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

Chapter 649 Protecting the Prince
"Woo-woo-!!!"

A fierce, howling wind swirled and whistled over the capital, carrying with it a heavy stench of blood and lingering dust from the distance.

Liang Jin's figure was like a shadowy figure blending into the raging wind, moving with the wind and riding its winds.

"Ok?"

As he ran, his keen senses stretched backward like a spider web, only to capture a profound silence.

Liang Jin suddenly turned around, his sharp gaze piercing through the deep night and landing in the direction of Zuihualou—unexpected!
That terrifying figure, who should have been in hot pursuit, was completely unmoved by Tong Shan, the commander of the Northern Imperial Guard!
"They...didn't chase after us?"

A hint of surprise crossed my mind, but it quickly turned into cold confidence.

Even if Tong Shan really comes after us, so what?

In terms of lightness skill, which allows one to ride the wind and lightning and leave no trace on the moon, Liang Jin has never truly taken anyone seriously!
Tong Shan's external martial arts skills were unparalleled in their ferocity, but his movement techniques...?
In front of Liang Jin, they would probably be as clumsy as an armored rhinoceros!
Among the top masters he had ever met, perhaps only the eunuch Wang Jin, who lived in seclusion in his new mansion and whose imposing presence was like that of a prison, might be qualified to compete with him in terms of movement techniques.

On that day, in the emperor's bedroom, Liang Jin and Wang Jin exchanged a brief blow. Although neither of them used their full strength, they were able to roughly judge each other's skill level and martial arts characteristics.

"The number one master in the palace... His reputation is indeed well-deserved."

Liang Jin thought to himself, but his feet didn't stop moving at all.

"Today's assassination went much more smoothly than expected."

The night breeze swept into my clothes, bringing a touch of coolness and taking away some of the heat of the killing.

He originally thought that at this crucial moment in the struggle for the throne, when the atmosphere was tense and everyone was on edge, Zhao You would be surrounded by powerful figures, like an impregnable fortress.

Who would have thought that the only real threat was Tongshan!
The dignified King of Shanyang has only a second-rank martial artist as his personal guard at this crucial moment?
Was Zhao You so arrogant that he didn't know his own mortality, or did he really think that no one in the capital could threaten him?
A cold sneer curled at the corner of Liang Jin's mouth.

Zhao You probably never understood until his death that it was not Zhao Xun, whom he regarded as a formidable rival, who ended his ambitions.

Instead, it was a minor Imperial Guard commander whom he had never taken seriously, or even heard of!
"but……"

A cold glint flashed in Liang Jin's eyes:
"Even if there are a few more experts, the outcome won't change! As long as I get within ten feet..."

That is the invitation from the King of Hell; there is no escape!
Tonight's actions were executed flawlessly.

He first took advantage of the chaos to kidnap a lone Imperial Guard soldier, then used the "Thousand Faces Technique" to disguise himself and brazenly infiltrate the ranks of those protecting Zhao You.

When Zhao You and Tong Shan stepped into the distance he had carefully calculated, it was an excellent position to release battle puppets to block the enemy and Yin Bone Puppet to attack.

Liang Jin activated instantly, like the most precise mechanism!

The War Puppet Huang Xingzi lunged at Tong Shan, while the Yin Bone Puppet's deadly cold light tore Zhao You's body apart!

The instant his murderous intent erupted, he had already taken advantage of the wind to soar into the air and escape into the distance!
A true assassination can happen in the blink of an eye!
A moment later, the Yin Bone Puppet and the War Puppet vanished into nothingness and disappeared.

Taking advantage of this precious opportunity, he merged into the howling wind and disappeared without a trace.

"As long as the target isn't a top-tier expert... as long as I can get within range of where I can release my battle puppets..."

Liang Jin silently recited this cold, hard rule in his heart:
"It's a situation with no chance of survival! No one can escape!"

A thought crept into my mind like a venomous snake:

"Should we take care of Zhao Xun as well while we're at it?"

The idea was extremely tempting.

But he quickly extinguished it.

Zhao Xun! This man is far more cunning and cautious than Zhao You!

Thanks to the tracking system, Zhao Xun has been hiding like a turtle in the depths of the Prince's mansion these days, never venturing out of the main gate.

Unlike Zhao You, who dared to patronize prostitutes and indulge in pleasure even when facing death.
It is easy to imagine that the Changshan Prince's Mansion must be a den of dragons and tigers at this moment, with its guards being so tight as to be outrageous.

Infiltrating its core security perimeter undetected is virtually impossible!

Moreover, he just killed Zhao You, and the capital must be in an uproar right now.

The level of vigilance around Zhao Xun will instantly rise to an unprecedented level.

Not only will the assassination become much more difficult, but escaping after the success will also be fraught with danger!
As if to confirm what he thought—

"Bang!!!"

"Bang!!!"

"Bang!!!"

Three deafening explosions ripped through the night sky of Beijing!
Those were three clusters of fireworks blooming in the night sky!
The first firework, crimson as blood, exploded in the north, its raging flames outlining the menacing silhouette of the Imperial Guard's tiger tally—the highest emergency alert from the Northern Imperial Guard! Martial law declared throughout the city!

Immediately following, a dazzling golden firework burst open in the west of the city, its light coalescing into a majestic chain of constables—the Six Doors Mobilization Order!

Finally, a plume of cold, emerald-green smoke shot into the sky from the direction of the imperial city, transforming into a gigantic, menacing eye that looked down upon all living beings—an edict personally issued by the Director of the Imperial Investigation Bureau! Imperial guards were dispatched in all directions!
Three-colored fireworks illuminated the entire capital city, making it appear like a ghost town!

The simultaneous appearance of the highest-level triple warning signals signals that the heart of this empire has entered its most dangerous moment!
The three major violent machines—the Northern Imperial Guard, the Six Doors, and the Investigation Bureau—will be fully activated under the will of their supreme controller!
Liang Jin stood on the towering eaves of the palace, coldly watching the signal that resembled apocalyptic fireworks.

His gaze pierced through the layers of palaces, finally landing on the direction of the new residence, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips:

"Zhao You is dead... Shouldn't you all get moving?"

He was originally happy to sit back and watch the two tigers fight, watching Zhao You and Zhao Xun struggle and exhaust their strength.

But the bloody storms stirred up by these two evil dragons have turned the capital into a living hell!
The tragedy of Zhao Yiyi's family is just a microcosm of the blood and tears of innocent people!

It's precisely because they procrastinate...

Liang Jincai then personally eliminated Zhao You, putting the farce on fast forward!

A fierce glint flashed in Liang Jin's eyes.

He has the confidence!

Because his other clone is also about to arrive in the capital!
"The day the two clones gather in the capital will be the day the dust settles!"

"time to go."

Once the thought was made up, he swayed and glided down from the heights like a great bird, landing precisely within the heavily fortified palace walls of the imperial city.

The gale subsided behind us.

Liang Jin quickly straightened his slightly disheveled imperial guard uniform, smoothing out every wrinkle and erasing any trace that might expose him.

After confirming that everything was correct, he walked steadily toward his post guarding Zhao Yu.

However, as soon as he approached that familiar area, Liang Jin stopped in his tracks.

Something is wrong!

Besides the two agents from the Criminal Investigation Bureau who were supposed to be there, there were seven or eight more Imperial Guards!

They sat around on the ground, with an oilcloth spread out in the middle, piled high with wine jars and leftover meat and bones.

The flickering firelight illuminated Xu Xu's face, which wore a fake smile.

Even more glaring is—

A captain of the Imperial Guard was squatting beside a huge iron cage, holding a bowl of greasy fatty meat and a rough porcelain bowl that smelled of wine. Through the thick iron bars, he kept drooling and passing the meat into the cage.
"Your Highness? Prince of Huaiyang? Look at this excellent braised pork hock, fresh out of the pot! It smells amazing! And this wine, aged Daughter's Red!"

"Could you please do me the honor of trying a little? How can your body take such a long time of hunger?"

Zhao Yu, now in the cage, was like a frightened bird after Liang Jin's last reminder.

He huddled in the corner, his hair disheveled, his eyes cloudy, muttering incoherent babbling, oblivious to the wine and meat that were right in front of him.

No matter how the flag was tempted, he refused to take even half a step closer to the iron railing.

"Humph!"

Liang Jin's eyes instantly froze.

The fact that Xu Xu and his group returned makes it clear that their master intended to kill them!

With Zhao You's sudden death, Zhao Xun and Zhao Yu became the only surviving princes.

The fate of Zhao Yu, this chess piece, has reached a critical juncture, a moment of life and death where the true nature of his strategy is revealed!
Everything may be revealed tonight!

Liang Jin took a deep breath, quickly put on a flawless smile, and walked over loudly:
"Hey! President Xu, brothers, what a pleasant surprise, here again?"

The sudden sound was like a thunderclap in the drunken crowd!
"Bang!"

The flag bearer who was urging the drink was so frightened that his hand trembled, and the wine bowl smashed on the ground, shattering and splashing wine everywhere!

The remaining Imperial Guards, like cats whose tails had been stepped on, jumped up in a flurry, frantically reaching for the swords at their waists, their faces filled with panic and guilt.

Only the two guards, though also startled, visibly relaxed upon recognizing Liang Jin, and smiled with a hint of complaint:
"General Liang! You're finally back!"

"Come, come, President Xu has brought some fine wine and meat, and is waiting for you! Let's have a drink to warm ourselves up!"

Xu Xu's facial muscles twitched stiffly a few times, forcing out a smile that was more like a grimace, to conceal his inner shock and anger:
"Oh my, General Manager Liang! How come you walk like...like a raccoon dog, without making a sound! It scared my heart so much it was pounding!"

He hurriedly picked up an unopened jar of wine:
"I saved this especially for you! It's the finest bamboo leaf green tea! Try it!"

Liang Jin's smile remained unchanged, but he walked straight toward the iron cage.

As he passed the still-shaken leader of the drinking squad, he stretched out his arm and gripped the man's shoulder like an iron clamp, half-affectionately and half-forcefully "lifting" him from the iron cage and leading him to the center of the crowd:
"The prince is acting crazy, why bother with him? Come, sit down and drink with the brothers!"

The flag bearer's face turned deathly pale as he struggled to escape.
"Commander Liang, I...I'll go and try to persuade the Prince again, he..."

Liang Jin's grip tightened:
"Ok?"

His powerful strength pressed the flag bearer firmly onto the floor beside him, his voice carrying an undeniable chill:
"What? Do you think I, Liang Jin, don't have enough face, or is this Director Xu's wine... not to your liking?"

The flag commander was pinned down and couldn't move. He felt like his shoulder blades were about to break. Cold sweat instantly soaked through his inner shirt. How could he dare to move again?

He could only manage a smile that looked worse than a grimace, and sat there obediently and stiffly.

Xu Xu frowned deeply as he watched this scene, his heart burning with anxiety.

The plan has been completely disrupted!

He originally thought that Zhao Yu had gone mad, so he would definitely eat and drink like crazy when he saw wine and meat.

Xu Xu had already poisoned the food and drink.

But to everyone's surprise, Zhao Yu didn't eat a single bite.

Now that Liang Jin, that wicked star, has returned and is being watched so closely, it's impossible for him to use any poisonous schemes.

With the police and Liang Jin present, attempting to take forceful action would be suicidal!

Liang Jin is clearly determined to protect Zhao Yu!

His eyes darted around, then he suddenly slapped his thigh and laughed in a feignedly hearty manner:
"Ugh, just drinking alone like this is so boring! We need to find some fun!"

"I think we should add some stakes and play a game..."

Xu Xu hadn't finished speaking.

It was abruptly cut off by Liang Jin's cold, sharp shout:

"What are you playing for?"

Suddenly, Liang Jin stood up, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the firelight, enveloping everyone.

His gaze was like a knife, slowly sweeping over each face, whether surprised or guilty, his voice as cold as the autumn night wind:
"Have you all forgotten who you are? Forgotten what your duty is?! Military discipline and regulations, do you think they're nothing but bullshit?!"

"We've had our wine and our meat! That's enough!"

He waved his arm, pointing towards the palace:

"Now! Immediately! Right now! Get back to your posts!"

"Anyone who abandons their post will be subject to military law!"

This merciless rebuke was like ice water poured over someone's head, instantly freezing the atmosphere.

The two guards looked embarrassed.

Although they felt that Liang Jin was too harsh and inhumane, they were indeed in the wrong at this moment.

Moreover, the tension brought on by the three-colored fireworks was still there, so they silently stood up and prepared to continue their duties.

Xu Xu's face turned pale and then red, barely suppressing his anger, still trying to make a final stand:
"Mr. Liang, aren't you... making a mountain out of a molehill?"

"Being on duty is being on duty, but what trouble could possibly happen right here in the heart of the capital? The brothers are also..."

Liang Jin whirled around, his gaze piercing Xu Xu like lightning, his voice rising abruptly, filled with thunderous fury:
"What trouble could possibly happen?!"

"Xu Xu! Are you blind?!"

"Those three fireworks that just exploded in the sky! Red! Yellow! Green! Did you think they were fireworks to celebrate Zhao You's death?!"

"That's the highest alert from the Northern Imperial Guards, the Six Doors, and the Investigation Bureau! Martial law is here! Understand?!" "If you dare utter another word to me, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

His hand was already on the hilt of the sword at his waist, exuding a chilling murderous aura.
"Now! Immediately! Get out of here!!!"

The final word "get lost" was like a thunderclap, making Xu Xu's eardrums buzz.

Seeing the undisguised murderous intent in Liang Jin's eyes, and noticing the wary expressions on the faces of the two guards beside him, Xu Xu knew that things were beyond saving.

He glanced venomously at Zhao Yu, who was huddled in the iron cage, then glared fiercely at Liang Jin, squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth:
"Good...good! General Liang, you're awesome! Let's go!"

He led a group of dejected imperial guards, looking like defeated roosters, and slunk away into the shadows of the palace road.

Can't solve it?

Then report it!

There's always someone who can solve it!
The atmosphere didn't ease much after Xu Xu and the others left.

Liang Jin and the two guards stood guard in silence. The night wind seemed to grow colder, making the torches crackle.

It didn't take long.

"Da da da……"

A series of slightly hesitant footsteps approached from afar.

This time, it turned out to be the old cook who usually delivered the meals.

He was hunched over, his face bearing his usual, somewhat humble smile:
"Gentlemen! Dinner's ready! Dinner's ready!"

"The higher-ups are in a good mood today, so there's an extra meal! Lots of fish and meat! The kitchen is too busy to deliver anything else!"

"Hurry up and eat over at the duty room! If you're late, all the good food will be gone! I still need to tell the other brothers!"

After the old cook finished speaking, without waiting for a response, he hurriedly turned around and staggered towards the next sentry post.

The two guards, whose appetites had been whetted by Xu Xu's wine and meat, now felt their stomachs rumble even louder when they heard "plenty of fish and meat."

They all looked at Liang Jin, their eyes filled with expectation:

"General Manager Liang, what do you think... how about we take turns going?"

"Or... let's go together? It's not far anyway."

Liang Jin's gaze swept across the silent surroundings, then returned to the massive iron cage, and he shook his head:
"This place cannot be left unattended."

"You may go, I will stay here and guard."

The two guards, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, quickly expressed their gratitude:
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Liang!"

"Don't worry, we'll eat quickly and bring you back the best!"

As they spoke, they eagerly jogged toward the duty room.

In the blink of an eye, only Liang Jin and the trembling prisoner in the iron cage remained in the corner of the palace wall illuminated by the firelight.

A deathly silence descended, heavy and oppressive.

Inside the iron cage, Zhao Yu could no longer maintain his mad pretense; he had already sensed the danger.

He suddenly lunged at the iron bars, gripping the cold metal with both hands, his voice trembling with extreme fear:
"Liang Jin! Liang Jin! I...I feel something's wrong tonight! Something's very wrong!"

"They...they must be after me!"

"You must not leave! Do not go even a step away! If you leave... I... I am doomed!"

His cloudy eyes were filled with fear of death and his only dependence on Liang Jin.

Liang Jin stood with his back to the iron cage, his body as straight as a javelin.

He gazed at the dark palace corridor where Xu Xu and the others had departed, his voice low yet carrying an unwavering resolve:
"Don't worry, Your Majesty."

"Liang Jin is here, and I will guarantee your safety!"

Zhao Yu's tense nerves seemed to be slightly soothed by these words.

He slid down to the ground, panting heavily, but his eyes remained fixed on Liang Jin's back.

Time flowed slowly in the deathly silence, each breath seeming exceptionally long.

"Da da da……"

New footsteps sounded again, steady and familiar.

The person who came this time was Wu Huan.

He waved to Liang Jin from afar, his tone carrying the usual friendliness mixed with a hint of a superior giving an order:

"Brother Liang! Quick! Emergency assembly!"

"The Deputy Commander has personally convened a meeting! Come with me immediately!"

Liang Jin stood rooted to the spot, unmoving, his gaze still warily scanning the surrounding shadows.
"Wu Tou, I have to stay and guard the prince. Please ask the deputy commander for leave on my behalf."

Wu Huan had already turned and taken a few steps when he heard this, he suddenly stopped, turned back in surprise, as if he had heard something unbelievable.

He strode back, his face showing confusion and a hint of displeasure at having his pride snubbed.
"A meeting has been called from above; this is a military order! All banner commanders must be present! Not a single one can be missing!"

"Is the Prince of Huaiyang going to grow wings and fly away in that iron cage? Aren't there people from the Criminal Investigation Bureau watching over him?"

As he spoke, he subconsciously glanced around:
"Hey? What happened to those two spies? They've disappeared too?"

Liang Jin's voice was calm and even:
"They went to eat."

"Furthermore, they will likely be held back and won't be able to return."

"Wu Tou, I'm asking for leave from the meeting, so I won't be going."

Wu Huan's face hardened, displaying a degree of superior authority:
"Nonsense!"

"This is no ordinary meeting! This is a direct order from the Deputy Commander!"

"A momentous event has occurred in the capital! Anyone who dares to be absent will be court-martialed!"

"Don't be reckless, kid. Come with me!" he said, reaching out to grab Liang Jin's arm.

Just as Wu Huan's hand was about to touch Liang Jin's sleeve—

"Wu Huan!"

A cold, unfamiliar, and incredibly stressful shout struck Wu Huan's heart like a heavy hammer!

Wu Huan froze, his outstretched hand stopping in mid-air. He looked up in astonishment and met Liang Jin's unfathomable, cold eyes!

Liang Jin rarely called him by his name directly. The last time he called him Wu Huan was when he was beating him up.

Liang Jin's hand gripped Wu Huan's wrist like an iron clamp, the force so great that Wu Huan felt his bones groaning!
"You've also sided with them?"

Liang Jin's voice was extremely low, yet every word was like an icicle, piercing Wu Huan's eardrums:

"Are they helping them... to harm me?!"

The moment the word "harm" was uttered, a chilling killing intent, as if it were tangible, emanated from Liang Jin, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet!
Wu Huan was terrified by the sudden accusation and murderous intent; his face turned deathly pale, and his voice trembled.
"Brother Liang... Brother Liang! What nonsense are you spouting?! When have I, Wu Huan, ever harmed you?!"

"It's a notification to attend a meeting! It's a military order! It's a military order personally issued by Deputy Commander Hong Wei!"

"I can cover for you in ordinary meetings, but not this time! You'll lose your head!"

He was so anxious that the veins on his forehead bulged, and his eyes were full of panic and confusion, which did not seem fake.

Liang Jin did not loosen his grip on Wu Huan's wrist. He carefully observed Wu Huan's pulse, rapid breathing, and panicked eyes.

The time it took for a few heartbeats felt like an eternity.

Finally, Liang Jin slowly released his grip.

But he did not let Wu Huan leave; instead, he said in an unquestionable tone:

"Head Wu, do me a favor."

Wu Huan, still shaken, rubbed his aching wrist and nodded subconsciously:
"……you say."

Liang Jin's gaze seemed to pierce through layers of palace walls, landing on the direction of the Imperial Guard's command center. His voice was deep and clear:
"Go find the First Commander and tell him—"

"If he really wants to kill the Prince of Huaiyang, then stop playing these underhanded tricks and let him come here in person! I, Liang Jin, will be waiting for him!"

"If he doesn't want to kill... then he must be careful of one person—Deputy Commander Hong Wei!"

Boom!

These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Wu Huan's mind!

He was so shocked that his mouth was agape enough to fit an egg, and his eyes were wide open, as if he were seeing this person for the first time!

Kill the prince?

Beware of the Vice President?
What... what's going on here?!

Has Liang Jin gone mad?!
Or was it the alcohol taking effect?!

His lips trembled, and he was about to ask further:
"Brother Liang, what exactly do you mean by that...?"

Liang Jin abruptly interrupted him:
"Do not ask!"

A hand pressed heavily on Wu Huan's shoulder, the force as heavy as a mountain, the gaze as sharp as a knife:

"The more you know, the faster you'll die!"

“Since we still share some camaraderie, please help me pass on this message.”

"If you feel that I, Liang Jin, am no longer a part of your life..."

Liang Jin withdrew his hand, slowly took a step back, and stood firmly beside the iron cage again. His back, illuminated by the firelight, appeared lonely and imposing.

"That's fine. Let's leave this place right now and find the quietest, safest corner to hide in."

"Remember, no matter what noise you hear coming from this side in a little while... do not come over to check!"

"otherwise……"

Liang Jin slightly turned his head, revealing half of his profile, which was as cold and hard as iron in the shadows, and his voice carried a metallic chill:

"Swords have no eyes; one must bear the consequences of one's own life and death."

After speaking, Liang Jin no longer looked at Wu Huan, transforming into a cold stone statue guarding a cage, his entire being focused on the surrounding darkness.

Wu Huan was completely dumbfounded.

He stood there, his hands and feet icy cold, looking at Liang Jin's unfamiliar yet powerful back, a huge chill ran from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head!
The Liang Jin standing before him was no longer the capable, arrogant, but still approachable young leader he knew.
This is clearly a...

A being who emerged from mountains of corpses and seas of blood, wielding terrifying secrets and power...

A jinx!

A complete stranger, someone he didn't know at all.

Or perhaps, this is Liang Jin's true nature?

Wu Huan didn't know.

But he knew Liang Jin was absolutely not joking, and he was extremely serious!
He could already sense that this must be an incredibly huge event.

The sheer magnitude of the event overwhelmed him with fear and bewilderment.

He didn't even know how he turned around, or how he moved his leaden legs, staggering step by step, away from this corner shrouded in the shadow of death.

The darkness of the palace path swallowed his figure, leaving only the heavy sound of his footsteps echoing in the emptiness, growing ever more distant.

Wu Huan's mind was completely in chaos, buzzing and blank.

Liang Jin's last words lingered in his mind like a curse:

Two ways.

One option is to go to the high and mighty First Commander and deliver that insane message that was enough to enrage his superiors!
The other option is to become a coward, hide away, completely sever ties with Liang Jin, and stay out of it.

Where to go?

Wu Huan stood at the crossroads, gazing into the unfathomable darkness of the palace.

For the first time, he felt that the choices of fate were so cold and heavy.

Cold sweat had already soaked through his back.

(End of this chapter)