"What?
Swordsman Mu failed? "
King Zhongshun stared at the old servant in front of him in shock. His eyes were filled with something profound.
Fear, shock, madness, anger …
Even though he had considered the possibility of failure, when it came to it, he couldn't help but tremble.
How did he fail?
Was he captured alive or dead?
How many moves did Jia Ying use to win?
Did he notice anything? Did he leave any clues for me?
— — Many thoughts flashed through the young prince's mind.
He realized that he was still afraid after all.
It was fear that stemmed from wariness. Although he spoke with disdain and contempt, deep down, he still regarded that man as a formidable opponent.
If he hadn't been injured, if his martial arts were still strong, if he had captured that idiot Mu alive, if he had noticed his presence, if he had taken advantage of the opportunity to set up a vicious trap …
If he … had come knocking on his door …
In that instant, the young prince even regretted his decision.
He regretted not listening to his teacher and risking his life to provoke that Jia Ying.
He even wanted to run to his teacher and ask for an explanation.
But at this moment, Mister should be outside …
King Zhongshun forced himself to calm down.
'Calm down, calm down. Things have come to this point. I can only take things one step at a time. First, I have to figure out …'
He tried to put on a sorrowful expression and said sadly, "So, Swordsman Mu has been killed?"
The old servant in front of him had white hair. His cheeks were like dried orange peel, drooping down. His eyes were squinted as if he couldn't wake up. He bowed his head and said, "Yes, according to the reports of several people who met Master Mu outside, they heard Master Mu's warning, heard the gunshots, and also heard Master Mu's scream.
Because they were warned beforehand, they didn't rush in to save him, lest they expose themselves. "
King Zhongshun muttered, "No … I have to meet them and ask them myself."
"Your Highness, please don't do this. This is a rule that ensures your safety. The son of a noble family should not sit under the awning. The less contact you have with the outside world, the less danger there is."
Although the old servant was pleading, the firmness in his voice was unquestionable. "I was the one who gave the order on your behalf. After they reported it, I asked them about it in detail, so it's the same for you to ask me."
King Zhongshun looked at the old servant before him.
Ever since he was born, this old man had been by his side. His mother had sent him to protect his family. This old man had been learning one thing since he was born, and that was to protect. His life's mission was to protect. Other than protecting, there was nothing else he could do.
The old servant would not question his decisions, nor would he interfere with his actions. Even if he were to bully others or commit murder or arson, this old servant would not interfere … unless there was a hidden danger.
Just like now.
He had no choice but to give in, because he knew that the other party wouldn't back down even half a step. The young prince recalled the words the old servant had said. "Warning?
Gunshots? "
The old man was like a piece of wood that was about to decay. He stood there as if he was dead. Even his breathing was almost undetectable. However, his voice was clear and precise, so no one had to ask a second time.
He replied, "Yes, Swordsman Mu first shouted 'the enemy's firearms are powerful' in a frightened tone, and then let out a heroic roar, as if he wanted to fight the enemy for the last time. But then he let out a scream, and then there was the sound of gunshots … He should have been shot dead."
The young prince appeared to be in deep thought, before his eyes slowly brightened.
He asked, "Elder Fu, what do you think of firearms?"
The old servant replied calmly, "It's extremely powerful when used well, and can grant mortals or even ordinary martial artists unexpected lethality and killing efficiency. Nobles can use it for self-defense, hunting, or collection, while criminals can use it for sneak attacks, backups, and life-risking attacks. However, in the eyes of skilled martial artists, it has huge loopholes and limited power. Its killing method is extremely rigid, and can be easily dodged or blocked …"
He thought for a moment before adding an example. "According to military records, four years ago, the Six Armies once sparred with Li Huo's Military Observation Group. Li Huo's' Chosen Saint 'Qiu Shengwang, a Flame Guardian, brought out a new weapon that the Order of Flames had modified. It was called the Flaming Storm, and with six rotating barrels, dozens of bullets could be shot out with a snap of his fingers. It was like a waterfall, a torrent, an endless torrent, and a swarm of locusts.
"Marshal Jia, on the other hand, wielded a standard iron sword. With a flick of his sword, he sealed the ground like mercury. Until the enemy ran out of bullets, there wasn't a single crack on the iron sword, and the bullets were scattered all over the ground, forming mysterious runes. No one could understand them, and only guessed that they were vulgar curses … It's clear that his martial arts had reached such a high level that even powerful firearms couldn't hurt him."
King Zhongshun felt very uncomfortable hearing this example. He snorted coldly and asked, "Elder Fu, let me ask you again. With Hero Mu's martial arts, can he deal with firearms?"
The old servant replied, "Firearms can be divided into different sizes. If it was a normal firearm used by a single person, Hero Mu would naturally be able to deal with it. He's skilled in lightness kung fu, and his dagger is nimble and flexible. He's also trained in hidden weapons, so he could easily dodge or block firearms. But if it was a Flaming Storm or a powerful heavy artillery rocket, there's no way he could dodge them."
The young prince asked coldly, "Then how did he fall into Jia Ying's hands?"
The old servant said, "I can't answer without seeing it with my own eyes."
"Swordsman Mu mentioned that firearms are powerful, which means that he was knocked down by them. But with his martial arts skills, unless it's a large firearm, he can't be hurt. Also, the people outside only heard a few gunshots …" King Zhongshun asked. "So, how did he lose?"
He couldn't answer.
The young prince didn't expect him to answer either.
Because this old thing wasn't smart. He'd spent his life learning and figuring out how to protect people. He didn't need to be smart, so he didn't know.
But I do know …
He asked again, "Let me ask you again. The Lihuo Nation is famous for its firearms. Since it's on par with our Houtu Nation, it's natural that it has something special … Does your nation also have powerful divine weapons?"
The old servant nodded. "Of course."
"Very good." King Zhongshun continued, "With Elder Fu's status, do you know how to use firearms?"
"No need."
"How's your martial arts compared to Jia Ying's at his peak?"
"I'm ashamed of my inferiority."
"If you don't even bother to use firearms, why would he use them against the enemy?
Given his martial arts and pride as a former Sacred Swordsman, why would he use such a technique? And why would he use firearms to take down that Mu guy? "
King Zhongshun revealed a deep smile. "Then there's only one explanation. That Mu fellow was right. The enemy's firearm is formidable, truly formidable. It must be a powerful divine artifact from the Parting Flame. Only then would someone like Jia Ying be interested in it. As for why he would cast aside his pride and demeanor as a Sword Saint and resort to such underhanded means, there's only one reason …" King Zhongshun nodded.
Hold it in, hold it in, I can't laugh, I can't laugh …
It's just as I expected. He lost his divine sword and killed his way out of the Great Barren Mountains. It's only been two years!
He's been hiding in the shadows, scheming in the dark, not daring to show himself openly. He's just like a rat hiding in a dark corner. Given his personality and style in the past, how could he be so sneaky?!
It was obvious. The answer was obvious.
That's right, that's right. A dragon among men, the so-called number one general of Tianyuan, he's seriously injured. That's right, that was in the Great Barren Mountains!
It's already hard enough for him to survive, so how could he be unscathed?!
That's why he can only play tricks in the dark … He's hiding his weakness.
That's right, the bigger the commotion he causes, the more people think he has the upper hand.
In the end, it's all just a bluff.
But this time, he had no choice but to come. Because I made a move against Rongguo Manor, because I wanted to lure him out!
Hah, Imperial Father didn't think it through, and that stupid sister of mine couldn't let go of their old relationship. His family was clearly here, so why didn't she make good use of it?
How could she not think of such a simple thing?!
Soft-hearted!
It must be because of their old relationship. Hmph, if you want to be an Emperor, you have to be cold, emotionless, and unrestrained. You can't understand this, but you still dare to covet the throne?
King Zhongshun's body trembled slightly.
He did his best to control his emotions, suppressing his growing excitement and viciousness. His mind spun quickly, and he thought of many things.
When he heard that Mu had failed, he was afraid — afraid that Jia Ying would find him.
But now that he realized that the other party was just bluffing, he became even more excited and angry. He felt that his previous thoughts were humiliating, and he wanted to use the blood of his enemies to wash away this humiliation.
Opportunity only belongs to those who are prepared and decisive.
A great opportunity flashes by, and if I seize it, I'll win, and I'll be able to trample all of you under my feet!
He looked at the old servant in front of him and said, "He must be very weak."
The old servant calmly said, "Do you need this old servant to test him again?"
The young prince sneered and said, "No need. He's also very cunning. We can't alarm him. We have to catch him off guard."
The old servant said, "But that's very dangerous. Our opponent is him."
"So what?
He doesn't have the sacred sword anymore, and he's also injured. Even if his injuries aren't serious, even if he still has a little bit of strength left, can he fight against the joint attack of several first-class warriors of the Imperial Army? "
King Zhongshun suppressed his excitement. He knew that he had to convince the old servant in front of him. "But don't worry, I won't take the risk. After all, we still don't know the details of that divine weapon … I'll write a letter to ask for reinforcements. The family generals of the King Zhongshun's residence, as well as the imperial father-in-law's side, so much so that …"
He turned and walked towards the study.
Excitement took over his mind. There was something strange that affected his thoughts, making him excited, making him extreme, making him impulsive, making him ignore some subtle details.
Perhaps it was some kind of extreme emotion, or perhaps it was something else entirely.
The young prince quickly walked to the study.
Even under such circumstances, he still maintained the most basic level of calmness.
I can't make a move now, I have to make some preparations … A powerful firearm, hmph, if Jia Ying is interested in a powerful firearm, then it's probably a powerful firearm. Furthermore, I can't be sure how much power he has left. I have to find a helper, a helper that I can trust and that is not a threat …
He added water and ground the ink. His movements were quick and unhurried, elegant and efficient. He was a member of the Imperial Family. He had always received the best education and learned the best skills.
Spreading out the gilded paper, King Zhongshun waved the wolf-toothed brush.
The cold smile and ruthlessness at the corner of his mouth grew thicker and thicker.
Right now, I have the most suitable helper.
Firm stance, no friendship with Jia Ying, unwavering determination — best if he's a member of the Imperial Family.
And no threat to me — no chance of competing for the throne. He's also not close to the other brothers.
His martial arts must be strong enough — strong enough to carry a cauldron. With great strength, he can surpass the Imperial Family and break through enemy lines.
Interested in Jia Ying — humph, if there's a chance to defeat Jia Ying right now, there won't be many members of the Imperial Family who won't be tempted.
Of course, that includes you.
Imperial Brother Yuanba.
Right now, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This person has been riding on our heads for years. No matter what we do, we can't compare to him. No matter what we do, we can't avoid him. He's like a dark cloud, pressing down on all of our heads. Now that I'm giving you this opportunity, Imperial Brother Yuanba, you'll definitely thank me. Defeating Jia Ying will solve Imperial Father's greatest problem. Us two brothers will naturally receive the shock of the court and Imperial Father's praise!
It's a pity that you don't have the bearing of a ruler, but I can catch Imperial Father's eye. But don't be discouraged. I can make you a Grand General, a Martial Ruler. From now on, you can properly assist me, okay?
King Zhongshun let out an excited laugh.
He really couldn't wait.