【The Demon King】(Episodes 12-14) Author: Laughter of a Coffin?

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Episode 12 of "The Demon King" Chapter
1: The Rhythm Before the Storm

The plum rain season in Jiangnan had long passed, yet the air remained damp. A sudden downpour halted
people's leisurely strolls, erasing many traces that should have been there.

If this rain continued for another three or four days, causing the river to swell, it would likely be another disaster.
The teahouses along the street were bustling with noise. Even with such bad weather, some couldn't resist the urge to linger, could they? If they couldn't go shopping,
they could still drink tea and listen to music.

Life is about enjoyment.

Sipping tea while swaying to music, and then shouting a few cheers after each song—that
was the scene in the teahouses. But some people weren't so content.

Amidst the boisterous laughter and chatter, a sudden, piercing voice rang out so abruptly that
it was impossible to ignore, no matter how hard one tried.

"Alas, this rain is pouring down. Shouldn't the local officials petition the court for disaster relief?"

These words stunned everyone.

Throughout the centuries-long history of the Great Hua Kingdom, there was an unspoken rule: discuss only local
gossip and anecdotes, never matters of state. Now, someone was openly discussing such things in public. After a moment of surprise,
whispers began to circulate.

A buzzing sound filled the air.

The speaker was a middle-aged man in his early forties with a short beard. Seeing that he had successfully captured everyone's
attention , a glint of light flashed in his narrow eyes. He then
tapped his fingers three times on the table as if picking up a teacup.

Watching his movements intently was a man in blue robes upstairs. Seeing the pre-arranged signal appear,
he cleared his throat and began to deliver a theory of dubious origin.

"Ahem, I suppose this gentleman is unaware of the current situation, hence his question?"

"Oh? What brings you to this young man's words?" The short-bearded man immediately chimed in, appearing quite interested.

Although it's not about state affairs, it wouldn't hurt to listen, would it? The other tea drinkers continued sipping their tea, seemingly
unconcerned , but every single one of them was straining their ears, intently watching the conversation between the two.

"Alas, my friend, you are unaware of this. Since the passing of His Majesty the Crown Prince,
His Majesty affairs of state are being handled by the three princes. Even attending court has been suspended. Apart from the three princes,
there are very few ministers who have had the opportunity to see His Majesty's face.

"And now, Prince Ding has returned to his post in the Northeast, Prince Rong is in Tianjin
, and Prince Zhen is busy with the defense of the capital. Even if this memorial is submitted, it will be a long time before it is processed. So, instead of waiting for
the court better off finding a way to save yourself and seeking refuge with a reliable relative."
This was truly a treasonous statement. To say such a thing in front of so many people, was that man in blue robes courting death?
The tea drinkers were astonished, and even the teahouse owner sensed something was wrong. He had just given a wink to the waiter when
a .

Silently and without saying a word, he simply handed over a token held in his palm.

The shopkeeper immediately widened his eyes and bowed obsequiously in agreement. As for the two people who had been spouting nonsense
… well, he hadn’t seen them, but you had?

“Young brother, is what you say true?” The man was startled, his eyes subtly sweeping
over astonished crowd before adding, “You mustn’t speak carelessly about such things.” His words showed absolutely no
awareness of the impending disaster.

“How could I speak carelessly? If you don’t believe me, fine. It just so happens that I have a relative who is a high-ranking official in the capital, holding
the position of a second-rank official. How could his information be false?” The man in blue spoke with such conviction that
it was hard to doubt him.

The man with the short beard pondered for a moment, seemingly weighing the veracity of his words. After a while, the knowing look
on his face showed that he believed him.

"Won't that plunge the people of Jiangnan into misery? Does the court... simply
not care about our lives?"

"Well..." Despite the cool weather, the man in blue robes still swung his folding
fan with an air of arrogance. He appeared unfathomable, keeping everyone in suspense.

Now, not only the middle-aged man with the short beard, but also the other tea drinkers had unknowingly fallen into their
trap. Their fear was suppressed by curiosity, and they couldn't help but
stretch their already long necks even further.

It was a bitter experience to hear the crucial part end abruptly. They all stared at the
young man, their thirst for knowledge evident.

"Just say it! Why are you keeping us in suspense?" someone in the audience urged immediately.

"That's right, not being able to give a proper answer is a serious crime of slandering the court. Going to court would be the
least of your worries." Since someone had already challenged him, others continued to shout and fan the flames.

"Exactly, exactly! Young man, why don't you be more generous and clear up this mystery for everyone? Whatever was said
, it came from your mouth and entered everyone's ears." What this fellow said seemed to
make sense, but upon closer inspection, it really meant the same thing as the two above, just put it more politely.

It sounded like the words of a cultured person who had received some education. Unable

to contain themselves, some people started to join in the commotion. Whether out of curiosity or provocation, it was all about getting to the point where the man
in the blue robe was deliberately keeping quiet about his cryptic words.

"Ahem, alright. Since everyone has said so, then I'll be too embarrassed to keep you in suspense any longer. It's just that
what that brother said, once it came from my mouth, entered everyone's ears, so let's just leave it at that...
haha..."

Perhaps because he was still young, the young man in the blue robe frowned and looked troubled when he saw the crowd below shouting in unison.
He then looked at the middle-aged man with the short beard and adopted a rather troubled yet righteous
attitude .

"Since you all insist on my explanation, then I will say this upfront: today's matter
is tantamount to my life, and I hope you will show mercy.

"To be honest, the matter of the three princes assisting in governance is no longer a secret, and I presume everyone should know..."
Some people knew this too. Actually, this matter was both difficult and easy… Everyone knew that Prince Ding was a wise prince,
and now, with His Majesty's entrustment to assist in governance, it would be better to directly inform Prince Ding rather than report the disaster to the court
. Last month, there was a severe drought in the Xiangnan region, and Prince Ding contributed both money and effort. If Jiangnan is in trouble this time, the wise prince will
certainly not ignore it.” Such fluent speech revealed not a trace of difficulty.

As soon as the young man finished speaking, someone quickly responded, echoing, “That’s true. I
have relatives in the Xiangnan region, and it’s true that Prince Ding funded disaster relief.”

“Exactly, Prince Ding is a wise prince, I’ve also heard…”

In an instant, more people joined the heated discussion, with Prince Ding’s name appearing most
frequently . And in such a setting, naturally, everyone unanimously agreed on the word “wise.”

The power of public opinion throughout history has never been underestimated; the saying "the tongue can crush a man" certainly holds some
truth, and rumors can be more ferocious than wild beasts. This time, someone's audacious
act of spreading this public opinion, "risking their life and fortune," did have some effect.

Especially amidst the uncertainties of Jiangnan, the names of the Wise Prince and the Prince of Ding were further enhanced among the people.

Among the crowd discussing heatedly, eyes gleaming, a man with a disdainful expression sat
unnoticed in a corner.

Thick eyebrows, large eyes, an air of righteous indignation, yet his contempt betrayed a deep unease. Glancing at
the crowd deliberately guided towards fervent worship, impatience finally appeared in his eyes. He put down his teacup, casually tossed
a few copper coins away, and then rose to leave.

Outside, the torrential rain poured down. Before stepping inside, the man shook his head and sighed.

He had hoped that with so many people here, he might be able to find out something, but unexpectedly… alas, life is truly unpredictable.
The farce had unfolded, but what would their next move be?

This time, they'd really angered the Duke.
What would that young man, who inherited his title at such a young age, do? Even after spending so much time together, Yang Tongbao admitted he still
hadn't .

He seemed even more unpredictable than his own master?

Glancing again at the oppressively gloomy clouds on
the horizon, Yang Tongbao exhaled a breath of stale air and stepped into the rain, his steps decisive and resolute, as if he hadn't been the one sighing just moments before…

The raindrops hit his bamboo hat and raincoat, not seeping in, but spreading along the patterns before returning to the
puddles on the ground. Three days had passed, and he… still showed no intention of getting up? Could it be… that he was about to
give up completely?

The thought had barely surfaced in his mind when Yang Tongbao quickly shook his head, silencing it. What a terrifying
thought ! If it were true… No, it absolutely cannot be true, absolutely… The Yang family of Jiangnan still depends on him
… This possibility must not be allowed to happen…

His steps became even more resolute than before.

The tea drinkers, who had been discussing the matter with great interest but were deliberately trying to appear discreet
, began
to gather in groups of three or five with their usual congenial tea friends because of the man in the blue robe's words that had stirred up such a stir. Their attention to the instigator had faded.

So, as if they hadn't noticed Yang Tongbao's sarcasm, they hadn't noticed
the two seemingly strangers who had sparked the conversation slowly disappearing into the crowd.

However, they soon reappeared together in the VIP room on the top floor of the teahouse. Although they didn't
speak to each other, their actions showed a strong tacit understanding between them.

The teahouse had three floors, and its decor was extremely luxurious, grand yet understated. Outside the private room, the four treasures of the study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper)
were all provided , and the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings by renowned
contemporary calligraphers, creating a rather luxurious atmosphere. It was clear that such a place was not something the ordinary tea drinkers downstairs, who were only interested in gossip and trivia, could afford.

The man sitting in the private room appeared to be around twenty years old. A refined scholar in a pure white brocade robe, his
handsome face exuded a gentle and elegant demeanor, making it immediately apparent that he was a gentleman, his fierce, battle-
hardened spirit cleverly concealed.

An uninformed person would probably assume he was just a weak and helpless nobleman.

But what was the truth? No one truly knew.

The two men, not daring to raise their heads after entering, stared at the other's brocade boots embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, and knelt down
tremblingly , saying in unison, "This humble subject greets Your Highness."

"Hmm." A casual reply, yet exuding an air of nobility in every gesture, came from
Zhao Qinyun, who had just returned from a trip to the Northeast.

At this moment, he didn't even look at the two kneeling men, lifting his eyelids to gaze at the torrential rain outside the window, and asked, "Who... are
you under my command?"...

"Reporting to Your Highness," after exchanging a glance, the middle-aged man answered Zhao Qinyun's question, replying,
"This humble subject is under Lord Hua Yu."

"Oh." A curt reply indicating that he understood, Zhao Qinyun waved his hand, "Then next...
"

"Understood, this humble subject understands. This humble subject will now set off

for the Gansu area." "Hmm, go." This time, even his tone revealed impatience, and Zhao Qinyun began to concentrate his gaze entirely on the torrential rain. 　　Hua Yu was one of her father's advisors, Zhao Qinyun knew. Combining this with what had just been said, it wasn't hard to deduce that this was a pre-arranged move to build momentum for her side. 　　This was originally a good thing, but Zhao Qinyun's slightly furrowed brows remained unchanged. Only after did she seem to mutter to herself, "Still no movement?" 　　"Reporting to Your Highness, no, he's still kneeling there, not moving, just as he returned. This subordinate believes Your Highness has overestimated him," a voice replied from a relatively secluded corner of the room. 　　Zhao Qinyun shook her head and sighed, "You still don't understand him… You all need to be on guard during this time. If there's any sign of trouble, you must tell me. Being careless will only lead to a big mistake. After all, that person… Father is eager to establish his authority and doesn't understand the situation here, but could it be that even Lord Bai is following suit…" 　　A person she had studied for so long yet still couldn't see through, not even his personality or abilities…

"Isn't someone like that inherently extremely dangerous?" For some reason, Zhao Qinyun subconsciously
felt this person... would play a crucial role in this important matter.

"You... go. Send more men; at this time, we cannot afford any mistakes."

"Yes. Your Highness, Lord Bai said he would like to host a welcome feast for you when you return."

"A welcome feast at this time? Has Lord Bai lost his mind?" After angrily dismissing him, Zhao Qinyun
remembered something else and frowned, saying, "I understand. I will pay my respects later. Go and inform Lord
Bai not to act hastily."

"Your subordinate takes his leave."

When the room returned to silence, the exquisite blue-and-white porcelain teacup shattered into powder in Zhao Qinyun's hand. As he opened
his fingers , he muttered to himself absentmindedly, "Why can't everyone see how terrifying Yang Cunzhen is?
Or am I being too cautious and overestimating him?"

No one answered; the room was silent.

The rain continued to fall relentlessly.

According to celestial omens, continuous torrential rains were an ominous sign. Even the Imperial
Astronomical Bureau officials observed the heavens and performed divinations based on the continuous downpours in Jiangnan.

It is said that the official's compass shattered the moment the divination result was obtained.

Then, someone saw him hurrying into the palace, heading straight for the Emperor, his face so grave that passersby
dared not ask any questions.

This was destined to be a turbulent time!

An Qiao, however, said that if the heavens were to send rain, it must be because of some sorrowful event.

But what was this ominous sign? And for whom was the heavens weeping? Finding the answers was so
difficult, yet the answers were right within reach.

In her memory, An Qiao's voice and smile still floated before her eyes, but in reality? There were also An Ning, Wang
Dong, Lan Yue, Li Caiyu, Yang San, and even Yue Long and Bai Qi, whom she was not yet very familiar with. Those vivid
faces were still clear in her mind, but their shadows were no longer in her sight.

The torrential rain washed away all the sins of the world, but it couldn't wash away the
stench of blood lingering in Yang Cun's nostrils.

In truth, the smell wasn't real; it was just the normal earthy odor, but it
was acutely felt in Yang Cun's nostrils.

The rain was indeed heavy. The wealthy stayed home, while the poor sought shelter
. Because of the sparse population, the two figures, one standing and one kneeling, stood out starkly in the dense curtain of rain.
Finally

, unable to bear it any longer, Yang Tongbao stepped forward and began his countless attempts at persuasion over the past three days. He
realized his voice was hoarse from speaking so much.

"My lord, please accept my condolences. The dead cannot be brought back to life. You still have important responsibilities to bear; you cannot just leave like this…"

The relentless patter of the rain quickly drowned out Yang Tongbao's voice. For a subordinate to
watch his master get soaked in the rain was utterly disrespectful; this was no sauna.

But Yang Tongbao was helpless. He had already opened the umbrella, but Yang Cun had only given him a look,
forcing to discard it. He had never realized that Yang Cun possessed such a terrifying power.

Three days had passed since their return. Yang Cun was kneeling, and not far from him was
a charred plaque. The once magnificent gilded characters were gone, leaving only a faint trace
of the character "壹" and a broken "口".

Before them lay a scene of ruins, further ravaged by the rain. Before

them, this had been one of the finest places in Hangzhou. How long had it been?
If it weren't for the composure and self-control he had developed in the military camp, Yang Tongbao would have thought they had gone to the wrong place.

Even with his composure, although his eyes weren't as bloodshot as Yang Cun's, Yang Tongbao's eyes were still
red. After all, they had known each other for so long, and their hearts were ultimately...

His face was twisted, his eyes bloodshot; at this moment, Yang Cun couldn't really be described as handsome.
Looking at the chaotic scene before him, Yang Cun's gaze was chilling.

"The dead can't be brought back to life? Hmph, then I'll see them alive or dead! And those people, since they had
the guts , I'll make them taste the consequences."

Actually, Yang Cun wanted to unleash a torrent of profanity at this moment, as that would be much more satisfying, but... he held back.
Three days was enough time for him to think things through; after all, that kind of overly exaggerated performance... was a bit tiring.

Besides, swearing wasn't really suitable for the solemn atmosphere now. If he were to jump up and
down , shouting "I curse your ancestors for eighteen generations..." under the watchful eyes of so many people,
wouldn't he become a clown?

Fine, very well, since you want to play, I'll play a big game with you.

The sound wasn't loud either, and it too disappeared into the rain, returning to calm. But a thick layer of frost formed in those seemingly indifferent yet
actually eyes, quickly shattering and transforming into
sharp, icy blades.

The round trip from Hangzhou to Tianjin and back took a month.

Originally, it should have taken no more than twenty days, but the plan failed; they hadn't expected
to fall into a trap set by Prince Rong and the Demonic Sect.

A month later, standing here again, the First-Class Pavilion was no longer in Hangzhou. They said it had
caught fire , or perhaps it was an accident. They also heard that the fire that night illuminated half the sky, eerily so,
that even firefighters dared not approach.

So they could only watch it burn.

The incident occurred only three days after Yang Cun's return.

Three days… three days… If it weren't for plotting against Jin Bing… if it weren't for suppressing the fiery dragon within him
… or if he had never left Hangzhou at all, then…

in life, there are never so many "what ifs."

Tragedy strikes, and all you can do is face it head-on; even running away seems so weak and powerless.

There are countless rumors circulating in the neighborhood, but how many people know the truth? The crux of the matter lies in
the mysterious disappearance of the people living there. They vanished without a trace, neither alive nor dead. Because this matter involves the family of the current Duke,
everyone remains silent about the deeper details.

Rumors circulated in the streets, naturally turning these into bizarre psychic events. But little did people know that the most terrifying thing in the world
wasn't ghosts or monsters, but the human heart.

Jin Bing said, "Yang Cun, some say that to truly destroy a person, you don't torment their body, but their
heart. Why don't you verify this yourself?"

Jin Bing added, "Yang Cun, you're still too arrogant. Do you think those people are so easy to deal with?
With your own strength, everything you do is in vain. Do you think you
can ?"

Jin Bing continued, "Yang Cun, you will regret this. Indulging in this moment of tenderness, do you know what awaits you
next ? I'm waiting for the day you regret it."

Jin Bing also said…

what else did she say? My mind is a jumbled mess, I can't sort it out clearly anymore. The only thing I remember
is that when she said these words, Jin Bing lay naked in my arms, her face a mixture of grief and indignation, powerless against
her own will.

So at that time, Yang Cun took her words as a threat born of grief and indignation, and didn't pay much attention.
Instead casually grabbed her chin, leering, "Don't worry, beauty, I definitely won't
regret it. Who taught you to be so devastatingly beautiful? One look is enough to melt a man's heart..."

The fragrance of Jin Bingyoufang's body was gone from his fingertips, but the alluring touch remained in his mind.

He had sworn he wouldn't regret it then, but only a few days later, he
regretted it.

He regretted it to the point of despair!

Now he understood, completely understood. He had been so clever, but in the end, he had been thoroughly outmaneuvered
.

He cursed his ancestors for eighteen generations!

No one knew how desperate Yang Cun felt when he rushed into that mess and couldn't find the person he was looking for
. No one knew how his heart froze
inch by inch .

The sound of orderly footsteps approached from afar, interspersed with the clatter of horses' hooves, each step
splashing water.

A large contingent of people stood out. A middle-aged man in official robes stood out prominently,
with someone behind him holding a magnificent umbrella to protect his brocade robes from the rain.

Yang Cun had been back for three days. The fact that Bai Yongwang, the prefect of Hangzhou, only
appeared was suspicious enough for anyone with a discerning eye to guess. Kneeling, Yang Cun
looked at Bai Yongwang approaching, his eyes sharpening, a stark contrast to his usual worldly and smooth
demeanor .

The rain did not lessen with the arrival of the newcomer. As Bai Yongwang drew nearer, the surprise on his face vanished.
He used an umbrella, so his clothes remained dry. Yang Tongbao, who had not used an umbrella and had removed his raincoat, was soaked to the bone.
But Yang Cun, standing completely exposed in the rain, remained unaffected. The rain seemed to have eyes,
washing away only the dust from his clothes, leaving his ordinary garments completely dry.

No wonder Bai Yongwang was astonished; even Yang Tongbao found this phenomenon
unbelievable .

However, not being a cultivator, Bai Yongwang didn't pay much attention. His face contorted with grief and indignation,
as if tragedy had befallen his family, he knelt down, pleading, "This humble official deserves to die! This humble
official failed to notice such a thing, harming the Duke's family. Please punish me, Your Highness!"

On the contrary, an old man in a gray robe, mixed among the soldiers, squinted at Yang Cun's surroundings and his face
paled in horror .

"Very well, punish me, is that it?" Yang Cun rose, a strange smile on his face, the corners of his mouth clearly upturned,
yet carrying a chilling aura.

Was it because the rain was so heavy?

"Please, Your Excellency..." Bai Yongwang's remaining words were cut
short as he froze upon seeing Yang Cun's actions. His usually impeccably composed face finally revealed a dark and
menacing expression in front of Yang Cun.

In truth, Yang Cun had only done one thing. He knew perfectly well that Bai Yongwang's expression would be
terrible if he did it, but he did it anyway.

All for the sake of that last breath.

His left arm rose, and crimson, blue, white, and gold swirled in his palm. The shimmering colors were pleasing to the eye.

Unfortunately, its power was astonishing. The moment the light struck, everything in the world seemed to
freeze , save for a deafening roar that nearly shattered eardrums.

Water splashed, dust flew, and the bodies of Bai Yongwang's men were also sent flying; even their screams
were delayed, only catching a sliver of light after the dust had settled. The ground was riddled with magnificent craters;
filling them back in would likely take considerable effort.

Perhaps the wounded soldiers were stunned by the spectacular sight before them? Moreover,
many of Bai Yongwang's subordinates, cultivators who had already grasped the inner core, stared wide-eyed, terrified by the unscientific phenomenon before
them .

Such power emanating from someone at the fourth level of the inner core realm? It was clearly… clearly… far beyond their comprehension!
And why was that young man's inner core four colors? This bizarre phenomenon was beyond their understanding.

It was common knowledge that once a core was formed, its color depended on one's comprehension and cultivation level; some were pure colors,
but most were imperfect, multicolored. Regardless of the type or level of the inner core, its color was always
uniform. Such a multi-colored phenomenon was truly unprecedented.

For a moment, apart from the somber-faced old man in gray, every cultivator present
looked at Yang Cun with fervent admiration. The casualties of the dozen or so soldiers and the large potholes on the road that clearly
obstructed traffic were not their concern.

Bai Yongwang's anger was as intense as the dark clouds in the sky; his lips moved as if he wanted to say
something or berate Yang Cun. But it was unclear what he was thinking, and he ultimately said nothing
.

However, Yang Cun clearly sensed the sinister killing intent in his eyes. He didn't care and looked at Bai Yongwang.
He smiled coldly and said, "At this moment, I await Lord Bai's explanation. Now, Lord Bai may leave." Damn
it, you think I'm a pushover just because I haven't shown my power? Want to see me make a fool of myself? You'd better wait until
your next life ! Bai Yongwang, is it? Prince Ding, is it? I'm going to go after you this time.

Although I knew this before coming to Hangzhou, at this moment, I'm not going
to play those fake games with you anymore. Let's get real, do you dare?
Chapter Two: The Extra Companions There

were three people on the way there, and three people on the way back, which wasn't strange in itself. What was strange
were the people who came back with them.

Yang Tongbao would never forget
the .

"My Lord..." The courtyard was a mess. He had sensed the arrival of a powerful figure when he left last night. Even more
strangely, Yang Cun, usually so cowardly, had sent him away, leaving him to face the enemy alone.

A Fifth-Rank expert! Only one Rank lower than the Prince's cultivation level. Even he himself would have a hard time dealing with him, let
alone the Prince, who was already injured from anger after learning the truth.

He had endured a agonizing night, respecting Yang Cun's orders. As the first rays of dawn appeared, Yang Tongbao
rushed in.

The fallen petals on the ground were a clear indication of the fierce battle that must have taken place last night.
The woman standing among them, her face a mixture of grief and exhaustion, immediately raised a wary tone.

Her clothes were disheveled, her black hair flying, and she glared at Yang Cun, seemingly wanting to tear a piece of flesh from him
.

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, I'm fine." Yang Cun, who should have been the one in trouble, was beaming with pride and looking radiant,
beckoning to Yang Tongbao with a smile on his lips. Looking at the woman, Yang Tongbao instantly understood
what had happened that night.

But... how could this be? Putting aside Yang Cun's terrible condition when he left, even in a contest of cultivation
... he clearly remembered that the previous times he encountered this woman, Yang Cun had run faster than anyone else.

"My lord, you... this subordinate doesn't understand." If you don't understand, you have to ask. He knew now wasn't the right time,
but he couldn't suppress his curiosity.

"Tch, what's there to not understand? It's simple. You encountered a rogue and a beast as your master, who
despicably took advantage of that girl and all of us."

The childish voice was filled with disdainful mockery, making it clear
how . Following the sound, Yang Tongbao saw a little boy in red with his hair in two buns. He
was undeniably adorable, but his eyes were unsettling.

Where had this child appeared overnight? Things had escalated beyond
ordinary comprehension. Even the usually composed Yang Tongbao instinctively glanced at
Jin Bing's flat stomach.

If looks could kill, Yang Tongbao and Yang Cun would likely be riddled with holes by now.
Even if they couldn't, they could still express their anger in other ways.

After all, Jin Bing's cultivation was not weak; she was at the Fifth Dan realm, surpassing the two men present.

A blade of light formed from true energy slammed towards Yang Tongbao without hesitation. Yang Tongbao was immediately alarmed,
knowing that his cultivation was far inferior to that of the demonic woman from the demonic sect.
He knew that a direct confrontation would be futile, so he avoided a direct clash and quickly dodged to the side.

This action was quite out of character for Yang Tongbao. However, knowing the heavy responsibility he bore
, Yang Tongbao understood that now was not the time for violence; Yang Cun's safety was paramount.

Fortunately, Yang Tongbao's cultivation at the third Dan level was not to be underestimated, and he dodged in time. After Jin Bing's attack struck,
the already ravaged courtyard became even more chaotic, with fragments of flowers, branches, and trees
flying . Even after dodging the attack, Yang Tongbao was still shaken back several steps by the aftershock.

It was a completely subconscious action. After regaining his footing, Yang Tongbao looked at the child in red
, thinking to himself, "Truly a fifth Dan level cultivator, this attack is not to be underestimated. Even I am in such a sorry state,
and that adorable child... I wonder whose child he is, and why he's here? What a pity..."

However, what was chilling was that the child was still in his original form! Not only did he stand motionless,
but his face remained exactly as he had seen at the beginning, without the slightest change. Yang Cun, not far from him
, frowned deeply, seemingly also affected.

As the dust settled, the demonic witch was nowhere to be seen, while the red-clad child fiercely tugged at his hair,
roaring at Yang Cun.

Yes, it was a real roar!

"Damn it, Yang Cun, you bastard! I told you I didn't want this look, I didn't want this look! Look at my
image now, isn't it completely ruined?"

Yang Tongbao heard the sound of his jaw dropping to the ground. If the child had already given him one
shock earlier, this was the second.

"Hey, you there, do you have to look like you've seen a ghost? Open your eyes wide and look carefully, from now on,
I'm one of you." Not content with yelling at Yang Cun, he also wanted to cause trouble for Yang Tongbao.
Perhaps Yang Tongbao's dazed expression amused the red-clad child, as he finally seemed a little happier.

"...One of you?" Yang Tongbao's attention was successfully drawn. After pondering for a long time, he finally found
a question he desperately wanted to know.

"Who...who are you?"
What could you say to someone who had inexplicably appeared and was so arrogant?

"Me?" The red-clad child, shaking off non-existent dust from his clothes, looked strangely familiar
. It wasn't until he caught a glimpse of Yang Cun out of the corner of his eye that Yang Tongbao realized who he was. Was this a case of birds of a feather
flocking together? But he only thought this to himself and didn't dare to say it aloud.

"Hello, my name is Yanlong. I appreciate that you treat me with some respect, and I don't like that you treat me like
a child , because I am already very, very old." He was clearly a child, yet he possessed
an arrogance beyond his years. Yang Cun didn't have that narcissistic expression and admired his own.

"Yanlong?" For some reason, the name sounded familiar. Yang Tongbao paused, then asked,
"You're already quite old? How old are you this year?"

"This..." The red-clothed child puffed out his cheeks, thought for a moment, then began to get impatient, waving his hand and saying, "I don't really remember
the exact age, just remember that I'm definitely older than you."

How difficult would it be to admit that a child was older than oneself? Yang Tongbao didn't know,
but the words "Yanlong" were constantly on his mind. He felt that these two words were really familiar?
And absolutely important? Unfortunately, he had just been frightened and couldn't really remember how important they were, so he could only
cast a pleading look at Yang Cun, hoping that he wouldn't let him remain so confused.

After a night of debauchery, Yang Cun was in good spirits, but his physical strength was ultimately depleted, and with the new
energy , he needed to recuperate first. Now, seeing Yang Tongbao and Yanlong chatting happily, and with
the matter of Yanlong seemingly settled, he was relieved. Even if he couldn't control it in a short time, it wouldn't cause him
any trouble , so he could rest completely without worry.

He let out a long yawn and went inside to rest, leaving behind a sentence that stirred up a storm in Yang Tongbao's heart
:

"It's that bastard that's been clinging to my body and won't leave."

Bastard...bastard...

Because of the Flame Dragon, Yang Cun had suffered a lot, so he knew a little about the Flame
Dragon Snake . Now, hearing that the child in front of him was actually... his eyes immediately
filled with disbelief.

A Fire Spirit? Why was this Flame Dragon, which seemed to have the temperament of a child, so much inferior to the
Earth ? Hiss...The struggle between heaven and earth truly breeds many strange things.

Unlike the Earth Slave, this Flame Dragon seemed to be a creature with independent intelligence. On the way back
, Yang Cun had made some kind of arrangement, actually leaving Li Cheng in Tianjin and replacing him with this Flame
Dragon that had transformed into human form to accompany him on the journey. However, most of the time it was invisible, like the Earth Slave, it liked to hide itself in
the air .

After several days of venting, the rain finally subsided. The dark clouds that had been weighing heavily on the land gradually thinned,
and one could vaguely see the sunlight peeking through them.

The world presented a completely new atmosphere, but the rivers along the banks were swollen, and the soldiers stationed in
Hangzhou .

It was said that even the Hangzhou prefect, Bai Yongwang, was quite worried. And just as the rumors were circulating, the wise Prince
Zhao Yuanming, "understanding the people's suffering," distributed money and provisions.

Standing by the window, Yang Cun smiled, a chill running through his heart.

Hah, Zhao Yuanming's actions were swift; Bai Yongwang's memorial about the disaster in Hangzhou was probably still
on its way. The Prince Ding's lineage had truly won over the hearts of the people.

He hadn't expected this Prince Ding to be so wealthy. He was amassing troops, manufacturing weapons privately, and still had
spare money to embellish his reputation. "They must have done a lot of shady things behind the scenes, right?"

He suddenly recalled his first encounter with Tianjin. The Imperial Advisor's case was so strange; should
n't ? Wasn't sparing his life all for this day?

If one ignores the world's suffering, the scenery of gentle breeze and slanting rain before him still has a unique charm.
Although there were still scattered raindrops, thankfully the sun finally managed to squeeze out a smile.

Sunshine, rain, all in one place.

Taking a deep breath of the finally clear air, Yang Cun looked up and saw the
breathtaking , and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Now, those idle ministers of the Imperial Observatory would probably soon be spouting another set of
pronouncements ? "East sun, west rain," now it's west sun, east rain—who the hell is heartless and who
the compassionate one? Thinking of the secret edict the old emperor had given him during his private audience the day before the investiture, Yang Cun hesitated.

Those things were placed together with the official robes and seal. With the fire at Yipinlou, who knows what happened to them now
? If anything went wrong, and the old emperor issued a decree of "great disrespect," wouldn't he be doomed
? Thinking of those cloudy eyes, their original color unrecognizable, he couldn't help but shiver.

Even Yang Cun himself couldn't explain where that sudden chill came from.

Due to the continuous rain, the night was surprisingly cool, completely
out of place in this otherwise sweltering season. Under Bai Yongwang's polite invitation, Yang Cun reluctantly moved into the villa he had arranged.

Actually, even if Yipinlou was gone, Yang Cun certainly wouldn't be left homeless. Besides, the Duke's mansion
had been renovated; when he could move in was entirely up to him. But Yang Cun didn't want to go.
Alone and cold, all his attachments were gone. Even if he were to move in, it should be a lively and bustling
affair . Now that someone is willing to provide food and lodging,
there's no need to bring his several hidden properties, acquired upon arriving in Hangzhou , to the surface.

Even a cunning rabbit has three burrows, let alone himself. Besides, there are so many suspicious points surrounding the fire at Yipinlou;
how could he face the people whose fates are unknown if he didn't get to the bottom of it?

An Qiao, An Ning… Just thinking of those two little girls with different personalities but the same beautiful face, Yang Cun's
heart ached uncontrollably. At the same time, he was even more puzzled: who had such great ability to
silently abduct everyone protected by Wang Dong, without leaving any signs of struggle at the scene?

Perhaps because of these worries, Yang Cun couldn't sleep at night and could only stare
blankly . The crescent moon sometimes resembled An Qiao's face, and sometimes Gao Lianxin's… Right, thankfully,
he sent Grandma Liu and the others away in time, otherwise… Just

as he was sighing to himself, he suddenly heard a twitch. The subtle commotion in the air was barely
noticeable, but thanks to his exceptionally sharp hearing, Yang Cun still heard it.

When he first arrived, his frail body had only left him with these excellent ears.

A glint of light flashed in his eyes, and Yang Cun coldly smiled, "So you can't wait any longer, are you already in such a hurry to take my
life?" His calm, composed voice rippled through the air. The next moment, Yang Cun
leaped , leaving only a white afterimage.

"Heh heh, Your Excellency's cultivation is truly remarkable. To have improved so rapidly in just a few months,
I admire you ." With that deep, hoarse voice, the murderous aura that had been spreading rampantly in the courtyard
vanished without a trace.

So it was an acquaintance? Yang Cun was slightly surprised. Because of the murderous aura, he had assumed Bai
Yongwang had sent someone to take his life, but it turned out to be…

a man dressed in black, with a calm face that revealed no emotion. This man in black was indeed
familiar , even acquaintances.

One of the men in black he had encountered on the night of the drug-induced corpse rampage. They claimed to have come on the orders of the Shuntian Prefecture and
had even checked his token. As for their true identities, who they belonged to, and who they obeyed, only
they themselves knew; others, even if they knew, would have to pretend ignorance.

"Of course." Such flattery was hardly worth discussing. After a few polite exchanges, Yang Cun steered the conversation
straight to the point, asking, "May I ask what brings you here?"

He'd drawn him out with his murderous aura, then preemptively declared he
meant think Yang Cun was there because he was sleepless and wanted to invite him out for drinks, gambling, and even a private nightclub
? Nobody believed it.

Seemingly surprised by Yang Cun's directness, the man in black was slightly taken aback. However, he quickly regained
his composure , his usually composed face returning to a state where nothing could be discerned.

It wasn't that his facial muscles were malfunctioning; it was a state of mind achieved through life's experiences and a return to tranquility
—something most people couldn't reach.

"Heh heh, you flatter me, sir. I just happened to be passing by and, seeing you here, I came to say hello..."

Suddenly, he didn't even feel the urge to roll his eyes. You clearly have a shrewd look on your face, yet you insist
on coming up with such lame excuses. You actually have the nerve to say you were just passing by? "Damn, do you really think I'm stupid
?"

To show his contempt, Yang Cun chose to remain silent this time.

"Ahem..." Perhaps realizing that his excuse was a bit ridiculous, the man in black covered his mouth and coughed
twice to cover his embarrassment, then asked, "Hangzhou is suffering from severe flooding. As the Duke of Jingguo, shouldn't you be
checking on the people's plight?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Bai Yongwang was busy with the disaster, what did it have to do with him? This
man suddenly brought it up now, so he shouldn't get hit on the head by something. After a moment's thought, Yang Cun turned his gaze
to him and asked, "Does Your Excellency know which area is the most severely affected by the disaster?"

His words hit the nail on the head. He could find the key points he should pay attention to amidst the frivolous words. This young man
was not simple. The man in black's face did not change much, but in his heart, he still felt admiration and understood
why had chosen this young man.

Talking to smart people is easy, convenient, and quick; you can even save a lot of saliva.

With a slight smile, the man in black revealed the purpose of his visit, saying, "I've heard that
there's a village called Shangshui outside Hangzhou that was completely flooded, but because it's poor and sparsely populated, it hasn't received much attention from the government.
If you, sir, wish to go and investigate the people's plight, please remember to bring good news to the people there."

"Alright." Without any unnecessary words, Yang Cun simply replied with one word, though his
contempt for the man in black had reached unprecedented levels.

Damn, look at your clothes and actions, so cool, but when you talk, you're as shrewish as an old woman's
bound feet . You just want me to go to a place called Shangshui Village? Just say it directly,
aren't you tired of going through all this trouble? As expected of someone who lives off the public rations, wasting the nation's resources with a spirit that's not shameful, but rather
proud!

Such a level is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people like us.

Perhaps because the contempt on Yang Cun's face was too obvious, the man in black dared not continue to waste words with him
. Now that the message has been delivered, it's better to disappear than to linger and become annoyed.

"In that case, please take care, Your Excellency. I'll take my leave."

"Hmm." Before the clenched fist could even be lowered, and before the person saying goodbye could even stand still, Yang Cun
yawned and vanished.

Gazing at the faint, alluring red glint in the afterimage, the man in black's eyes immediately turned mad, muttering to himself,
"This... could it be..." Unfortunately, Yang Cun had left too quickly to answer his question. In Yang
Cun's heart , the appearance of the man in black also forced him to reconsider some things.

It seemed the old emperor wasn't as incompetent as everyone thought, and his illness wasn't as serious as he had imagined
. Only a few days had passed, and the man in black had already appeared. The capital was still quite far from Hangzhou...

He had clearly suffered a loss at Yang Cun's hands, losing not only his face but also his money. So even though he
hadn't been physically harmed, Bai Yongwang, the prefect of Hangzhou, wasn't in a good mood.

What frustrated him most was that, although the uprising was imminent, as a subject of the Great Hua Dynasty, he had to fulfill his
duties as a subject, and he still had to be extremely respectful to Yang Cun and make proper arrangements for his lodging.

Having served as an official for many years, Bai Yongwang had long since become a seasoned veteran. So even if he was resentful, his
face remained calm and composed. His deep-set eyes and thick, dark eyebrows, perhaps because the rebellion was drawing near and
his rebellious spirit could no longer be suppressed, showed a significant reduction in the imposing, dignified air he usually possessed.

Indeed, appearance reflects the heart. There are countless

examples throughout history of emperors not being anxious while eunuchs are dying of anxiety. Bai Yongwang, despite his dissatisfaction with Yang Cun's attack on his
subordinates had to suppress it. However, a man in his early thirties beside him
couldn't hold back; his face was filled with anger as if Yang Cun had struck his own father.

"My lord, how can this matter be left like this? Who exactly is Yang Cun? So young, what
right does he have to be so insolent in front of you?" A more furious person might even blurt out
something like, "He's just got a good family background."

They're so focused on feigning anger while actually flattering him that they forget even if Yang Cun is nobody, just the imperial
seal and official robes bestowed upon him by the emperor's decree mean that whatever he does is not excessive.

This person was entrusted to Bai Yongwang by Lin Guoan before his departure; he was Lin Guoan's nephew, Lin Xing'an, supposedly "
one of their own ."

Unexpectedly, Lin Guoan was a brainless idiot, and his nephew was just as worthless? Bai Yongwang didn't...
Instead of immediately expressing his grievances, he calmly sipped his tea, leaving Lord Lin
awkwardly standing to the side, unaware of what he had said wrong.

After finishing his cup, Bai Yongwang put it down, glanced at him, and reiterated, "Just because of his hereditary
title of Duke of Jingguo. Lord Lin, these words are best left unsaid here. If they get out, even I
can't protect you."

His tone was sharp, causing Lin Xing'an to tremble and hastily chuckle, "Yes, yes, I was rash."

This time, Bai Yongwang didn't even bother to look at him again. Turning to the steward, he said, "It's getting
late, Lord Lin, you should go back and rest."

"Yes." Looking at the sun that had finally peeked out on the horizon, Lin Xing'an, despite his reluctance
, left, only turning away with a resentful expression when he reached a secluded spot. Judging from his expression, he knew he
wouldn't get much benefit from Bai Yongwang's treatment.

As soon as Lin Xingguo left, Bai Yongwang immediately turned his gaze to the other side and asked, "Sir, how was it?"
It was the same old man from before. The fact that someone like Bai Yongwang consistently addressed him respectfully as "Sir"
showed that this person was definitely not an ordinary individual.

"Well..." The gray-robed old man stroked his beard and stepped forward, pondering for a moment before saying, "If
I 'm not mistaken, that person... is truly not to be underestimated. I believe that now is the best
time to make a move. If he manages to comprehend another core, I'm afraid..."

"Why? Isn't he only at the fourth core level? Isn't he still inferior to you, sir?" Because he wasn't a cultivator
, Bai Yongwang's understanding was limited to simply measuring a person's ability by the number of inner cores. Actually, this wasn't entirely his fault;
most people who didn't understand would probably think the same way.

"Heh heh, it's not that simple. That young man... is not simple. Although his cultivation level
is the same as that child's, his potential is more terrifying. Alas, given time, even I, this old man,
probably ."

He never expected to hear this outcome. He had deliberately brought the old man to see Yang Cun so that he could
estimate Yang Cun's current strength, but unexpectedly... However, upon mentioning "that child," Bai Yongwang's expression immediately
frosted over, and he coldly snorted, "He's also an ungrateful wretch. I never thought he would betray me? Death... is not a pity." Although

his tone was harsh, he was still a member of the Bai family, and it would be a lie to say he didn't feel sorry for him. It was just that the choices between filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness
meant they were destined to walk different paths.

"Heh heh, my lord, you are mistaken. It's not that Qi'er betrayed you, but... it's precisely because his
choice has never changed..."

"So you pledged allegiance to Yang Cun? Now look what's happened, his fate is unknown." Bai
Yongwang seemed to be in a bad mood when these matters were mentioned. He waved his hand, his face showing annoyance, and said, "As for Yang Cun, let's put that aside
for now . The Crown Prince sent Yu Yao to personally inform you that this person cannot be touched for the time being."

Chapter Three: The Forgotten Survivors

In the face of natural disasters that humanity cannot change, everything seems so insignificant, especially in this
backward era. For the disaster-stricken people, there is only death to await them.

Unless you have a few powerful, easy-going, reliable relatives willing to take you in,
those who were wealthy just days ago, after all their possessions have vanished, are left with only
one path: slavery, being at the mercy of others.

Even homelessness is illegal.

The sky was beginning to clear. As the rain subsided, the streets, which had been deserted for days, returned to their former
bustling and vibrant state.

From its very inception, Hangzhou, through centuries of evolution,
has been a coveted destination for emperors, prized for its unique geography and economic prosperity.

Didn't those so-called wise and virtuous rulers of history also enjoy traveling to Jiangnan? As for incompetent rulers, they were countless
. A trip to Jiangnan wouldn't be complete without visiting Hangzhou.

Looking out, beneath the still slightly overcast sky, lay a majestic and imposing ancient city. Rows of buildings with
silver-hooked eaves and jade-tiled roofs, arranged in a crisscrossing network of streets, contrasted in height and color, their reds
and blues complementing each other, creating a powerful sense of grandeur.
The people strolling through the wide or quiet streets and alleys all wore expressions of nonchalance.

Because they were in the city, even the flood seemed to have little to do with them.

In just a few hundred square kilometers, the area west of Hangzhou's suburbs had become a stark
contrast to the peaceful ancient city.

Torrential rains, floods, landslides, buried villages, displaced people, and the ensuing
plague—if one hadn't witnessed and experienced these things firsthand, even the most compassionate and imaginative person
could hardly grasp even a fraction of the shock.

It seems that in the midst of disaster, one can truly experience the meaning of "humanity," and similarly,
the true meaning of "cruelty. "

The surviving people, disregarding their own disheveled appearance, searched for potential survivors, for their
familiar neighbors and elders. Especially when Yang
Cun saw a child sitting in a wooden tub, wailing uncontrollably, with no family by his side, his heart felt as if it were being squeezed tightly, almost suffocating him.

That piercing pain moved even this grown man.

It was a scene of utter devastation, a human tragedy unfolding before his eyes.

Besides the sorrow and despair on the faces of the disaster victims, the only thing still visible was the will to survive.
Compared to those callous and heartless people who refused to help, the latter were simply beasts.

One hundredth, Yang Cun went out as instructed, using Bai Yongwang's excuse of inspecting the disaster situation. Bai Yongwang didn't
stop him , readily agreeing and even "thoughtfully" sending troops to protect Yang Cun's safety. Yang Cun understood
the true meaning and didn't bother arguing with him, letting the man who clearly came from a military background follow him.

"Your subordinate Yu Yao greets Your Excellency." In front of Bai Yongwang, the man named Yu Yao was polite, but the disdain
in his eyes was still unpleasant. Fortunately, Yang Cun didn't care much at the time.

But at this moment, what filled Yang Cun's chest was genuine anger.

The disaster victims were still struggling, while the soldiers brought by Yu Yao stood ramrod straight, completely lacking...
There wasn't even a hint of willingness to help. "

I'm not reviewing the troops, but at least save lives!"

Faced with the tragedy before him, faced with these indifferent soldiers who stood there, drawing their salaries from the court,
Yang Tongbao, who had come with a playful attitude, had his eyes freeze.

Is this how they "rescue" people? Wasn't Prince Ding, Zhao Yuanming, supposed to be good at winning people's hearts?
Why ? Does he simply think these few families aren't worth his time?
Not even a single body in the water has been collected.

The surviving victims couldn't be helped; otherwise, who would want their loved ones' bodies to sit in the water until they turn white and
rot? And those who could help chose to stand idly by.

Even Yang Tongbao, who had never paid much attention to these lowest-class people, began to look
grim .

"Yu Qianwei, didn't you bring men here? Are you just here to join in the fun, not to assist me in helping these disaster victims as Lord Bai
said ?" Going to rescue people personally was out of the question. Even if Yang Cun
were to bravely risk everything, the people around him would certainly not let him leave their sight.
However, Yang Cun

had no good feelings towards the man in his early thirties with triangular, wolf-like eyes beside him. Regardless of his feelings for Yu Yao, it didn't affect Yu Yao's true purpose in bringing troops to Hangzhou.
"This…" A cold sneer flashed across Yu Yao's face; his attitude was not good, even carrying a hint of arrogance.
He looked at Yang Cun and said, "Your Excellency, you are unaware that Shangshui Village is not an important town, and its population density is far lower than
the other places. The money and grain from the Prince Ding's Mansion have all been used in areas severely affected by the disaster, so we can only wait for the imperial court's money and
grain to arrive before making further plans."

"Then let me ask you again, aren't the people here citizens of our Great Hua Kingdom? Or do the Thousand Guards only have the Prince Ding in
their eyes , and not the Emperor?" Yang Cun questioned aggressively while seemingly sincerely
bowing towards the capital.

"Your Excellency, you..." Even if it was the truth, he couldn't withstand such a blunt
remark . At least for now, if this got out, it would
be more than enough to warrant the execution of his entire family. Yu Yao, of course, wasn't that foolish. His face hardened, and he replied, "Of course not. This humble servant is deeply grateful for His Majesty's grace,
why would Your Excellency wrong me?"

Seemingly to complement Yang Cun's reprimand, before Yang could finish his stern lecture,
a commotion suddenly arose among the isolated refugees. Amidst the soldiers' shouts, a voice,
though was certainly noticeable.

"Sir, please save us...Sir...Your Excellency, there are still survivors trapped downstream, please save
them..."

A voice, though young, was not very clear and trembled slightly. Yu Yao's face darkened, and
he cast a sharp glare at the voice.

"You audacious commoner, are you courting death? How dare you be so disrespectful to Your Excellency! If Your Excellency's health is disturbed,
can you bear the consequences?"

The one shouting was a rather unattractive soldier, seemingly a minor leader. The man
smiled , but after receiving a hostile look from Yu Yao,
he pulled the man who had made the sound out of the crowd without a word.

Several soldiers immediately rushed forward and began punching and kicking him.
The screams and cries , sounding incredibly ironic to Yang Cun. Was human life truly so cheap?
A surge of indignation rose from his very core.

What did he mean by this? His life was threatened with death, and he was still talking about whether he was alarmed or not. Even if
he wanted to act arrogantly, he shouldn't have used his name!

"Ahem, this… Yu Qianwei, this person… should have acted unintentionally, right? I believe that
saving lives is more important right now." What truly interested Yang Cun wasn't Yu Yao's deliberate fuss over
a disaster victim, but rather that, if he hadn't misheard, the disaster victim had also called out to him.

Imagine, how could a disaster victim whose life is constantly in danger know he was coming here? And who informed him
of this ? Yu Yao's men probably weren't that kind. And although
the distance made it difficult to see clearly, his intuition told him that the man's gaze was unmistakably fixed on
him .

"Your Excellency is mistaken. This man is lawless. If we let him off lightly, wouldn't that damage Your Excellency's prestige? In my
opinion, he should be severely punished to uphold the authority of our Great Hua."

Yu Yao was indeed relentless, and his expression was extremely strange. Especially the fierce aura between his brows
was striking, and he frequently winked at the people over there. The gloom between his brows easily revealed
his intentions.

Bullshit! Do you think my authority is built on this? Besides, who are you
to me? Do I need your help with my affairs? Do you think I'm dead? Yu Yao's words were very offensive to Yang Cun, making him
want to vomit all over that triangular-eyed face. Strangely, why was he suddenly so agitated? It seemed...
he was hiding something.

A flicker of emotion crossed Yang Cun's face. He glanced at Yang Tongbao, who was three feet away, and the latter immediately understood,
striding over.

At this moment, several soldiers, having received Yu Yao's tacit approval, had already drawn their swords
and were about to execute the refugee on the spot.

It was just a request for aid; even the emperor had left the option of appealing to the emperor, allowing people to seek redress,
although implementing it was incredibly difficult. So what were these people doing?
Weren't they even giving him a chance to speak?

"Clang!" The sound of clashing weapons was equally noticeable. Looking over, Yang Tongbao had already used a
steel sword to simultaneously block several large swords that were about to kill the poorly dressed refugee. Just one step away, the refugee
would likely have been decapitated.

Perhaps surprised that Yang Tongbao would intervene at this moment, Yu Yao was genuinely stunned for a moment
before turning his gaze to Yang Cun.

After all, Yang Tongbao was now Yang Cun's man, and in terms of punishment, a mere guard like himself didn't have the authority.

"My lord, what are you doing? A mere commoner is not worth pitying, my lord need not show mercy."

"Show mercy?" Yang Cun looked at Yu Yao with a cold smile and said, "Does Guard Yu think this flood is not..."
"Is it serious enough? Do you want to kill a few more people to vent your anger? Or is Lord Qianwei paying homage to the River God, pleading for the people and
praying for good weather and a bountiful harvest next year?"

Yu Yao's expression suddenly changed, his eyes began to dart away, no longer meeting Yang Cun's gaze. Even his previous righteous indignation
was gone, and he said somewhat dejectedly, "Since that's the case, then spare his life. Why don't you come and thank the Duke for his mercy?"

The last sentence was shouted towards the chaotic area, still full of vigor.

Huh? That's it? Yu Yao's attitude changed somewhat strangely, which made Yang Cun feel a little strange.
It was as if he had said something that had aroused his vigilance? But what exactly had he said?

Looking around, all that could be seen was still a scene of devastation: collapsed houses, submerged villages,
and the corpses of people and livestock floating on the water.

"Never mind, it's just formalities, no need to be so formal." Yang Cun waved his hand, then stared into Yu Yao's eyes
and said, "Yu Qianwei, have you heard that there are still people trapped downstream? Why don't we go together?"

"Your Highness, you mustn't!" Before Yang Cun's words had even faded, Yu Yao's voice hurriedly
rang out, sounding somewhat guilty, yet still arguing, "The situation here is still unclear, and
other things could change at any time. I am ordered to protect Your Highness's safety, and if Your Highness's health is harmed, I'm afraid I cannot bear the responsibility."
Damn it, who do you think you are? Do I need you to take responsibility for my actions?

"That...that person, should we save them or not?" Glancing at him with disdain,
even didn't notice the calculation that flashed across Yang Cun's eyes.

"Save them, save them, I'll send people over right away." As if to verify that his words were true, Yu Yao actually
went to select men himself. This move was nothing more than to dissuade Yang Cun from going downstream.

What's downstream? Yang Cun began to have doubts. And what shady business had they been up to that they were so
afraid of being found out? Shaking his head, Yang Cun could only put the question aside for the time being. But speaking of rescuing people… hehe,
Yang Cun grinned maliciously.

“Damn, you think I’m really going? If I go and have no support, and you kill me and dump me in the river and
report it as a death in the line of duty, wouldn’t I be at a huge loss? I just wanted to test you. Luckily, you
’re not one to be tested. One sentence and I saw that there must be something going on behind this.”

“My lord, are you… alright?” Perhaps because Yang Cun’s expression was too ferocious, a soldier immediately
stepped forward to ask.

“Cough cough… I’m fine.” He couldn’t help but get a little carried away…

Since Yu Yao was busy arranging the rescue, no one paid attention to the disaster victims. Yang Cun’s fingers twitched slightly, and Yang
Tongbao understood and quietly led the man over.

Because it was in the water, a boat was definitely needed for the rescue. And they really hadn’t expected to encounter this
situation when they came, so naturally they hadn’t prepared a boat.

Even if they knew, Yang Cun didn’t say anything. He stared at Yu Yao with his cold eyes, a chilling aura swirling around him.
Hmm, actually, not bad. Since that night of passion with Jin Bing, although her cultivation
hadn't changed significantly, this icy, enigmatic aura, unique to the little vixen, would always inadvertently
emanate from her, still having a chilling effect.

As for that "pure and innocent" thing… ugh, she shuddered, feeling a wave of dread. That
was a woman's term; using it herself would be utterly inappropriate.

Yang Cun's gaze still made Yu Yao tremble slightly. No matter how unwilling she was, she could only grit her teeth and order everyone
to cut wood and build a boat.

Indeed, many hands make light work. Using local materials, the boat was quickly built and set sail.
Rescuing people was a simple matter.

It was precisely because they were going downstream that the sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.

Perhaps due to the loosened terrain caused by the flood,
another . With the falling of large chunks of rock, the previously calmed, turbid water was stirred up again, creating huge waves
that surged downstream, further eroding and collapsing the already fragile land along the shore.

Several crooked trees also fell into the water.

Dozens of soldiers were already on the boat, now left to drift downstream.

It was a false alarm; there seemed to be no real danger, just a minor disturbance.
However, just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief, a sharp cry rang out.

"Help...help..."

Several figures appeared on the other side, waving and shouting, "Daddy...Daddy..." It was a very
childish voice, clearly belonging to a child. Leading the way was a woman dressed in coarse linen clothing
; perhaps due to extreme fright, her lips moved slightly, but no sound came out.

This family that suddenly appeared must have been hiding behind the big tree, right? And that's how they got caught.

At this moment, the makeshift boat was rushing forward at an incredible speed,
only a few dozen meters away from the person struggling in the river. If this continued, perhaps…

He subconsciously glanced at Yu Yao beside him, only to find his expression utterly indifferent, as if he hadn't
seen . The people on the boat showed no intention of changing course, although it wouldn't have been too difficult for them
, given that there were over a dozen people crammed onto it.

Could it be that the person didn't actually exist? Was he the only one seeing a hallucination? But the screams from the opposite bank
were so clear, reminding Yang Cun that all of this was truly happening before his eyes.

Their meaning was clear; they had no intention of avoiding it. So that person… In that critical moment,
at such close range, in such a short time, saving the person was almost impossible. The person in the river also
clearly saw a boat heading straight for him without flinching, the soldiers on it acting as if they hadn't seen him. He instantly
understood and gave up struggling.

Soon, the water submerged his head.

No one thought anything was wrong, not even Yang Tongbao. The soldiers' composure in the face of danger taught them that
if couldn't save him, they shouldn't make futile efforts, but they also forgot their basic humanity.

Yang Cun had never been to a military camp and didn't think that much about it. This scene before him, probably no man with any sense of
decency could tolerate it, right? To stand by and watch someone die—he couldn't do
that, damn it. Although it might seem a bit sentimental, at this moment… without any conflict of interest, he'd lend a hand if he could.

This was just an ordinary person, not some rich
second-generation . However, it was somewhat ironic that he'd only been here a short while, yet he'd already been rescuing people, and
these were the poorest of disaster victims.

He didn't seem like the kind of person who would plead for the people, did he? Did that man in black send him here
just to accumulate merit?

Regardless of his true thoughts, Yang Cun's face showed an unbearable, righteous indignation.
He shouted , "What are you doing?" and leaped into the air.

Stepping over the heads of the soldiers around him, he moved with lightning speed, reaching the other side at top speed. He kicked
onto the soldiers' small boat, and in the same haste, tore off someone's cloak, threw it up, grabbed the person
calling for help , and brought them ashore in the same manner.

The entire process was completed in one swift motion, without any hesitation.

Having rescued the person but seeing no one come forward to check on them, Yang Cun's anger went far beyond mere "displeasure.
" Frowning, he glared at everyone, only to realize they were all
terrified by his earlier actions.

"Damn it, just because you're inhuman doesn't mean I am too. What are you looking at? A bunch of inhuman bastards, even
worse than Yan Long!"

This thought had barely formed when Yang Cun felt a deep, visceral sensation—a feeling of being bitten by
something .

"Yu Qianwei, weren't your men going too far? Is this what Lord Qianwei taught you
? Not only did they stand by and watch someone die, but do you know that what they did just now constitutes murder?"

"Huh?" Yu Yao's expression was unusually confused. His gaze towards Yang Cun, after a series of
events , had become so complex that even he himself couldn't fully comprehend it. And he
believed that he wasn't the only one shocked by what had just happened.

Looking around, he saw the soldiers he had personally trained. Their gazes towards Yang Cun now
held a kind of reverence.

Reverence was paramount for any leader. Without such abilities, even the most illustrious titles were
meaningless. These passionate young men admired those with ability most.

Before meeting Yang Cun, aside from Bai Yongwang and the few around the Prince of Ding, Yu Yao was exceptionally confident in his cultivation
. A master of the Three Core Formations, a peerless expert, and possessing the extremely rare pure blue aura—
these were all topics of conversation in the military camp during this special time of conflict.

But now? If he had been the one who attacked just now… Weighing the situation, Yu Yao's eyes
gradually dimmed.

The man remained calm under everyone's gaze, walking with effortless grace, as if treading on water. He wore only
ordinary cloth, yet it possessed a unique elegance on him; with each step, his robes fluttered, giving him the air of an immortal.
Tall and slender, with a distinctly refined appearance, yet possessing a touch of nonchalant cynicism. The aura of power emanating from him at the moment of
saving the person made all of that vanish.

He… Yang Cun… just who is he? The former contempt turned into unease, the confusion dissipated, and Yu Yao's
eyes no longer held any disdain.

In truth, Yang Cun hadn't done much; the rescue was an impulsive act in the heat of the moment, with absolutely no intention of showing off.
But it was precisely this casualness that made him even more enigmatic.

If he was so casual, then what if he were deliberate…? Lowering his gaze, Yu Yao knew that his subordinates had made a mistake just now
, and since the dignified Duke had already intervened, it wouldn't be right not to say something. He paused slightly and said,
"Your Excellency, this matter is indeed…"

"Bang!" Before he could finish speaking, a deafening sound rang out.

Interrupted, Yu Yao, forgetting her anger, looked in the direction of the voice, her lips
twitching Though her words weren't entirely clear, Yang Cun still heard them.

"What now?" What

now? Are you afraid something will happen, you little bastard? If you're so afraid, why don't you just hurry up and save people ? Yang Cun's eyebrows twitched slightly, his face calm, seemingly unconcerned
about what had happened . 　　Yu Yao's expression changed at a glance. She hurriedly waved to the people remaining on the bank, saying, " What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and save them..." 　　The murky river wasn't actually very deep, but it could easily drown a few people who couldn't swim . 　　It wasn't a big deal; it was just that when Yang Cun kicked the small boat away, he "accidentally" steered it towards the center of the riverbank. A large tree, cut in half, lay horizontally, and the small boat unsurprisingly crashed into it. 　　A collision wouldn't have been a problem. Unfortunately, Yang Cun's seemingly light kick actually incorporated some internal energy, so what should have been a simple impact capsized the moment it hit the tree trunk! 　　Everyone on board naturally fell into the water. 　　Fortunately, the soldiers weren't clueless; realizing that the more they struggled, the faster they sank, they quickly remained calm and waited for rescue. 　　At the same time, under Yu Yao's orders, some soldiers went into the water; their movements clearly indicated they were strong swimmers, and they began searching with ropes. 　　The entire process was orderly and without any panic, making it clear that this was a well-trained army. None of those who fell into the water were injured. 　　You're indifferent when others are in trouble, so let's see how you react when your own people are in trouble? Watching the show with that thought , I felt increasingly uneasy. 　　This must be Zhao Qinyun's true strength, right? Those officials who had deliberately exposed themselves to him indulging in debauchery were merely a facade. While not exactly a formidable force, their presence threatened Hangzhou… 　　A scene of bustling rescue efforts unfolded before Yang Cun, his expression stern. After a moment's thought, he spoke softly, “His mother is displeased and deeply worried!” 　　“Hmm? What do you mean, Your Excellency?” Yu Yao didn't immediately grasp the meaning of his words, her gaze towards Yang Cun now tinged with curiosity. 　　What did this scene have to do with whose mother?

Staring blankly at Yu Yao's bewildered face, Yang Cun suppressed the urge to burst out laughing and explained seriously
, "It doesn't mean anything, it's just an official swear word used to express my current less-than-ideal
mood."

"A very official...swear word?" Yu Yao still didn't understand. He continued to struggle with his thick eyebrows. Yang Cun
had no interest in arguing with him and walked away. After walking for a while, he looked back and saw that the guard Yu Yao was still
standing there, looking completely baffled.

Damn, he can't even understand such a simple sentence. I really don't know how he understands the way the Prince of Ding and his group
can make even a simple sentence sound so convoluted? It's very simple, isn't it just "I'm fucking annoyed"?

Is it really that hard to understand? I personally think it's fine.

"I'm looking for a place to rest for a while. If there's nothing else, Yu Qianwei, please don't disturb me. Also,
I hope that by the time I've had enough rest, these disaster victims will have been properly taken care of. Otherwise, I don't mind
submitting a memorial to the Emperor, questioning Lord Bai for his ineffective disaster relief."

It was a bit like a dog relying on its master's power, but it was a helpless measure with no other choice. If it were just him personally
, Yu Yao might not care, but if Bai Yongwang was involved, it was a different story. They both served the
same master, and Yu Yao was well aware of Bai Yongwang's importance. Especially at such a critical juncture, no one
dared to create too many complications, otherwise, forcing Prince Ding to cut off his arm to survive would be a losing proposition.

Yang Cun was betting on nothing more than the undercurrents within their ranks and a sense of "guilt," but after sensing Yu Yao's unwilling and ruthless gaze after his
retreating figure , he knew he had won his gamble.

The torrential rain caused a landslide, burying most of the houses in Shangshui Village. Yang Cun didn't intend to go
far . He went into a mud house that looked reasonably intact.

The light inside was dim, and it took him a few breaths to make out what he saw.
It was just the furnishings of an ordinary family, with all the necessities of daily life. As for those flashy but impractical luxuries
… sorry, you've come to the wrong place.

Even though it was dilapidated, it was still in good condition, a rare place to live, but there wasn't a soul in sight.
He wondered if the family had survived. Was this what they meant by "nine out of ten houses empty"? For a moment,
Yang Cun's heart was heavy, and the ease he had shown when he had maliciously mocked Yu Yao was completely gone.

Because of Yu Yao's excessive closeness along the way, even Yang Tongbao couldn't get close to Yang Cun.
Yang Tongbao, who had acted according to Yang Cun's earlier gaze, finally seized this opportunity and naturally wouldn't let it go. He strode in and followed
Yang Cun into the house.

Seeing that the other party was within his surveillance range, and knowing that he couldn't cause any trouble, Yu Yao didn't
follow . Besides, what could be done in such a miserable place? In his opinion, that delicate-skinned Duke
was just looking for fun. He intuitively felt that Bai Yongwang and even the Crown Prince had overestimated this person's abilities
. Someone followed him into the house, and Yang Cun knew who it was without even turning around. While looking for a dusty stool to sit on
, he asked, "How is it?"

Chapter Four: The Strange Refugee

"Reporting to Your Excellency, that person seems to be coming for you." Mentioning this matter, Yang Tongbao couldn't help but feel surprised.
Recalling the excited way the refugee suddenly jumped out and grabbed his sleeve, he still felt uneasy.
If it was true, that would be fine, but if it was someone with ulterior motives...

"Oh? What did he do or say?" In contrast, Yang Cun was much calmer, as if he had
expected this to happen.

"Him? He only asked if I was someone close to the Duke of Jingguo. And I've already verified that this
person is indeed a villager from Shangshui Village." A disaster victim, a lowly commoner living at the very bottom of society, actually wanted to see
the dignified Duke of Jingguo. How could this not seem suspicious?

But the Duke seemed quite interested in this person? More than he would in an ordinary person. Could it be that
Yang Tongbao was about to...? Just as Yang Tongbao thought of that possibility, Yang Cun spoke up: "Bring the person over. Be careful not to let anyone see him."

"Yes, I understand. I'll go right away." Yang Tongbao didn't have many questions and went. It seemed that since following
Yang Cun, Yang Tongbao had changed drastically, from being ordered to protect him to now being completely obedient.

However, Yang Cun probably didn't know that this stern-faced guard of the Prince's Mansion had already categorized him as a "
mysterious " person.

Avoiding the people of Yuyao wasn't difficult at all. Soon, the disaster victim, who had appeared before
everyone entered the house unnoticed under Yang Tongbao's guidance.

The newcomer was dressed simply, in a short shirt, clearly a poor man. Upon seeing Yang Cun, he
trembled as if having an epileptic seizure, his body curling up like an ancient tortoise. Yang Cun had initially thought
he hadn't seen the man's appearance before, but seeing that the man only showed him the back of his head,
he had to abandon that idea.

"This humble...this commoner kowtows...kowtows to the Duke...Your Excellency..."

This stammering, syllable-like speech didn't provoke much of Yang Cun's displeasure. Instead, he rubbed his
chin, giving a faint "hmm," while pondering to himself. Did he really look like
a ferocious demon ? Or had the outside world already spread rumors that he was a man-eating monster?

The common people were so afraid of him, yet when he came out shouting earlier, he seemed quite courageous
.

It was fortunate he hadn't been labeled a pretty boy, but
not even a "rogue" or "pervert"—wasn't that a bit illogical?

Okay, I admit I was overthinking it.

In reality, the highest official someone of this person's status would likely encounter in their entire life is probably a tyrannical county magistrate. As for figures like the Duke of
Jingguo , they're purely legendary.

Now, having the honor of meeting such a distinguished person, how could a commoner like me not be afraid? And given Yang Tongbao
's impenetrable black face, the fact that he didn't lose control of his blatant lust on the spot is quite a testament to his self-control.

"Hmm, get up. I'm asking you, are you a local villager of Shangshui Village?"

Fear, respect—none of that matters now. The most important thing is
the information ! Although Yang Cun's tone was perfectly calm and composed, there was an indescribable excitement in his heart...
The movement still earned him a scornful look from the vengeful spirit of Yanlong.

The villager trembled, his head bowed to the ground, neither daring to rise nor uttering a single answer for a long while.
Fortunately, the villager didn't raise his head, otherwise, given the fanaticism in Yang Cun's eyes, he would have been scared to death.

"How dare you ignore the Duke's question? How many lives do you have to live? Do you want to die?"

Yang Cun wasn't in a hurry, but Yang Tongbao, standing to the side, was annoyed and couldn't help but shout, his face extremely stern.
Having grown up in the Yang family since childhood, he was no less brainwashed by the concept of hierarchy than Yang Shu, so
in his view, this villager's behavior of not answering his question deserved to be dragged out and beheaded ten or eight times over.

Now, not only was there no answer, but judging from the half-paralyzed state of the person lying on the ground, it was clear that such a "violent intimidation"
attitude was truly unacceptable.

"Alright, Tongbao, go outside and keep an eye on the people from Yuyao." Yang Cun waved his hand helplessly and shook his head with
a sigh. It seems that at this crucial moment, I still need to use my approachable manner to appease them. Otherwise, it's not just a matter of
not getting anything out of them, but also scaring them.

"Yes." Yang Tongbao said without much hesitation, glancing expressionlessly at
the person half-lying on the ground, dressed in simple clothes, before leaving. Because he knew that Yu Yao and his men were using the guise of "protection" to do something, he
didn't dare to be careless.

"Alright, now that he's gone, it's just you and me. You can talk to me properly."
With only the two of them left in the room, Yang Cun squatted down and made contact with the terrified villagers without any class distinctions. His
warm smile made

him look like a criminal trying to abduct children. One...x8...! "Cough cough, it seems... can Shi Li even speak normally anymore." Even the
best temper would be worn down by him, and coupled with his anxiety, Yang Cun quickly lost his patience. His
tone became forceful as he said, "If that's how you are, then go." "I won't say anything. Even if there's some injustice,
if you don't speak, there's nothing I can do."

That's what he said, but Yang Cun remained motionless, staring at the villager, watching his reaction.

Sure enough, his words seemed to have a significant effect. The villager's hesitant and uncertain expression suggested that this matter
must have been a major internal struggle for him. These days, there's no shortage of corrupt officials and
bullies ; daring to do something like that in public is practically suicide.

If he hadn't happened to run into Yang Cun, and if Yang Cun hadn't been a little curious about him, he would truly
be a cold corpse by now.

"I'm telling you, don't be afraid." Unable to contain his impatience, Yang Cun simply placed his hand on the other man's shoulder,
ignoring the suspicious grime on it.

His unremarkable face wouldn't stand out in a crowd, and the numerous
bruises and welts on it proved that Yu Yao's gang hadn't been polite to him. Of course, there was no
need for politeness.

"Ouch...it hurts...Sir, please have mercy..." The villager's face quickly contorted,
his teeth clenched as he gasped for breath. His already filthy face was obscured by the pain, making it impossible to discern any change in expression
.

"Hmm? What..." Yang Cun, about to ask what was wrong, abruptly stopped himself. It was then that he
noticed three of the villager's ribs were broken...

Damn, was the intention really to kill him? Yang Cun's expression darkened instantly.

Perhaps startled by Yang Cun's sudden change in attitude, the man became even more terrified. He forced himself
to endure the pain, no longer groaning, letting the cold sweat trickle down his forehead
, leaving distinct streaks on his already grime-covered face, making him look like a clown.

But Yang Cun couldn't laugh.

"This humble one...this humble one has something to say...please...Sir, please forgive me..." Now, whether from pain
or fear, the villager's words were squeezed out through clenched teeth. In those eyes, which had been somewhat clouded,
a sudden glint of light appeared.

What was going on? This man was seriously injured and could faint at any moment. Since he was so persistent, perhaps
… Without hesitation, Yang Cun nodded and said, “Go ahead.”

Having received approval, the villager didn't seem relieved; instead, he looked even more… eerie?
His gaze was intense, as if he had gone all out.

Even Yang Cun hadn't expected such a seemingly unrelated remark to come out of his mouth.
By the time he realized it, he had already instinctively followed up.

“Heavenly King covers the Earth Tiger.”

“Your brother forgot to wear underwear…”

Could that be? This sentence… Suddenly alert, Yang Cun gripped the man's shoulder tightly and asked urgently, “
Who are you? How did you get that sentence?”

He had only ever made such an inappropriate joke with one person, and that person, in this moment of urgency… in
his excitement, had completely forgotten that his men were already beyond enduring his torment.

The villager's face broke out in a cold sweat, large beads of sweat pouring down like rain. His eyes were bloodshot, expressing his agony,
utterly speechless with despair. He managed only to utter one explanation before fainting.

"My lord, because many people impersonated you today, I had no choice but to use this method to verify your identity
. Please forgive me. I was entrusted to find you, and I am telling the truth. That person said that as long as you
are found , the trapped people will be saved..."

He spoke hastily and rapidly, his words becoming fluent in his extreme pain.

Looking at the
man lying in his arms, neither beautiful nor charming, but covered in filth, Yang Cun could only suppress his burning anxiety.

Who told him to be so oblivious to the fact that the man was injured? Now he could only patiently wait for him to wake up
. However, in this hopeless and gloomy situation, he finally saw a glimmer of hope, which was truly rare...
But speaking of someone impersonating him? Could it be... that

when Yang Cun went out, he was alone, looking at Yu Yao with a forced smile, and returning his cold
laugh. Sure enough, Yu Yao's expression froze instantly.

... Yang Tongbao quickly stepped forward, bowing his head and calling out, "My lord, that person..." To be careful,
he lowered his voice so that only the two of them could hear him.

Yang Cun, recalling the strangely behaving refugee, felt a sudden unease and frowned, saying, "Keep a close eye on him.
There can't be any mistakes." Just as Yang Tongbao was about to nod in agreement, he added, "Does Yu Yao have
any of ?"

"Hmm?" Yang Tongbao paused, then nodded slightly as Yu Yao approached.

The situation in the military camp was no less
complex only those holding military power had the right to fight for their own interests.
Even if Yang Shu was incompetent, he couldn't possibly be unaware of this.

And Yang Shu himself was no saint. As the only non-royal prince of the Great Hua Kingdom, how could he not consider his family's interests?
Knowing oneself and one's enemy is the key to victory. Even a centipede with a hundred legs doesn't die easily, and besides, the prestigious Yang family hadn't fallen yet;
arranging manpower within the army was a necessary step.

"Hmm, that's good. Try your best to contact them and make sure they pay attention to the situation downstream."
Yang Cun casually tossed out this sentence before moving on. Yang Tongbao went inside to check on the unconscious person.

Yu Yao frowned, but lacking a reason to stop Yang Tongbao, he could only obediently fix his gaze on Yang Cun
.

Why did his eyes, though only a young man in his late twenties, possess such penetrating sharpness? It
made one want to run away. But he couldn't; having stood there, Yu Yao naturally understood his duty.

His stiffness gave way to a disdainful dry laugh as he stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Yang Cun, his tone still lacking in
deference.

"My lord, the disaster situation has been assessed, and the distribution of porridge and the temporary resettlement of the victims have been arranged.
Lord Bai is hosting a banquet for you tonight, so...shouldn't we go back?"

What does it mean to "the rich feast while the poor starve"? What does it mean to "the lives of the lowly are as worthless as ants"? At this
moment , he finally understood deeply. Looking into Yu Yao's triangular, wolf-like eyes, Yang Cun suddenly felt an urge to
disembowel him and see if he still possessed any humanity.

As for integrity, there was no doubt that his mother had accidentally thrown away the placenta
along .

Faced with the emaciated, dying disaster victims, faced with the scene of corpses floating everywhere,
how utter the words "host a banquet"? Does someone who has been on the battlefield
necessarily have cold blood and heart?

"Lord Yu, shouldn't you be taking good care of those disaster victims at this time, helping them find a new
place to rest and rebuild their homes? Shouldn't you be sending people to dispose of the corpses of the victims as soon as possible?" The question, chilling to
the bone , wasn't Yang Cun trying to be sentimental at this moment, but rather that
anyone who could remain indifferent or unconcerned about this situation would truly be inhuman. Perhaps his mother really did throw away
the placenta that raised the child?

Grief and indignation clouded his dark pupils, turning them frosty. Slowly sweeping his gaze over the apathetic soldiers
, Yang Cun's eyes held deep contempt, a chilling aura emanating from him.

It was just a glance, yet it inexplicably exerted an invisible, heavy, almost suffocating
pressure. A flash of cold light in Yang Cun's starry eyes, and the entire line of men finally couldn't withstand such a sharp gaze,
lowering heads.

From the first one or two, it affected everyone. Looking at the heads before him, not
missing the shame on their faces, Yang Cun's anger surged at that moment. "Uh… this… Your Excellency, this subordinate… at
this moment, Your Excellency's safety is paramount. This subordinate will escort Your Excellency back first, and we'll…" Perhaps
startled by Yang Cun's overly stern gaze, Yu Yao's expression became slightly unnatural. He shifted his gaze and continued, "
As for those corpses, their families will..."

After all that fuss, he couldn't utter a single useful word, just dodging the issue for his own benefit. Wasn't he just trying to
save face? He dared to flaunt his petty scheming? Back in my day, you were already centuries past
!

"Wait? Wait until when?" Raising his voice, Yang Cun's hidden authority was revealed. He continued
to add pressure until Yu Yao couldn't even lift his head, then resumed the previous topic, his tone slower
but still powerful, possessing an innate domineering aura.

"Yu Qianwei, do you know how many bacteria will multiply on these corpses every day they're left? It's been
several days ! Hmm? If we wait for the weather to clear up and there's more sunlight, do you know what the effects will be? Hmm? Plague,
viruses—how much can you handle?"

Seven-tenths of his anger was genuine, the remaining three-tenths naturally used to bolster his own prestige and vent his pent-up
frustration . Sometimes, bluffing can be quite effective when done well. Because his cultivation
was already higher than his opponent's, Yang Cun naturally wouldn't let go of this opportunity to openly and blatantly suppress him.

However, Yu Yao was in a terrible predicament. Even if Yang Cun were the hereditary Duke of Jingguo, he might not
be afraid. But now, the opponent's murderous aura had suddenly surged; others couldn't sense the surging true energy, but he was
suffering terribly.

Yang Cun had come specifically to target Yu Yao.

Large beads of sweat dripped incessantly, like beads from a broken string. Yu Yao struggled to resist with his own true energy,
managing to keep himself from collapsing, but he couldn't stop his legs from trembling uncontrollably.

Yang Cun saw all of this, yet still had no intention of letting him go.
Compared to the displacement and suffering of the disaster victims, what did Yu Yao's suffering amount to?

His previously slightly dark complexion gradually turned pale, and as Yang Cun's cold smile deepened,
the pressure on Yu Yao increased. His palms were already soaked; the shirt beneath that armor probably
wasn't much better.

The soldiers under Yu Yao's command hadn't received orders, and besides, their opponent was a dignified Duke, so they couldn't speak up and
could only watch helplessly as Yu Yao was left in a sorry state.

They knew Yang Cun wouldn't kill them in public, but they knew they would definitely get
a beating for this offense. They hadn't expected such an unremarkable-looking young man, at most just good-looking
, to be so powerful, and his inner aura was so strange, utterly unpredictable.

Holding on was clearly not the wisest choice, so although Yu Yao was unwilling to accept defeat, he...
It was wise of him to choose to yield for the time being. After all, a
complete breakdown in relations was impossible now. Given how much the Crown Prince valued , acting recklessly would certainly not bring him any benefit.

People like Yu Yao, with their rugged appearance, often give the impression of being straightforward and honest, but little do
they know that beneath this facade lies a shrewd and calculating mind.

Of course, eccentrics like Yang Cun, even excluding their unpredictable behavior, are few and far between who can truly fathom his next move
.

After a quick mental scan, Yu Yao's arrogance softened considerably, and he began to speak in a slightly humble tone:
"This subordinate understands. I will certainly make proper arrangements for the disaster in Shangshui Village.
I will , ensuring absolutely no mistakes are made."

Not content with this string of assurances, he further belittled himself, saying, "Your Excellency
is learned and your teachings are extremely insightful. It was my ignorance that led to this. As you know, I am merely a rough man,
with little literary talent. I will certainly fulfill your instructions without the slightest negligence." "

Without any literary talent?" This statement made Yang Cun sneer inwardly. However, he didn't intend to
press the matter further, knowing when to stop. After all, even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone this wolf in sheep's clothing.

What if he became enraged and murdered all the surviving villagers of Shangshui Village overnight
? Wouldn't his own sins be immense? He didn't think he wouldn't dare to do it.

Having finished his calculations, Yang Cun's expression softened considerably. What seemed like a simple action
was like a pardon to Yu Yao.

"Well, I have no worries about Lord Qianwei's actions. Once we return, I will certainly petition
the Emperor to reward Lord Qianwei." Anyone could make these polite words sound impeccable.
Having come here inexplicably after hearing the man in black's words, and having rescued two people without any significant discoveries,
Yang Cun found it boring and knew there was no need to continue.

Seeing the beads of sweat still on Yu Yao's forehead, Yang Cun smiled and continued, "Then I'll leave everything to Lord Qianwei. I'll take my leave now." He automatically ignored
the disdainful curve of Yu Yao's lips when he mentioned rewards . 　　After all, they were on different paths; the man was now loyal to another master, so it wasn't surprising that he wasn't interested in the old Emperor's rewards. But, had he truly gained nothing? Yang Cun rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, his eyes becoming inscrutable. 　　What secrets did this small village of Shangshui hold that made Yu Yao so wary of him? 　　"Then this humble servant will respectfully see you off, Your Excellency." Finally gone, Yu Yao breathed a sigh of relief, secretly pleased. But before he could follow to continue escorting him, Yang Cun, already out of the way, waved his arm and said something that made Yu Yao stiffen again . 　　"No need. Lord Qianwei can just send a few men to accompany me back. Since you seem so nervous being with me , then stay." 　　He... noticed something? He... noticed his nervousness? Was it that obvious? Standing there, Yu Yao suddenly felt flustered. This side of Yang Cun, which he rarely showed to others, left him completely bewildered. 　　Above is heaven, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou. Perhaps no one has ever witnessed the full splendor of Hangzhou's century-long history, but simply standing before its majestic city gates, even without doing anything, one can feel the ancient city's vicissitudes. 　　In fact, the Hangzhou city gates had recently been renovated and didn't appear particularly dilapidated. Touching the stone bricks , a chill seeped into the heart, creating a unique sense of desolation. 　　Perhaps before long, this city wall would be stained with blood, only to be covered by a new batch of stones? Sometimes Yang Cun wondered if his choice to ride the old emperor was secure enough. Would it sink? Only a bitter smile followed . In truth, from beginning to end, he had no choice, had he? 　　From the moment he possessed this Yang family child, everything was already predetermined. 　　Withdrawing his fingers, under the respectful gaze of the gatekeepers, Yang Cun looked into the distance. Several people riding fine horses galloped their figures clearly visible. Heh heh, Zhao Qinyun, that grandson of a bitch, is really showing me more than just ordinary concern! While sighing with admiration, he also inwardly berated himself. 　　Damn, just a few things have happened, and he's become so fussy, like a woman. Squinting at the refined, handsome man in his fine clothes, Yang Cun felt a sense of peace for the first time since . 　　The fact that he still came to see him meant they weren't completely doomed. Even if An Qiao and Wang Dong had fallen into Zhao Qinyun 's hands, for the time being… they shouldn't be in any real danger. The only thing that surprised Yang Cun was that Zhao Qinyun 's attention to him seemed a bit excessive? 　　Recalling how this guy had repeatedly showered him with attention before, Yang Cun couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. 　　Could this grandson be gay? Could it be… he's interested in me? I'm completely heterosexual, only interested in women… 　　A chill ran down my spine, and Yang Cun shivered several times. 　　The sun finally broke through the persistent dark clouds that had clung to the sky for days, generously showering its warmth upon the world, its light dazzling. 　　The young man, whose youthful brilliance shone even in simple clothes, stood with his hands behind his back, calmly watching the man in brocade approach. 　　A friend, but also a rival. 　　Squinting at Yang Cun, who was surrounded by bright light outside the city, making him appear as if bathed in a thin radiance, Zhao Qinyun thought countless times that if they hadn't been on opposing sides from the start, her pride and arrogance would have genuinely wanted to be his friend. What a pity… what a pity… if he weren't surnamed Yang, or if her father weren't the Prince of Ding… 　　"This junior greets Your Excellency. I just returned and learned of the events at Yipinlou. I am deeply grieved; I hope Your Excellency will find solace ." As soon as Zhao Qinyun spoke, Yang Cun couldn't help but feel a chill. How could this fellow be so good at pretending?

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