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

Chapter 654 The Empress Arrives
The moment that imperial carriage, symbolizing the supreme ruler, crashed into First Guard's view through the massive hole blasted open by Liang Jin's punch—

"boom!"

It was as if a thunderbolt had exploded in his mind!

A surge of violent emotions, a mixture of fury at being deceived, chilling fear, and overwhelming killing intent, instantly rushed from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, even causing his vision to go slightly black!
cheated!
He was completely and blatantly deceived by his own soldiers, those subordinates responsible for guarding the Meridian Gate!
Outside the city, the torches held high by the imperial guards and the imperial escorts illuminated the square in front of the Meridian Gate as bright as day, revealing every detail!
They could even see the blood splattered on the ground, the cold glint of the assassin's blade, and the reflection of the gold thread on the dragon carriage curtains with perfect clarity!
Where did this "the night was so dark that it was difficult to see" come from?!

This is an elaborate and audacious conspiracy!

Right here at the foot of the imperial city, right under his nose as the commander of the imperial guards, someone dared to fabricate such a clumsy lie, intending to permanently isolate the true emperor from his palace!

If it weren't for Liang Jin's reckless, earth-shattering punch...

He was the first to uphold righteousness. This commander, who claimed to be loyal to the emperor and protect the country, had he not become an accomplice of the usurper, a sinner whose sins could not be redeemed even by a hundred deaths?!
The thought of this possibility filled him with intense fear, causing his hand holding the sword to tremble slightly.

especially--

His gaze, sharp as a hawk's, suddenly shot into the darkness further away!
A large number of masked assassins dressed in black and wielding poisoned blades were frantically and relentlessly attacking the defensive line composed of the police officers and the imperial guards!

The ear-piercing sounds of swords clashing, the screams of those dying, and the booming sounds of internal energy exploding were incessant!
And that defensive line made of flesh and blood is being squeezed and pushed back step by step, getting closer and closer to that lonely imperial carriage!
The Emperor's carriage is truly in imminent danger!

"You scoundrel!! You deceived the emperor!! You deserve to be torn to pieces!!!"

The first Shouzheng suddenly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot with extreme anger.

He glared at the fearful, shifty-eyed guards atop the city walls, his roar like that of a wounded lion, shaking the dust that fell from the battlements.

"Liang Jin may have his own agenda!"

"But you! How dare you join forces to deceive this commander?! Who gave you the audacity?!"

Within the Imperial Guard, sons of meritorious nobles occupy various important positions, and the power dynamics among them are intricate and intertwined, making it the most complex army in the Great Qian Dynasty.

First Shouzheng thought he could get used to this kind of army.

At this moment, however, he felt an unprecedented hatred and disgust for the deeply entrenched, self-serving, and power-hungry noble forces within the Imperial Guard!

These parasites in these countries not only embezzle public funds and military expenditures on a regular basis, but they also dare to use the emperor's life and the stability of the capital as bargaining chips for their dirty deals at a time when the fate of the empire is at stake!

He missed those simple, yet bitterly cold days at the border.

Although death was a constant threat there, military orders were absolute and camaraderie was deep. There was no room for such disgusting scheming and betrayal!
Border troops are often composed of simple individuals, so his orders can be smoothly transmitted to the lowest levels, and the actual situation at the front can be smoothly fed back to him.

Unlike the Imperial Guards, there are so many who deceive their superiors and mislead their subordinates!
At this time.

Outside the Meridian Gate.

A person stepped forward, treading through the scattered wood and dust, with steady yet swift steps.

The garment features a black satin exterior, a crimson brocade lining, and black iron wrist guards bearing the unique Xie Zhi emblem of the Jishi Factory!
On the insignia on his chest, the image of a flying claw with blood-red claws was particularly dazzling, as if it were about to come to life and pounce on people at any moment.

It was Zhao Bao, the third-in-command of the Criminal Investigation Depot!
Zhao Bao's face was ashen. His narrow eyes swept across the doorway like a venomous snake, instantly taking in the entire scene inside.

In a flash, he deduced the thrilling confrontation and danger that had just taken place here.

Zhao Bao had long anticipated the upheaval in the capital and was constantly worried about Liang Jin's safety and Zhao Yu's life or death.

Seeing that Liang Jin and Zhao Yu were still alive, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhao Bao looked at Liang Jin, nodded slightly without changing his expression, indicating that he could handle everything now.

Subsequently.

He abruptly raised his hand and pointed at the First Guard, his voice becoming unusually sharp with extreme anger and urgency, each word seeming to be squeezed out from between his teeth:
"First, uphold justice! The Emperor is about to arrive, but is being assassinated by ruthless bandits. The situation is extremely critical! As the commander of the Imperial City, instead of opening the gates to welcome the Emperor, you have kept the palace gates tightly shut, allowing the traitors to commit such atrocities!!"

"If it weren't for General Liang's unparalleled loyalty and courage, who decisively blasted open this damned door, and if His Majesty had suffered even the slightest mishap, even if you, First Minister of Justice, had ten heads and your entire clan wiped out, it wouldn't be enough to atone for your crime!!"

"Your actions are no different from treason and regicide! Speak! What are your true intentions?! Who is instructing you?!"

These harsh and stern questions were like countless heavy hammers, striking First Guardian's heart and dignity.

It caused him to tremble violently, and his blood to surge!

He opened his mouth to defend himself, but found his throat dry. All his explanations seemed so pale and powerless in the face of the undeniable fact that "the emperor was blocked outside the gate and assassinated."

The collective deception by his subordinates has driven him to a desperate situation where he can't clear his name even if he jumps into the Yellow River!

At this suffocating moment of confrontation.

Liang Jin's calm, almost icy voice rang out again:

"Commander, if you still hold loyalty in your heart, you should immediately welcome His Majesty into the palace and personally lead the Imperial Guards to quell the rebellion and protect His Majesty in suppressing the riots!"

"This is your duty as the commander of the Imperial Guards! It is also the only way for you to prove your innocence!"

"If you hesitate any longer and allow His Majesty to be in danger... then you, First Principle, will be condemned by history and condemned for all eternity!"

Liang Jin knew that it would be unwise to force a second-rank expert and the commander of the Imperial Guard to their deaths at this time.

We must give him a way out, an option that allows him to fulfill his duties while also protecting himself.

The First Guardian abruptly turned his head, his sharp, knife-like gaze fixed on Liang Jin, as if trying to see right through him:
"Who the hell are you?!"

"What was the purpose of your astonishing actions and unbelievably powerful skills tonight?!"

"Who exactly is standing behind you?!"

He was no longer asking about Liang Jin's minor position as a banner commander, but rather about the true power Liang Jin represented and his ultimate goal in stirring up trouble in the capital.

This young man was like a bottomless, icy pool, giving him a sense of uncontrollable and unfathomable danger.

Zhao Bao immediately stepped forward, standing protectively in front of Liang Jin.

His voice was resolute, carrying an unquestionable authority, as if he were proclaiming an imperial edict:

"Commander Liang is a 'Dragon Guard' whom His Majesty has long planned and planted within the Imperial Guard!"

"His identity is top secret; he reports only to His Majesty and possesses His Majesty's secret decrees! How dare you inquire about his identity and all his actions so casually?!"

"Your task now is to perform your duties, welcome His Majesty, and quell the rebellion! Not to interrogate His Majesty's secret forces here!"

Although Zhao Bao was unaware of the Emperor's situation, he had already vaguely sensed it.

He felt several times that the eunuch Wang Jin was forging imperial edicts.

During the process of transferring the emperor back to the palace tonight, he felt that there was no aura in the imperial carriage, which seemed very strange.

The conjecture of the God of Catchers, Shen Wujiu, coincided with that of Zhao Bao.

By now, Zhao Bao had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

Therefore, he didn't mind forging an imperial edict once to give Liang Jin an identity.

Anyway, if we win, everything is fine; if we lose, it's all over!
"The Dragon Guard? A secret decree from His Majesty?"

The look of surprise and doubt in Shouzheng's eyes deepened.

The Daqian dynasty faced widespread criticism because of its illegitimate acquisition of the throne.

To this end, the Qianlong Emperor established a large-scale secret service agency, the Jishichang (组事厂), to monitor all officials.

In some special periods, the Imperial Guard lost the emperor's trust, leading the emperor to secretly recruit secret guards and spies to deal with the potential for the Imperial Guard to become too powerful.

If Liang Jin was indeed a spy planted by the emperor many years ago, then all his illogical actions tonight seem...

They all have a barely plausible explanation?

Subconsciously, with a last glimmer of hope, he turned his gaze toward the imperial carriage outside the door.

They hoped to receive confirmation from the emperor, even if it was just a small gesture.

however--

The imperial carriage remained silent, like a magnificent tomb.

On the contrary, the shouts of killing and screams from afar grew ever closer.

After a brief pause, the assassins' offensive became even more frenzied and reckless!

Zhao Bao's heart leaped into his throat, his palms were sweating profusely, and seeing this, he immediately pressed his advantage, sternly demanding:

"First and foremost, uphold righteousness!"

"Do you really have to wait until the traitor's sword strikes the imperial carriage, blood flows like a river before the emperor, and His Majesty is terrified before you'll believe it?!"

"But now, immediately! Perform your duties! Greet them! Kill the enemy!"

Liang Jin cooperated, silently taking a step forward.

Although he did not speak, the chilling killing intent and invisible mental pressure that came from countless killings spread out again, pressing down on First Guardian like a physical force.

The First Guardian glanced at Liang Jin, then at the imperial carriage, which remained deathly silent.

He raised his head slightly and looked up at the night sky.

In the night sky, the powerful and terrifying aura was still surging violently, and the two top experts were still fighting fiercely.

He looked into the distance again.

In the night sky over the capital, shouts of battle and fierce fighting could be heard from many places.

Fires have broken out in many places, with flames illuminating half of the night sky.

Tonight, utter chaos!
Countless conspiracies and schemes have now transformed into a final, life-or-death battle.

He finally seemed to be crushed by an invisible burden, and closed his eyes in pain.

Throughout his life, he detested court intrigues and only wished to fulfill his duties, be loyal to the emperor and serve the country, seeking merit and value on horseback and on the battlefield.

But fate repeatedly dragged him into this dirty and complicated vortex of power.

but……

The Emperor's grace is profound!

He has never forgotten His Majesty's recognition and trust.

Regardless of the situation inside the imperial carriage, protecting the imperial city and welcoming the emperor into the palace was his inescapable responsibility as the commander of the Imperial Guards!
"well--!!"

He let out a long sigh as if he had exhausted all his strength, and suddenly opened his eyes, which were filled with determination!

He knelt on one knee, facing the direction of the imperial carriage, and shouted with all his might, his voice hoarse but firm:
"Your Majesty, I, the First Commander of the Southern Imperial Guards, respectfully obey Your Majesty's will and welcome Your Majesty back to the palace!"

"Your Majesty, I will protect you with my own flesh and blood and punish all traitors!"

Having said that, he abruptly stood up, like a peerless sword drawn from its sheath, his imposing aura as a second-rank martial artist soaring into the sky! His sword pointed towards the dark mass of assassins outside the city, his voice like rolling thunder, filled with boundless rage and killing intent, echoing throughout the Meridian Gate Square:

"All soldiers of the Southern Imperial Guard, listen to my command!!!"

"Turn around! Greet us!!"

"Slay those traitors!"

The pent-up fighting spirit and rage of thousands of imperial guards were instantly ignited, and they roared in unison:

"Kill, kill, kill!!!"

The sound was deafening, almost lifting the night sky!
The steel forest of spears and halberds instantly turned, their chilling gleam aimed directly at the assassins outside the city!
Heavy footsteps sounded, and the entire army, like a prehistoric beast awakening, began to advance!
The sudden, overwhelming killing intent and boundless power of this well-trained regular army caused the black-clad assassins, who had been attacking frantically, to abruptly halt their offensive, as if a tide had crashed against an unbreakable dam.

The bloodlust and madness in their eyes were quickly replaced by fear, and they involuntarily began to retreat.

Because they knew very well that if the First Guardian really led the Imperial Guards out to fight, they would not be able to stop them at all!

An uncontrollable surge of elation flashed in Zhao Bao's eyes. He immediately waved his arms and urged in a shrill voice:
"Hurry! Hurry! Escort the Emperor into the city! Hurry!"

The agents of the Imperial Guard felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They hurriedly did their best to crowd around the silent imperial carriage, which was about to pass through the broken city gate and enter the imperial city.

however--

Just as this ray of hope had just begun to shine!

"You audacious eunuch Zhao Bao! Stop right there!"

A thunderous shout suddenly erupted from the shadows deep within the palace!
A group of people rushed towards the palace road like a whirlwind.

The newcomer wore a brocade robe that signified his status, covered by a large red felt cloak symbolizing his status before the emperor, and carried a long sword with a gold hilt bestowed by the emperor at his waist, and wore the iconic black gauze crown.

They were actually the imperial guards in charge of protecting the palace!

The leader was none other than Xu Long, a first-class imperial bodyguard with a sword, who was deeply trusted by the Empress!
Xu Long led a dozen elite guards, forming an impenetrable wall that quickly blocked the entrance to the Meridian Gate, firmly blocking the imperial carriage's path.

He pointed at Zhao Bao, his voice sharp and stern, every word ringing with conviction:
"You eunuchs and traitors of the Imperial Censorate! Your crimes of kidnapping the Emperor are irrefutable!"

"Now they even dare to forge an imperial edict, bewitch the First Commander, and kidnap His Majesty!!"

"First Commander! You must not be deceived by him! Immediately capture this villain, rescue His Majesty, and purge the court of corrupt officials! This would be an unparalleled achievement!"

Zhao Bao's heart tightened suddenly, as if he had been bitten by a poisonous snake.

He never expected that something else would happen at this time.

Zhao Bao immediately retorted sternly:

"Xu Long! As an imperial bodyguard, instead of protecting the emperor and fighting the enemy, you are here blocking His Majesty's return to the palace. How are you any different from those traitors who are attempting assassination?!"

"I think you're the real assassin's inside man, trying to rebel?!"

The First Guardian's brow, which had just relaxed, furrowed again. He stood with his sword in hand, his face ashen, once more caught in a dilemma.

He was loyal to his duty and recognized only the emperor himself.

If Zhao Baozhen is indeed holding the emperor hostage, he cannot let him go under any circumstances, otherwise he would be aiding and abetting evil.

Faced with the accusations, Xu Long gave a cold laugh, appearing righteous and confident:
"Precisely because I am a bodyguard of the emperor and have received great favor from him, I must be able to distinguish between loyalty and treachery and ensure His Majesty's absolute safety!"

"If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear! Do you dare to ask His Majesty to appear and say a word?"

"Even if it's just a simple 'I am well!' As long as Your Majesty speaks, I, Xu Long, will immediately kowtow and apologize, kneel to welcome Your Majesty into the palace, and personally execute all these traitors before you!"

These words were like poisoned needles, striking Zhao Bao's most vulnerable spot!
He knew that the emperor would never show himself.

Zhao Bao's eye twitched uncontrollably. Forcibly suppressing his panic, he shouted in a fierce but weak voice:

"His Majesty is unwell and has been ill for a long time. The imperial physicians have instructed that he must not be exposed to the night wind! This is common knowledge!"

"What are your true intentions in forcing His Majesty to appear now?! If His Majesty catches a cold and his condition worsens, can you bear the responsibility for that?!"

"First Commander! Xu Long is clearly an assassin's accomplice, intending to buy time and wait for his accomplices outside the city! Please capture him immediately to uphold the law!"

The First Guardian remained as silent as a rock.

He only believed in evidence and only followed the emperor's explicit instructions.

Seeing that the First Principle's attitude had become ambiguous again, Zhao Bao felt anxious and subconsciously glanced at Liang Jin in the corner, hoping that he would take some action.

But then they saw that Liang Jin had somehow dragged the huge iron cage containing Zhao Yu to a relatively safe corner and given Zhao Yu some healing pills.

He then sat cross-legged on the edge of the cage, his eyes slightly closed, seemingly oblivious to the intense confrontation before him that would determine life and death, and completely unconcerned.

And it seems... to be waiting for something.

Zhao Bao was immediately surprised and puzzled, wondering what Liang Jin was doing at this critical moment of life and death.
At this moment, seeing that the First Guardian remained silent, Xu Long felt he had gained the upper hand and pressed forward again, his tone becoming extremely resolute:
"Zhao Bao! Since you dare not make His Majesty speak, then get out of my way! I will personally board the carriage to investigate!"

“If Your Majesty is in good health and has not been coerced, I, Xu Long, will accept any punishment today, whether you wish to kill or torture me! But if anything happens to Your Majesty…”

His eyes flashed with a fierce light, and his hand was already on the hilt of the knife.
"I'll be the first to kill you, you traitorous eunuch!"

Without further hesitation, he strode toward the imperial carriage.

Zhao Bao's expression changed, and his figure flickered like a ghost, once again blocking the way, his voice shrill:
"How dare you! The imperial carriage is His Majesty's private residence. How dare you trespass upon it?! Get out of my sight!"

Xu Long's patience ran out, and he suddenly struck out with his palm!
"Those who block my way shall die! Get out of my way!"

This palm strike gathered the full power of his third-grade cultivation. The palm wind was fierce and howling, and the scorching fire attribute internal energy surged out, as if the air itself was ignited.

His intention was to completely blast Zhao Bao, this obstacle in his way, away and severely injure him with a single palm strike!

"Oh!"

A dull thud exploded!

The force of the palm struck Zhao Bao's seemingly thin chest squarely.

However, in the next instant, Xu Long's expression changed drastically!

He felt his powerful and fierce internal energy surge into Zhao Bao's body, but it was like a mud ox entering the sea or a stone sinking into the abyss, disappearing without a trace in an instant, without even causing a ripple!
Zhao Bao's body exhibits an extremely bizarre softness and twisting that defies human anatomy, as if it had no bones.

At the same time, a series of muffled explosions came from beneath our feet!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The heavy bluestone slabs beneath Zhao Bao's feet cracked inch by inch, and then silently turned into dust!

The ground, centered on his feet, was forced down more than three feet, creating a shocking crater!

He actually channeled Xu Long's terrifying palm force, which was powerful enough to split stone tablets, into the ground in this bizarre way!

"You... what kind of evil martial arts is this?!"

Xu Long was horrified, his pupils dilated.

This was completely beyond his understanding of martial arts!

Human meridians and bones simply could not withstand the transmission of such violent force without breaking!
Just as his mind was violently shaken and a fatal gap appeared,

Zhao Bao gave a sinister smile, a smile that looked particularly chilling in the firelight:
"It's my turn!"

He struck out with a light, silent palm, as if a lover were caressing him, without the slightest hint of passion.

Xu Long was shocked. His fighting instincts made him instinctively swing his left palm to block hastily.

Their palms met again.

There was no explosive sound of internal energy as expected.

Only a series of chilling, teeth-grinding "hissing" sounds rang out, as if strong acid had been splashed onto flesh!
"Ugh—!"

Xu Long let out a bloodcurdling scream, as if he had been doused with boiling oil, and withdrew his hand in a flash!

His left palm softened, collapsed, and dissolved rapidly, just like a candle that had been heated!
Skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones were all turning into foul-smelling, viscous, yellowish-white pus and blood at an alarming rate, dripping onto the ground!
Corroded blood and bones!
"My hand! My hand!!"

Xu Long was in excruciating pain and utterly horrified!
He acted decisively, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes, and instantly drew his waist knife with a flash of cold light!
"Shh!"

The left wrist was severed at the root!

Before the severed hand even hit the ground, it had already completely turned into a pool of foul-smelling pus and blood in mid-air!

Xu Long staggered back ten feet, his face ashen, sweat pouring down his face, his right hand gripping his severed wrist that was gushing blood.

He stared at Zhao Bao with a look of terror, as if he were looking at a monster, his voice trembling:
"Where... did you learn this evil skill from?!"

Zhao Bao slowly withdrew his hand. Beneath his feet lay a deep, ravaged pit, yet he himself was unharmed.

His breathing was slightly rapid, and an abnormal flush appeared on his face.

He said in a deep voice:

“I told you, you are not qualified to have an audience with His Majesty.”

At this very moment——

A cold female voice suddenly came from behind the crowd, clearly drowning out all the noise and groans:
"He's not qualified... Then am I qualified?!"

The voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to carry a tremendous weight, instantly freezing all movement and sound on the scene!
Everyone stared in astonishment.

A magnificent phoenix palanquin, embroidered with a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix and carried steadily by sixteen eunuchs, slowly made its way along the palace road, surrounded by a large number of palace maids and eunuchs.

The glass palace lanterns hanging around the carriage illuminated the surroundings.

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"

A sharp, piercing chant cut through the night sky.

The phoenix palanquin came to a stop behind the Meridian Gate, and the palace maids quickly stepped forward and carefully lifted the bright yellow silk curtain.

Then, the queen walked out of the phoenix carriage with the help of the palace maids.

She wore a dazzling golden crown with nine phoenixes and four dragons, and a crimson gauze robe with a pattern of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix.

Her phoenix eyes held a fierce edge, her face was frosty, and her gaze pierced through the crowd, striking Zhao Bao directly:
"I am the Empress Dowager, the head of the six palaces, who was carried in through the Great Ming Gate, proclaimed to the world, and possessed all the imperial seals and titles!"

"Zhao Bao, you dog slave!"

"Now, raise your head, look at me, and tell me!"

"Am I now qualified to ride in that imperial carriage... to visit my Emperor?!"

(End of this chapter)