Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 518 Even princesses kneel before commoners!

Zhao Xiling's consciousness seemed to have fallen into a state of chaos.

She couldn't remember how she was helped up from the cold ground.

Her gaze was vacant, her eyes unfocused, and the image of the Xuanluan Guard's unseeing eyes kept replaying in her mind.

She couldn't remember whether it was Ding Feng or Cao Xian who hastily disposed of Xuanluanwei's terrifying head.

All she remembered were Xuanluanwei's eyes, those eyes that had met her countless times in the harem, yet were always cold and unsmiling.

From a young age, Zhao Xiling often saw the Xuanluan Guards standing guard in the harem.

Zhao Xiling didn't like her. She always felt that she exuded a cold aura that kept people at a distance, like an iceberg that was impossible to approach.

Even now, Zhao Xiling still hates her.

Because the Xuanluan Guards only obeyed the Emperor's orders, in Zhao Xiling's eyes, she was like a cold sword in the Emperor's hand, which could be pointed at anyone who disobeyed the royal will at any time.

But when she actually saw Xuan Luanwei die before her eyes, blood splattering everywhere, his head rolling off, Zhao Xiling felt a strong wave of dizziness wash over her, finding it hard to accept this cruel reality.

This is someone she's known since she was a child!

In this deep palace, although there was no affection between them, the existence of the Xuanluan Guard had long become a part of her life.

For the first time, she truly felt... how close death was to her and those around her.

So close it felt as if you could reach out and touch the chilling aura of death.

This intense shock enraged Zhao Xiling.

Her eyes widened instantly, burning with a fierce rage that seemed to devour the entire world.

She suddenly broke free from the person supporting her, and those originally slender arms suddenly burst forth with astonishing strength.

She raised a trembling finger, pointed at Liang Jin in the distance, and said angrily, her voice sharp and trembling:

"Great Master!"

How could you kill her?

"What right did you have to kill her?"

Her voice echoed in the night sky, filled with anger and questioning, as if she wanted to demand justice from Liang Jin.

far away.

Liang Jin slowly turned his head.

His movements were extremely slow, as if the surrounding air itself had frozen.

His scarlet eyes remained utterly cold, devoid of any warmth.

Liang Jin provided the answer:
"Why can't I kill her?"

Zhao Xiling was stunned, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, and she froze instantly.

The Xuanluan Guards are first-class imperial guards, holding the rank of third grade!
Those who can serve as Xuanluan Guards are all descendants of meritorious officials and are deeply trusted by the royal family!

How could someone like that be killed?!
But... Liang Jin's question was like a sharp dagger, piercing straight into Zhao Xiling's heart, leaving her speechless and unable to answer.

She could only say sadly:

"She shouldn't have died..."

"No matter what, she shouldn't have died!"

Zhao Xiling roared, as if trying to vent her endless displeasure in this way.

Liang Jin said calmly:

"Shouldn't have died?"

"Shouldn't you have thought about the consequences before you lay a hand on me?"

"and……"

As Liang Jin finished speaking, he pointed a finger at Zhao Xiling, that finger like a sharp sword, pointing straight at Zhao Xiling's throat:
"It was you who killed her!"

Zhao Xiling was stunned, staring at Liang Jin in disbelief, as if she had heard the most absurd statement in the world.

Her eyes were wide open, filled with anger and confusion.

Liang Jin continued:

“If you hadn’t ordered her to attack me, she would have had a chance to escape.”

"Zhao Xiling, you ordered her to come and die, and now you're questioning me?"

"You're ridiculously stupid."

His words were like a series of sharp arrows, piercing Zhao Xiling's heart with each one.

Zhao Xiling was momentarily stunned by these words.

sophistry!

This must be Liang Jin's sophistry!
She kept screaming in her heart, she didn't accept this explanation, she couldn't accept the fact that she had killed Xuanluanwei.

At this time.

Liang Jin had already given up on Zhao Xiling.

He turned back, his gaze falling on the broken heart held by the third arm:
"it's your turn."

His voice was cold and ruthless, as if pronouncing a death sentence on a heartless soul.

Faced with imminent death, Canxin did not beg for mercy like Gu Jinfu; there was no cowardice or fear in her eyes.

She did not display the same unyielding and tough stance as the Xuanluan Guards.

She turned her head with difficulty, her gaze piercing through the darkness, looking straight at Zhao Xiling in the distance, her eyes filled with doting affection yet also sadness.

It was as if he wanted to imprint Zhao Xiling's image deeply into his mind.

She tried to open her mouth, but the giant arm was gripping her neck tightly, making it impossible for her to speak.

But she was still moving her lips, silently uttering her last words to Zhao Xiling.

Her lips trembled slightly, and every movement was filled with reluctance and longing.

Zhao Xiling, however, understood the shape of her lips.

The remnant heart is clearly saying:

"Princess, I can no longer protect you."

"Please, you must live well."

Those silent words, like a warm current, yet carrying endless sorrow, flowed into Zhao Xiling's heart.

After she finished speaking, tears welled up in Canxin's eyes, and the tears slowly slid down her pale cheeks.

She forced a smile at Zhao Xiling, a smile full of love and relief, as if telling Zhao Xiling not to be sad about her death.

She had no ties in her life, except for Zhao Xiling, whom she had raised since childhood. Zhao Xiling was the person she found hardest to part with, and the person she was willing to give her life to protect.

On her deathbed, all she wanted was to see Zhao Xiling one last time and to remember everything about her.

at this moment.

Zhao Xiling's originally selfish heart finally trembled as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer.

A strong emotion welled up in her heart—a fear and reluctance she had never felt before.

She rushed toward Liang Jin, her steps unsteady, as if she might fall at any moment.

She shouted urgently:

"No!"

"Stop!"

"Stop right there, Your Majesty!!!"

Her voice was filled with despair and pleading, as if she were calling for a last glimmer of hope.

Upon seeing this, Cao Xian and Ding Feng quickly grabbed Zhao Xiling tightly.

Their eyes were filled with worry and anxiety, knowing that Liang Jin was now filled with murderous intent and that Zhao Xiling would only encounter danger if she went there now.

Zhao Xiling struggled desperately, her body twisting and turning like a trapped wild beast.

She kept shouting:
"Don't kill her!"

"Stop it right now!!!"

Her voice had become hoarse, filled with helplessness and despair.

Zhao Xiling was truly panicked.

Gu Jinfu's death angered her, while Xuan Luanwei's death moved her.

But she couldn't bear to watch Canxin die!

Zhao Xiling's mother died early, and her father, the emperor, was always busy and rarely spent time with her.

In the inner palace, countless concubines wanted her dead!
It can be said that Zhao Xiling was raised and protected by Canxin from a young age.

In Zhao Xiling's heart, Canxin was not only her bodyguard and servant, but also the person closest to her in this cold and deep palace.

Zhao Xiling kept telling herself that Canxin was just her bodyguard, her servant, someone who worked for the court and her family.

Born into an imperial family, she could not develop any attachment or affection for Canxin; instead, she could only use Canxin as a weapon.

However, at this moment, when she saw Canxin about to die before her eyes, she realized... she couldn't do it!
She cannot be heartless or cold-blooded.

She didn't want Canxin to die!

pity……

Why would Liang Jin obey her orders?

His dark, menacing arm was gathering power, its muscles taut and veins bulging.

The sharp fingernails even pierced into Canxin's neck, creating several bloody holes that left shocking marks on Canxin's fair neck.

Can Xin is about to die!
Just as Liang Jin was about to unleash his inner strength to send Canxin to meet Gu Jinfu and Xuanluanwei underground.

Zhao Xiling finally broke down!

Her eyes were filled with despair and helplessness, as if the world had collapsed.

She shoved away the person blocking her way, and her previously powerless hands suddenly burst forth with astonishing strength.

She screamed:

"Please! Don't kill her!"

"I...I...I kneel before you!"

After saying that, Zhao Xiling's knees buckled and she knelt on the ground with a "thud," raising a cloud of dust.

This kneeling startled Cao Xian and Ding Feng, who were standing nearby, to their horror.
"Princess!"

Their voices were filled with shock and fear, as if they had witnessed the most unbelievable thing in the world.

A woman of noble birth kneeling before a commoner?!

The two were stunned for a moment, and immediately dared not stand still, and hurriedly knelt down beside Zhao Xiling.

They knelt deeply, almost crawling on the ground, not daring to kneel higher than Zhao Xiling, for fear of offending the imperial majesty.

When Liang Jin heard Zhao Xiling kneeling, his usually indifferent face finally showed a slight change in expression.

He turned his head and looked at Zhao Xiling.

Zhao Xiling was covered in tears, which streamed down her beautiful face and soaked her clothes.

She knelt on the ground, her face full of pleading:
"Please! Great and wise teacher!"

"I was wrong, I've been wrong all along!"

"I know I was wrong. I'll kneel down and beg you to spare Canxin!"

Her voice was filled with despair and sincerity, as if she had poured her soul into those few words.

Canxin was already prepared to die; her eyes were filled with calm and serenity.

When she saw Zhao Xiling kneeling down, she was both shocked and furious. Her eyes widened, filled with anxiety and worry.

She struggled desperately, her body twisting and her hands waving, whether trying to break free from Liang Jin's clutches or to stop Zhao Xiling from kneeling.

Her heart was filled with reluctance and pain. She would rather die than see Zhao Xiling kneeling and begging for mercy in such a humiliating way for her sake.

Looking at Zhao Xiling, who was kneeling on the ground and refusing to get up, Liang Jin couldn't help but burst into laughter:

"Hahahahahaha!"

His laughter echoed in the night sky, full of mockery and sarcasm, as if he had witnessed something extremely amusing.

Zhao Xiling showed no anger in the face of Liang Jin's laughter.

She knew perfectly well that she no longer had the right to act like a princess.

At this critical moment of life and death, she was willing to put aside all dignity, just so that Canxin could live on.

Liang Jin laughed as he spoke:
“Interesting, really interesting!”

"Zhao Xiling, you actually kneel before me?"

"I thought you'd never change your bad temper, but it really opened my eyes!"

Liang Jin was quite satisfied with Zhao Xiling's kneeling.

A disobedient princess is of no value to him.

Moreover, Liang Jin now possesses sufficient strength.

He originally planned to deal with these martial artists and send Zhao Xiling to the underworld to join them on the Bridge of Helplessness.

In these mountains, eliminate all witnesses and let them rot here forever, becoming part of these mountains.

But now, seeing Zhao Xiling kneeling, Liang Jin realized that this princess was not untamable.

Liang Jin readily agreed immediately:

"Okay, I'll give her back to you!"

With that, Liang Jinkui raised his arm and threw the remnant heart out.

Canxin's body traced an arc in the air, like a bird with broken wings, flying towards Zhao Xiling.

Canxin flew to Zhao Xiling's vicinity, and Ding Feng and Cao Xian hurriedly caught her firmly.

Zhao Xiling rushed to check on Canxin's condition, her eyes filled with concern and worry.

Seeing that Canxin was still alive, she finally breathed a sigh of relief, and the huge weight in her heart was lifted.

Canxin sighed weakly and said:
"Princess……"

She had a thousand words to say, but for a moment she couldn't find the words to express them. She could only reach out her hand, wanting to grasp Zhao Xiling's hand and feel that warmth.

Zhao Xiling held her hand tightly, as if she were holding her most precious treasure.

Her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down, but tears continued to flow—tears of joy mixed with sorrow.

the other side.

After letting Canxin go, Liang Jin finally turned his gaze to Zhao Bao at his feet.

A murderous glint flashed in his eyes!
That gaze seemed capable of completely devouring Zhao Bao.

At this moment, Zhao Bao was pinned to the ground and unable to move.

His body was contorted, like a trapped ant.

His skin was covered with a layer of hardened keratin-like scales, just like Shen Cangming and the Jade-Faced Fire Monkey.

However, Zhao Bao's scales were thicker and shimmered with a cold light under the moonlight, indicating that his bloodline was purer and his physical strength was higher.

Clearly, Liang Jin's terrifying punch had forced him to reveal his bloodline, leaving him no time to hide.

"Great Teacher, please don't kill me!"

"I...I can be your dog!"

"I will be the most loyal dog, and I will be very obedient! Whoever you tell me to bite, I will bite!"

"That's right, I am a dog! Woof! Woof woof woof!"

At this moment, in order to save his life, Zhao Bao's face was full of flattery and obsequiousness. His voice was sharp and trembling, and he even went so far as to bark like a dog. His appearance was ugly and humble.

The old man and the old woman kept cursing and swearing in his ear; their voices were sharp and piercing, as if they wanted to tear Zhao Bao's soul apart.

But Zhao Bao didn't care!

All he knew was that as long as he lived, there was hope!
He had personally witnessed Liang Jin's ruthlessness; he had even killed powerful figures like Gu Jinfu and Xuan Luanwei without hesitation.

However, Zhao Bao did not have Zhao Xiling's connections, so he could not save his life like Canxin.

So he had no choice but to abandon his dignity once again in order to survive.

however……

Liang Jin's scarlet eyes remained fixed on Zhao Bao.

The murderous intent still flickered in his eyes!

He was filled with disappointment.

Liang Jin felt that the Zhao Bao he saw in his physical body and the Zhao Bao he saw in his clone were like... not the same person!

One is loyal and righteous, while the other is insidious and shameless.

Liang Jin knew that it was this world that had driven Zhao Bao to this state.

But when Zhao Bao repays kindness with enmity and attacks him, Liang Jin truly intends to kill him.

But when he was actually about to kill Zhao Bao, he... still couldn't bring himself to do it!
This is someone he considers family!

Liang Jin was filled with contradictions and struggles; his hands were clenched tightly, and his knuckles turned white.

His murderous aura surged forth repeatedly, then receded, then surged forth again, only to recede once more.

A fierce battle seemed to be raging within him, with reason and emotion constantly clashing.

He was no longer listening to what Zhao Bao was going to say next.

In the end, he still couldn't bring himself to do it.

"Ugh……"

Liang Jin let out a long sigh, a sigh filled with helplessness and sorrow.

He finally removed his foot from Zhao Bao's chest.

Under Zhao Bao's surprised gaze, Liang Jin had already turned around and said in a deep voice:
"Killing a despicable person like you would only dirty my hands."

His voice was filled with disgust and disdain.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Bao felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and a hint of surprise and relief flashed in his eyes.

He hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly in gratitude, his forehead hitting the ground heavily with a dull thud, raising a cloud of dust.

Liang Jin, however, refused to listen to Zhao Bao any longer, and he raised his voice and said:

"Zhao Xiling stays, everyone else get out!"

Since he had already let Zhao Bao go, there was no point in killing the rest of the henchmen.

Everything that happened here was destined to be reported back to the imperial court, so there was no longer any need to silence them.

Zhao Bao was overjoyed upon hearing this.

He scrambled and crawled away in a hurry, fleeing into the distance like a frightened mouse.

Upon hearing this, Ding Feng and Cao Xian were about to say something more.

Canxin shook his head at the two of them.

She knew that if she disobeyed Liang Jin again at this moment, she would probably only face death.

Taking advantage of Liang Jin's current act of kindness, the only way to continue rescuing the princess is to escape first.

The two immediately bowed respectfully to Zhao Xiling and then prepared to help Canxin up and leave together.

Sudden.

Canxin pushed the two away. Despite her heavy body, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, she looked resolutely at Liang Jin and said, word by word:

“Great wise teacher, please allow me to stay by the princess’s side.”

"I am already seriously injured, and I don't even have the strength to lift my hand. I pose no threat to you."

Canxin gave a bitter smile, a hint of self-mockery in her eyes; she was acutely aware of her current wretched state.

“And I know you want to coerce the princess, so you should keep me here even more.”

"You must have already realized that I am the princess's weakness!"

Of course, Canxin didn't want to leave Zhao Xiling; she could only feel at ease when Zhao Xiling was by her side.

Liang Jin was troubled by Zhao Bao's matter.

Upon hearing Canxin's request, he frowned and said impatiently in a deep voice:

"what ever."

Therefore, Cao Xian and Ding Feng realized that they were not qualified to negotiate terms with Liang Jin.

They had no choice but to abandon the princess and leave when they were at the gates of Qingzhou City, and now they can only do the same again.

They carefully placed the broken heart back on the ground, and then left with Zhao Bao.

The figures of the group flashed through the night and quickly disappeared into the dense forest, vanishing completely as the branches swayed.

The moonlight, like water, spilled over this blood-soaked battlefield.

Shen Cangming and Wen Hengrong slowly approached Liang Jin.

Wen Hengrong's face flushed slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of awe and worship as she obediently knelt on the ground.

She looked up at the man before her, who seemed like a demon. His power and ruthlessness stirred her emotions, and at that moment she completely devoted herself to him.

In her heart, being able to follow such a powerful man was an honor she had earned through countless lifetimes.

Even if this man were to rebel in the future and drag her into an abyss of no return, she would be willing to accept it.

Like moths drawn to a flame, they went without hesitation.

Shen Cangming looked solemn, his expression full of admiration and respect, and couldn't help but bow respectfully to Liang Jin.

He also admired Liang Jin wholeheartedly.

With Liang Jin around, the hope of the Youhuan Clan remains!

"Great and wise teacher, what should we do next?"

Shen Cangming asked.

Killing an important figure in the court and then taking the princess hostage again undoubtedly signifies a complete break with the court.

Once they leave these mountains, they will likely face a relentless pursuit by the imperial court, and a host of troubles will follow.

Although having a princess in hand could make the court hesitant to act against her, this was ultimately not a long-term solution.

Therefore, Shen Cangming really wanted to hear Liang Jin's opinion.

Liang Jin, however, paid no attention to this.

He knew very well that Zhao Xiling's biggest backer, her father, was now terminally ill and would soon pass away.

When the position of crown prince becomes vacant, the court will inevitably descend into chaos, and various factions will fight to the death for the supreme dragon throne.

Everyone is busy vying for power, so how many people are willing to put in the effort to care about the life and death of a princess?

Liang Jin stretched out his hand, pointing at Zhao Xiling and Canxin:

"Take both of them and get out of here."

"After that, we will head north, towards the capital."

(End of this chapter)