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Chapter 25 - Chapter 25 - The Imperial Secret Agent and a Single-Sword Gamble

The Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace.

"Lu Xiaofeng, you truly are clever."

"To have figured it out so quickly."

"When I saw you just now, I suddenly changed my mind."

Zhu Houzhao's authoritative voice rang out.

Then, without hesitation, he tossed out a dark golden token.

"From this moment on, Lu Xiaofeng, you are my imperial secret agent. Your code name: 007."

"As for Ximen Chuixue's offense of disrespecting the emperor, I will let it go this time."

"Your martial world friends will also be spared."

"But remember, if anyone dares to challenge the dignity of the Ming Dynasty again, they will be executed without mercy."

As he spoke, a terrifying aura descended upon Lu Xiaofeng like a mountain.

In an instant.

Lu Xiaofeng found it hard to breathe.

Even his thoughts seemed to come to a halt.

His body dropped to the ground uncontrollably.

"Your Majesty…"

Lu Xiaofeng's face turned pale, an unprecedented fear flooding his heart.

The last sliver of confusion he held finally cleared.

The Emperor of Ming was terrifying beyond imagination.

Far more powerful than Ye Gucheng. Trying to assassinate such a man… was nothing but suicide.

The pressure came swiftly and left just as quickly.

As it faded, Lu Xiaofeng gasped heavily for air.

His mind was in chaos.

"Guards, escort Lu Xiaofeng out of the palace."

He was not even given a chance to respond, and the imperial guards led him out.

This chess piece was now a useful spare move in Zhu Houzhao's hand.

"Your Majesty, why recruit Lu Xiaofeng? He is merely a Grandmaster. His strength is too weak."

"Your personally chosen secret agents have always been at least Great Grandmasters."

The Empress asked curiously.

"I do not value his strength. I value his intelligence. I may need it in the future."

"I had originally planned to purge the entire martial world, including Ximen Chuixue."

"But Lu Xiaofeng's sudden appearance saved them."

"Hopefully, they won't provoke me again."

Zhu Houzhao spoke indifferently, not taking the martial world figures seriously at all.

"What if Lu Xiaofeng defies your orders?"

"With his intelligence, he won't. He doesn't dare. He was completely frightened just now."

———

Outside the palace gates.

"Lu Xiaofeng, you almost got me into deep trouble this time."

"Fortunately, His Majesty was merciful and didn't hold it against me. Otherwise… hmph. Now leave!"

The imperial guard, who had been previously misled by Lu Xiaofeng, spoke angrily and then turned to re-enter the palace without another word.

Lu Xiaofeng stood there, dazed.

He stared blankly at the imperial token in his hand.

He, Lu Xiaofeng, had just become the emperor's secret agent out of nowhere?

This…

He felt like crying but had no tears.

He yearned for the free and unrestrained life of the martial world.

Now, with a great power looming over him, his days would only become more difficult.

But recalling the emperor's words, a chill ran from the soles of his feet straight to the crown of his head.

If not for his accidental "rescue" of the emperor, countless imperial experts might have already begun hunting down martial artists.

To hold a duel atop the Forbidden City… This was a blatant slap to the emperor's face.

What emperor would tolerate that?

Especially not this terrifying emperor.

How could he let those who insult him go?

It wasn't just Ye Gucheng who had to die.

Ximen Chuixue surely wouldn't survive either.

He had traded his future freedom for the lives of all the martial artists.

Including his own.

Even if he wanted to refuse, he had no choice now.

With a bitter smile, he tucked the token into his robes.

His expression returned to calm, making sure not to reveal anything unusual.

Not even to close friends like Hua Manlou or Ximen Chuixue.

He didn't dare let them know.

What if the emperor found out and sent someone to silence them?

He no longer dared to underestimate the power of the court.

Nor did he dare to take lightly the authority of the Ming Emperor.

———

Far off on the horizon, the first light of dawn began to rise.

Another night had passed.

Ximen Chuixue stood motionless the entire night.

Watching the eastern sky brighten, Ye Gucheng still had not appeared.

Disappointment filled the hearts of everyone present.

An hour passed.

More and more people filled the streets.

"Hmph! Ye Gucheng, to think you call yourself a Sword Saint. I'm ashamed to be associated with you."

Ximen Chuixue, who had waited the whole night, gave a cold snort.

Then, using lightness skill, he drifted away into the distance.

The crowd below erupted into discussion.

"What was that? A full moon night, a duel atop the Forbidden City, and we've been played?"

"Ye Gucheng is a joke!"

"Let's go, I need sleep!"

One by one, the crowd thinned.

"This isn't right. Ye Gucheng isn't the type to retreat."

"What really happened?"

"Where's Lu Xiaofeng? He left in a rush. He must know something."

"Came with hope, left with disappointment!"

Just then, Lu Xiaofeng flew out from the palace.

"Lu Xiaofeng, what happened?"

"Yes, where did you go just now?"

Lu Xiaofeng didn't answer. His expression was urgent.

"Handsome Xiang, Hua Manlou, no time for talk. We need to leave the capital immediately."

"Once we're outside the city, I'll explain everything."

He was still shaken.

Afraid the emperor would change his mind and issue another kill order. He had to gather his trusted friends and escape as fast as possible.

More than ten miles outside the capital.

In a remote area.

"Come out. You've been following me all the way."

Ximen Chuixue held his long sword, his face cold as he looked toward a hidden spot behind him.

"Impressive. Truly the Sword God Ximen Chuixue. Far stronger than Ye Gucheng."

A middle-aged man dressed in dark brocade stepped out, hands behind his back.

He stared at Ximen Chuixue with calm eyes.

"Who are you? You know Ye Gucheng?"

"No, wait. Ye Gucheng didn't show last night. Was that your doing?"

Ximen Chuixue's killing intent surged, his voice icy.

"He is dead. His body was torn to pieces."

"For the crime of treason."

"As for you, though you didn't commit treason, you did offend the emperor."

The man spoke casually.

"You're with the court?!"

"Take one strike from me. If you survive, this matter ends here. If not, your life ends today."

Clang!

Ximen Chuixue said nothing. His sword unsheathed, pointed coldly at the mysterious man.

"Go ahead."

"You use a sword as well. I look forward to it."

Rather than fear, excitement shone in the man's eyes.

He could sense how formidable Ximen Chuixue was.

In a true life-and-death battle, he might even die.

But he did not fear it.

If he could withstand this strike, his swordsmanship would surely advance further.

Just as the man was about to strike.

"Stop. Wait!"

A powerful voice echoed from all directions.

Another mysterious figure had arrived.

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