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

Chapter 648 The Emperor Should Return to the Palace
"boom--!!!"

A deafening explosion ripped through the night sky!

Tong Shan's terrifying punch completely missed its target!

He spent his life on the battlefield, and his fists never missed their mark!

But just moments ago, the figure that wielded the giant sword with the force to split mountains and shatter rocks struck him at the very instant his fist was about to hit his body...

Disappeared out of thin air!
It appeared abruptly like a ghost, and vanished in the same unpredictable way!
This incredible blunder caused Tong Shan's powerful fist energy to completely spiral out of control!

The violent power, like a runaway dragon, crashed down on the distant Drunken Flower Pavilion!
"Boom——!!!"

An even duller and more terrifying noise!

The exquisite carved beams and painted rafters of the Drunken Flower Pavilion were instantly torn apart, and a terrifying hole a full ten feet wide appeared out of thin air, with wood chips and bricks shooting out like a torrential rain!
"Whoosh—BOOM!!!"

The two upper floors, having lost their support, emitted a tooth-grinding groan before collapsing like a mountain avalanche!

The broken walls and ruins, shrouded in dust and smoke, churned wildly in the howling wind, as if the end of the world had arrived!
Amidst this destructive roar—

"call--!"

A strange gale suddenly rose from the ground, not raging aimlessly, but carrying with it a cloud of dust, resolutely rushing towards the deep night in the distance!

Where the wind passes, visibility becomes even more blurred and difficult to discern.

"Your Majesty!!!"

Tong Shan's eyes were bloodshot, and he let out a heart-wrenching roar!

He transformed into a raging black shadow, rushing headlong into the still-collapsed ruins of the Drunken Flower Pavilion!
As he passed the doorway, his peripheral vision flashed sharply towards the spot where the soldier who had disobeyed orders and turned around had been—

Empty!

Not even a scrap of clothing remained, as if that person had never existed.

A chill instantly crept up the back of Tongshan Mountain.

"Boom--!"

Another massive section of the building crashed down with tremendous force!

"Go away!"

Tong Shan was furious, and his aura exploded!
A surge of internal energy, as powerful as a tsunami, erupted forth, forming an invisible barrier of qi!

The massive bricks and stones that fell, along with the broken wooden planks, were violently blasted away and shattered the moment they touched this three-zhang-wide area, as if they had hit an invisible iron wall!
The dust and gravel were brushed aside as if by an invisible hand, and not a single speck could get close to him!
He swung his iron palm fiercely!
The violent energy swept through like a hurricane, instantly tearing a gap in the billowing smoke and dust!
The scene inside the Drunken Flower Pavilion was finally laid bare before Tong Shan's eyes.

Prince Zhao You of Shanyang!
The manner of their deaths was so gruesome it was suffocating!

His entire body was dismembered by an extremely cruel and precise force, torn into eight pieces!
Severed limbs were soaking in a thick, foul-smelling pool of blood, with fragments of organs scattered all over the ground.

Such a tragic situation would be beyond saving even if a celestial being were to descend to earth.

You can't die any more!

"You bastard!!!"

A roar filled with boundless rage and shame exploded from Tong Shan's chest, shaking the ruins!
He suddenly turned his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed like a hawk's as he stared intently at the distant gust of wind that was merging into the thick night!

His eyesight and senses told him with unparalleled clarity that there was "something" in the wind!
A blurry yet lightning-fast figure is using the wind to escape!
He must be the murderer!

However, the foot of Tongshan Mountain seemed to have taken root, remaining completely still!
"Wow... such fast movement!"

Tong Shan clenched his teeth and squeezed out a few words.

He was confident in his unparalleled physical prowess and feared no master in the world in a direct confrontation, but when it came to his lightning-fast lightness skill... he admitted that he was inferior to the person in the wind.

The lightness skill of that Shadow in the Wind had reached an unbelievable level, making him feel an insurmountable gap for the first time in his life, and a deep sense of powerlessness gripped him!
He knows it all too well.

The opponent has already gained the upper hand and has escaped for several breaths. To chase them now would be nothing short of a fool's dream!
It's all in vain; it will only make you look more pathetic!
What weighed heavily on his mind was that his accomplices who had helped with the assassination had also vanished into thin air.

No matter how intently he tried to sense it, all around was silent, with not a trace of energy fluctuation.

"Where... exactly did this monster come from?"

Tong Shan's brows furrowed deeply, his gaze once again fixed on the darkness where the storm had subsided, his mind filled with doubt:
"And those assassins... they come and go without a trace!"

"Especially that one wielding the giant sword... that domineering aura is exactly the same as the mysterious expert who crippled Jin Jinliang that day!"

A terrible thought uncontrollably surfaced:
"Could it be that beneath this seemingly peaceful capital city, a terrifying force, unknown to the world and possessing unparalleled power, is lurking?"

Thinking of this, Tong Shan's heart sank to the bottom.

Such unpredictable assassination techniques, with each step intricately linked and allowing for free advance and retreat, left him utterly bewildered and unable to devise any way to break them.

He had never heard of such a situation in his decades of traversing the world!

If these people truly belong to some organization... the political landscape in the capital is likely to take another turn!

His gaze finally settled on the glaring pool of blood and the mangled limbs on the ground. A cold, calculating look replaced his anger, and he sighed inwardly.

"Well... it seems we'll have to start supporting someone else."

Of the princes in the capital, only Prince Zhao Xun of Changshan remains.

No...there's one more!
Zhao Yu, the "Pig King" who was ridiculed by the world and had long since gone mad!
A hint of disdain flashed across Tong Shan's lips as he shook his head slightly.

To put a madman on the throne?
It's simply a horror of slipping the world!

Moreover, the Empress has already decided to kill him, so Zhao Yu... probably won't live past midnight tonight!

He had no more lingering attachments. As if kicking away a piece of gravel in his way, he kicked away a piece of Zhao You's body that was lying at his feet, sending it flying with a "clang" as it hit the broken wall.

He strode out of the blood-soaked ruins and raised his hand to beckon.

An officer immediately rushed forward and bowed to receive orders.

"Enter the palace immediately and report to Her Majesty."

Tong Shan's voice was as cold as iron:
"Prince Zhao You of Shanyang has died in front of the Wanhua Tower!"

"Pass down the order! The entire army is fully equipped and ready to depart immediately!"

His gaze turned in another direction from the capital, carrying an undeniable determination:
"Target—Changshan Prince's Mansion! Protect...Changshan Prince Zhao Xun with all your might!"

With Zhao You dead and Zhao Yu about to die, the throne of the Great Qian Dynasty must be occupied by the last intact member of the Zhao family bloodline—Zhao Xun!
This country has to have someone surnamed Zhao to shoulder the responsibility!
"As ordered!"

The officer solemnly agreed, then turned and sped off to relay the order.

Soon, the bugle call to assemble pierced the night sky, and the Imperial Guards near Zuihua Tower, like a black torrent, quickly formed ranks, their armor clanging, their swords and spears like a forest, silently and menacingly surging towards the Changshan Prince's Mansion.

This area finally fell into a deathly silence.

The Drunken Flower Pavilion, now only half-ruined, reeked of blood, the stench so thick it was almost palpable, permeating the night air.

Only in the crumbling, half-standing second-floor boudoir, a pale-faced young girl collapsed to the ground, gazing at the hellish scene below and the ruins above, letting out continuous, heart-wrenching screams and cries of terror, becoming the only jarring background noise in this deathly silence...

………………

new house.

Tonight, the new house is brightly lit, and the sounds of traditional music fill the air.

Eunuch Wang Jin hosted a banquet at night to entertain the newly recruited heroes of the martial arts world.

During the banquet, glasses clinked and toasts were exchanged, and the dancers' graceful figures and seductive music filled the air.

Wang Jin, Meng Xinghun, and Yan Tingfeng drank only a few cups before quietly leaving the table.

Zhao Bao and Wan Shanglou were left to take charge.

The three strolled to the terrace of the pavilion overlooking Taiye Pond.

The bright moon hangs in the sky, its clear light shining down, and the night breeze carries moisture to my face.

Three luxurious chairs covered with brocade cushions were already prepared.

The maids filed in, serving fragrant tea, delicate pastries, and seasonal fresh fruit, and then silently withdrew.

The three sat down, sipping tea and chatting.

The rift between Meng Xinghun and Yan Tingfeng during the day, and Yan Tingfeng's attempt to pressure Wang Jin to seize greater benefits, seemed as if they had never happened.

The three of them were chatting and laughing, the atmosphere was harmonious, and they seemed to be old friends.

While we were chatting.

Zhao Bao strode over, bowed, and whispered:
"Master, Zhao Hongyi, the heir apparent of the Prince of Huaiyang, requests an audience."

Upon hearing this, Yan Tingfeng and Meng Xinghun simultaneously stopped talking and their gazes narrowed slightly.

Wang Jin didn't lift her eyelids, only giving a faint "hmm".

Zhao Bao then led Zhao Hongyi onto the terrace.

The moment Zhao Hongyi appeared, he suddenly knelt down with a thud, his forehead slamming heavily against the cold stone slab.

"Junior Zhao Hongyi! Pays respects to the Grand Eunuch! Long live the Grand Eunuch!"

This move was extremely abrupt!

Even Zhao Bao, who was used to seeing all sorts of things, was slightly shocked.

How could the heir of the Prince of Huaiyang so disregard his status and perform such a grand ceremony?

This "sincerity"... seems a bit too deliberate.

Wang Jin's face remained calm and composed; he merely raised his eyelids slightly.
"Why must Your Highness perform such a grand ceremony? Rise and speak."

Zhao Bao knew perfectly well what was going on.

Previously, the factory director had held Zhao Hongyi in utter contempt and had refused to see him on several occasions.

It wasn't until Liang Jin secretly met with the eunuch that night that his attitude suddenly changed. He not only sent people to guard Zhao Yu, but also allowed Zhao Hongyi to have an audience.

Zhao Hongyi then respectfully stood up and hurriedly bowed to Yan Tingfeng and Meng Xinghun:
“Senior Yan! I have often heard my family members mention your illustrious reputation. They say you are a towering figure in the martial arts world, highly respected and virtuous. I have long admired you!”

"This must be Lord Meng! Lord Meng reigns supreme in the Western Desert, his fame is renowned, and I have heard of him before!"

"To meet two such eminent individuals today is truly a blessing earned through three lifetimes of good deeds!"

Zhao Bao saw this and shook his head inwardly.

It is reasonable to treat Yan Tingfeng with the respect due to a junior, but to also refer to Meng Xinghun, who is of similar or even younger age, as a "junior" is also appropriate.
Zhao Hongyi's obsequious and ingratiating intentions are now blatantly obvious.

Yan Tingfeng and Meng Xinghun nodded slightly in return.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zhao Hongyi couldn't contain himself and eagerly got to the point:
"Manufacturer!"

He lowered his voice, as if testing the waters:

"I have heard that Lords Shen Wujiu and Li Qingru, who originally supported Zhao Xun, have suddenly changed their tune today and claimed to be 'neutral'?"

"In that case...wouldn't Zhao You be..."

Before he could finish speaking, his gaze was fixed on Wang Jin, trying to catch a glimpse of her reaction.

Wang Jin seemed not to hear, and turned to Yan Tingfeng, asking with a smile:

"Sect Leader Yan, look at the Mid-Autumn Moon. Its clear light shines over the vast expanse. Is it pleasing to the eye?"

Yan Tingfeng stroked his beard and smiled, his gaze fixed on the round moon, as smooth as a jade plate:

"A beautiful night, a delightful occasion. Such moonlight is intoxicating; it is truly a rare and wonderful night."

The two chatted and laughed, leaving Zhao Hongyi standing there.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Zhao Hongyi's face, but he refused to give up. He took another half step closer, his voice even lower, tinged with righteous indignation:
"Master Eunuch! I have also heard that Zhao You has secretly ordered the tailors in his mansion to sew a dragon robe! He has also sent craftsmen to forge a golden knife and a jade seal!"

"Such an act of usurpation is utterly lawless and disregards the laws of the court!"

As he spoke, he kept a close eye on Wang Jin's expression out of the corner of his eye.

Wang Jin remained indifferent, as if Zhao Hongyi were nothing more than air.

He casually turned to Meng Xinghun on the other side:
"Master Meng, I wonder if you enjoy fishing in your spare time?"

"The vast desert of the Western Desert must also have places with boundless blue waters where one can fish?"

A faint smile played at the corners of Meng Xinghun's lips:
"The Western Desert also has its own pearls of the vast sea. Within the jurisdiction of my Qingyi Tower lies 'Star Sea,' a boundless expanse of misty waves, which is indeed a place full of fishing pleasures." "However, when it comes to the art of fishing, I still need to learn more from you, Eunuch."

The two exchanged a smile, once again completely ignoring Zhao Hongyi.

"Haha, you're too modest, OP."

Zhao Hongyi's face flushed red and then paled, standing there in a dilemma, yet he remained undeterred and continued, forcing himself to speak:
"Master Eunuch! There's one more thing!"

"News came from the Imperial Clan Court today that several princes who were under house arrest have suddenly contracted a serious illness, many of them are unconscious, and several... are already on the verge of death! The imperial physicians are helpless!"

"The Imperial Clan Court is now completely shut down, blocking all news! Those princes... are probably in grave danger!"

"In that case, wouldn't Zhao You... wouldn't he really be able to control everything and be unstoppable?"

Zhao Bao sighed again in his heart.

No wonder the eunuch looked down on him.

How could the Imperial Clan Court not know about the affairs of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics?
The struggle for the throne has reached its climax, and before the duel between the two kings, it is natural to clear away other obstacles.

Zhao Hongyi's act of using this already openly known information as a bargaining chip is not only naive but also utterly worthless.

really.

Wang Jin, Yan, and Meng continued to enjoy tea and admire the moon, chatting idly about the martial arts world, completely ignoring Zhao Hongyi's words.

Zhao Bao understood, and walked up to Zhao Hongyi, his voice low but carrying an undeniable air of dismissal:

"Your Highness, the Grand Eunuch has urgent business to attend to. You... please return."

He slightly raised his arm, pointing the way he had come.

Zhao Hongyi's face instantly turned extremely ugly, a mixture of resentment, humiliation, and anxiety. His lips moved, and it looked as if he was about to speak again, disregarding everything—

“Report——!!!”

Right now!

A young eunuch came running in a panic, staggering and looking terrified!

Zhao Bao knew that something big was about to happen!

He ignored Zhao Hongyi and strode forward.

The young eunuch rushed to Zhao Bao's ear and whispered a few words hastily.

Zhao Bao's expression changed drastically!

He suddenly waved his hand, and the little eunuch, as if granted a pardon, retreated in a panic.

Zhao Bao took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and quickly returned to Wang Jin, his voice heavy as if filled with lead:

"Factory Director! Urgent report!"

"Zhao You, the Prince of Shanyang... was assassinated in front of the Wanhua Tower a quarter of an hour ago!"

hiss--!
A deathly silence suddenly descended upon the terrace!

Wang Jin's hand, holding the teacup, froze in mid-air for a moment.

Yan Tingfeng's fingers, which were stroking his beard, suddenly stopped.

A glint flashed in Meng Xinghun's eyes, which then returned to a deep, still gaze.

Zhao Hongyi, standing to the side, was struck dumb!

His body trembled violently, and he couldn't help but let out a short, startled cry:

"what?!"

This news was like a thunderbolt, striking the hearts of everyone present!

Zhao You!

That's the most powerful contender for the throne!
He had just displayed overwhelming superiority... and in the blink of an eye, he was already decapitated?!

Zhao Bao spoke very quickly, continuing to report key details:
"It is said that there are quite a few assassins, and the greatsword and aura of one of them are very similar to the mysterious master who crippled Jin Erdang's head that day!"

"Tong Shan, the commander of the Northern Imperial Guard who was protecting Zhao You at the time, failed to stop the assassination attempt and did not capture any of the assassins. Afterwards... he did not even pursue them!"

"At this moment, Tong Shan has led the Imperial Guards to completely surround the Changshan Prince's Mansion! Judging from their posture, it is not coercion, but more like... protection and defense!"

After Zhao Bao finished speaking, he understood perfectly.

After Zhao You's death, Zhao Xun became the only surviving prince.

Tong Shan and his backers have no choice but to fully support Zhao Xun's rise to power!

The winds will also shift dramatically among those who are sitting on the sidelines in the capital.

However... there are still some uncertainties!
Because the forgotten "Pig King" Zhao Yu is still alive!

Right inside the palace!

Zhao Bao's eyes sharpened.

Liang Jin had told him that he wanted the brothers to join forces and help Zhao Yu ascend to the throne.

The more Zhao Bao thought about it afterward, the more he felt that the idea was basically impossible to realize, to the point that he had already decided to give up and look for another way out.

But now.

The situation has come full circle, and it has returned to the two-kings duel that Liang Jin had envisioned!

So... Zhao Yu isn't entirely without a chance!

Moreover, the decisive moment may very well be tonight!
Zhao Bao quickly suppressed the turmoil in his mind, his gaze involuntarily focusing on Wang Jin's unfathomable face.

At this moment, the choice made by this powerful eunuch will truly determine the future direction of the Great Qian Dynasty!
Wang Jin narrowed his old eyes slightly, his gaze seemingly falling on the rippling waves of Taiye Pond, yet also seeming to pierce through the void and cast towards a more distant unknown.

On the terrace, you could hear a pin drop; the only sounds were the soft rustling of clothes in the night breeze.

After a while.

A subtle, enigmatic smile slowly crept onto Wang Jin's lips.

He didn't look at Zhao Bao, but turned to Yan Tingfeng and Meng Xinghun, his tone as calm as ever:

"You two have brilliant insights. What should we do now?"

Yan Tingfeng's expression hardened, and instead of answering directly, he cupped his hands in a humble manner and said:

"This is a matter of great importance, concerning the very foundation of the nation."

"The factory director is insightful and wise, while I am old and dull and dare not speak presumptuously. Everything is left to the factory director's decision."

Meng Xinghun remained silent, his deep gaze fixed on the direction of the palace, lost in thought.

Until Wang Jin called out the name again, his voice carrying a hint of inquiry:
"Master Meng... seems to be deep in thought?"

Meng Xinghun then withdrew his gaze and looked at Wang Jin. His voice was not loud, but each word was clear, like a pebble thrown into a still lake:
"Eunuch, shouldn't His Majesty... return to the palace?"

Returning to the palace?!
Upon hearing this, the air on the terrace seemed to freeze instantly!

Wang Jin lowered his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them.

Yan Tingfeng looked surprised and suddenly turned to Meng Xinghun.

Zhao Hongyi was so anxious that he scratched his head and wished he could interrupt immediately.

Only Zhao Bao felt as if a lightning bolt had illuminated his mind! He suddenly understood!
Yes!

Return to the palace!

The capital city has become the eye of the storm, and is extremely dangerous!
If the emperor remains in the new residence, it will inevitably give others an opportunity to take advantage of him.

The palace's defenses were the most robust.

No matter how luxurious the new residence is built, or how impregnable its defenses are, and no matter how long the emperor lives there, it is still not the imperial palace, and can never compare to the imperial palace's status as a symbol of the underworld.

Only that magnificent palace is the most important place in the world!
Only with the Emperor himself in charge can the villains be deterred and the people's hearts be stabilized!

And the key figure, Zhao Yu, was also in the palace!

If the Emperor returns to the palace, not only will his own safety be better guaranteed, but he can also add an invisible and huge bargaining chip to Zhao Yu, who is a pawn, by virtue of his status as the "Son of Heaven"!

This is a strategy that kills two birds with one stone!
As for whether His Majesty's frail body could withstand the arduous journey... that was no longer the primary consideration at the moment!

But Zhao Bao was unaware of this.

Those who knew the truth about the Emperor's death, such as Wang Jin, had other thoughts and concerns...

After a while.

Without the slightest hesitation, a fierce glint flashed in Wang Jin's eyes, and he said decisively:
"Zhao Bao! You have fifteen minutes!"

"Immediately arrange ceremonial processions and carriages, ensuring everything is secure and discreet!"

Wang Jin's voice carried an undeniable air of authority:
"A quarter of an hour later, I, the Governor, will personally escort His Majesty back to the palace!"

Zhao Bao was greatly encouraged and immediately accepted the order.

Wang Jin's gaze shifted and landed on Zhao Hongyi, who was standing to the side like an ant on a hot plate:
"Your Highness! You must leave the city immediately!"

Wang Jin's voice was cold and urgent:

"Contact the Divine Martial Army! Order them... to break camp immediately, march day and night, and head straight for the capital! There must be no delay!"

Zhao Hongyi was filled with a mixture of elation and fear.

He knew very well that at this most crucial moment, the Grand Eunuch had chosen him and his father!
This made Zhao Hongyi's voice tremble with excitement:

"Yes! Yes! This junior will go immediately! I will certainly not fail the trust placed in me by the factory director!"

He readily agreed and turned to run away.

But his emotions were too turbulent, and after taking only two steps, he stumbled and fell to the ground with a thud!
His brocade robe was covered in dust, and he looked utterly disheveled.

He didn't care about anything else, he scrambled to his feet and stumbled off the balcony.

Finally, Wang Jin's gaze returned to Yan Tingfeng and Meng Xinghun, his expression solemn, and he even slightly cupped his hands in greeting:
"Returning to the palace tonight may cause trouble."

"We still need to rely on the two esteemed individuals to lend me a hand and ensure the safety of His Majesty!"

The two immediately returned the greeting with solemnity:

"Rest assured, Director, we will do our duty without hesitation!"

"I will certainly serve you!"

However, Meng Xinghun stepped forward again and added:
"Master, there is no time to lose. Please allow me to take my leave for a moment so that I can mobilize the elites of the Green Robe Pavilion and make secret arrangements to provide support."

He paused, then looked sharply at Wang Jin:

"Furthermore... I request that you, Eunuch, hand over Bei Huan to me to deal with."

He knew very well that Wang Jin would definitely bring Yin Xi with him when he returned to the palace this time.

If he continues to stay by Wang Jin's side at this time, the existence of Black Blood will inevitably be exposed.

At this critical moment, he did not want to create a rift between himself and Wang Jin because of the black blood, so he took the initiative to avoid it.

Wang Jin's gaze was like lightning, piercing deeply into Meng Xinghun's eyes.

He was naturally aware of the old grudges between Meng Xinghun and Beihuan.

But he couldn't grasp it. Meng Xinghun's sudden avoidance at this moment—was he really going to gather his subordinates, or... did he have other plans?
If Meng Xinghun were to betray them and side with Zhao Xun at this moment, it would undoubtedly be a disaster.

After a moment's consideration.

Wang Jin finally nodded slowly. He had the magnanimity to trust those he employed and not to employ those he didn't trust.

Wang Jin said in a deep voice:
"can."

"Master Meng, go and return quickly."

(End of this chapter)