sorrowful.

"Who's there?" Hao Meili called out in a frightened voice.

She saw Zhong Shan walking in.

"Zhong Shan, Zhong Shan!" Hao Meili's eyes filled with tears.

She put away Xi Du Huang's colorful robe and ran over.

Covered in dirt, she threw herself into Zhong Shan's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Zhong Shan was caught off guard by Hao Meili's sudden reaction. He gently patted her back, trying to soothe her.

After crying for a while, she seemed to have vented a lot of her emotions, and her sobs grew quieter.

"What happened? What's going on? Where is Xi Du Huang?" Zhong Shan asked softly.

"Master, my master was murdered!" Hao Meili's tears started flowing again.

Master? Hao Meili had always called Xi Du Huang 'old man,' no matter how much he insisted she call him 'master.' She had called him 'old man' all her life. But now, in death, she called him 'master'?

Zhong Shan sighed slightly. Despite Hao Meili's rebellious nature, her core was very principled. Like Xi Du Huang, she always called him 'old man,' but deep down, she recognized him as a close family member. Hence, her emotional outburst. Underneath her proud exterior was a heart full of insecurity.

"What happened? Who did this?" Zhong Shan asked.

"It was the Eternal World. The people from the Eternal World killed my master. Zhong Shan, you have to destroy the Eternal World for me. I want that old bastard to be torn to pieces. Zhong Shan, you have to kill him for me!" Hao Meili pushed Zhong Shan away, her face filled with fury.

"The Eternal World?" Zhong Shan raised an eyebrow.

"What? You don't want to help me?" Hao Meili glared at Zhong Shan, as if he would become her enemy if he refused.

Her capricious nature would be unbearable for most people.

"At least tell me what happened. What exactly happened?" Zhong Shan said.

"So, you're saying you'll help me get revenge?" Hao Meili's expression changed from anger to surprise.

"First, clean yourself up, get some rest, and when you're calm, tell me everything in detail," Zhong Shan said.

"No, I don't want to rest. I want revenge. You have to avenge my master. They killed my master. I want them torn to pieces. I want their souls tortured thousands of times over. I want them to suffer a fate worse than death!" Hao Meili screamed.

"Alright then, tell me what happened. Why couldn't you curse them? Why did Xi Du Huang die? How did you provoke the Eternal World?" Zhong Shan asked, nodding.