Liang City.
Xu Nian carried a small bag of silver, about fifty taels or so.
Tonight, his goal was simple: spend money freely, let out all the frustration he'd bottled up lately.
There were players watching back at the sect, so he could rest easy.
Thirty Ninth-Grade Martial Artists, all could come back to life after dying—whoever has the guts, just try messing with them.
But the moment he set foot inside Liang City's gates, his pace slowed noticeably.
Someone's watching him?
From that first step into Liang City, he sensed he was being followed.
In the past, he might not have noticed.
But now he was a true Martial Artist—became a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist in less than a day.
That alone would shock everyone in the Jianghu.
Someone like that—calling him a genius isn't enough, he's an outright monster!
He didn't get far down the street before ducking into an alleyway.
After a few breaths, a man who looked utterly ordinary walked over, glanced around, then headed into the alley.
Just as he took a few steps inside, a savage fist smashed out from the shadows.
Rock-breaking Fist!
One of the external martial arts, and a punching technique mastered by players.
At this stage, most players only have external martial arts—except Junlin, that rich kid with money to waste.
Feeling the danger, the man instantly raised both arms, blocking hard against the attack.
The terrifying force surprised even him.
But before he could react, the second punch was already in front of him.
Seeing the face of the one attacking, the man hurriedly retreated, pulling back to where he had some room to maneuver.
Missing with that punch, Xu Nian's heart tightened.
The first punch was blocked easily.
From that moment, he knew this man was no ordinary foe.
After all, he was a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist—inside Liang City, there shouldn't be a single person who could block his punch without a scratch!
This man… a formidable enemy!
Just as Xu Nian was guessing at the man's identity, the man suddenly dropped to one knee.
"Subordinate Sun Ping, Captain of Brocade Guard's Northern Tribunal of Inquisition, pays respect to Your Highness the Seventh Prince!"
The man's words made Xu Nian's brow tighten.
Brocade Guard?
No, that doesn't make sense—why would Brocade Guard be here?
Xu Nian pondered, "Were you sent to Liang City for a case, or sent here to monitor me?"
Hearing this, Sun Ping clasped his fists and explained, "Subordinate acts on His Majesty's orders, temporarily stationed in Liang City to protect Your Highness the Seventh Prince."
"Protect? I thought he'd toss me aside like trash, ignore me altogether."
When Xu Nian said this, his tone was frosty.
But those words weren't entirely his own—they were influenced by Luo Yushu.
After all, Luo Yushu was the real Seventh Prince; even if he was dead, the resentment in his heart still affected Xu Nian.
Sun Ping didn't respond, simply staying kneeling with absolute respect.
"Go back. Tell him not to send anyone again—the Seventh Prince Luo Yushu died when he was thrown into the Celestial Prison. The only one alive now is Profound Yellow Sect Leader Xu Nian!"
Xu Nian's voice turned cold. He clasped his hands behind his back and strode away, no longer paying mind to the kneeling Sun Ping.
Seeing Xu Nian leave, Sun Ping remained on his knees.
A moment later, a burly figure stepped into the alley.
His footsteps were steady, each one landing like a heavy hammer on Sun Ping's heart.
"Subordinate greets Commanding Envoy!"
Sun Ping bowed deeply, forehead pressed hard to the stone pavement, his body trembling with fear.
The darkness cloaked the Commanding Envoy's face—not a trace of his features could be seen.
"The Seventh Prince's power has returned?" The Commanding Envoy's voice was eerily calm, carrying an unspeakable intimidation.
"His Highness now possesses the strength of a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist."
Sun Ping answered respectfully, "That punch just now is enough for His Highness to remain unharmed in Liang City."
"Not enough!"
The Commanding Envoy said blandly, "You're coming with me—clear out all the rats lurking in the shadows. His Majesty's will is that the Seventh Prince no longer be drawn into conflict. Since the Seventh Prince has chosen the Jianghu life, don't interfere anymore."
"But…"
Sun Ping's expression instantly turned grave.
The people hiding in the shadows aren't so easily dealt with.
"Hm? But what? Don't forget your identity!"
The Tribunal of Inquisition spoke coldly, "We obey only His Majesty's orders. I don't care who you've been in contact with—you're done watching over the Seventh Prince. Come with me… to kill!"
"Sir, those men are sent by the Ninth Prince—doing this, we risk offending him!" Sun Ping reminded with gritted teeth.
"Oh? Are you defying orders?"
"Subordinate would never!"
Sun Ping suddenly looked up, "My wife and children are all under the Ninth Prince's surveillance. If…"
He came here not just to protect Xu Nian.
Someone else wanted him here—to find an opportunity for murder.
The affairs of the Imperial Dynasty are not theirs to meddle with. As chess pieces, all they can do is follow the chess player's lead.
The Ninth Prince is one of those players.
And he holds the lives of Sun Ping's entire family!
"If you die, your wife and children will be safe!"
The Commanding Envoy spoke with a cold voice, "Or you can kill me right now, and fully pledge yourself to the Ninth Prince and his lot."
Take action?
Sun Ping knew he wasn't a match.
He was perfectly aware of his own abilities.
The Brocade Guard's Commanding Envoy is His Majesty's sword—not someone just anyone can oppose.
So…
"Subordinate understands."
Sun Ping's eyes were filled with lingering attachment to this world; then, raising his hand, he struck his own chest with a palm.
"Pfft——"
Blood spurted from his mouth, his eyes full of reluctance.
He had no choice.
The moment he was assigned, the Imperial power struggle left him without escape.
For the safety of his wife and children, he could only betray the Ninth Prince.
But in the end?
The Commanding Envoy saw through his weakness anyway.
In the darkness, the Commanding Envoy looked at Sun Ping's corpse, speaking coldly: "Take his corpse back. Announce that he was killed by Jianghu People. Ensure his wife and children are cared for, and clear out all the rats inside Liang City.
No one else needs to protect the Seventh Prince. Everyone, return to the Capital City with me to report. Watch your mouths—don't make me deal with you myself.
You are all Brocade Guard—I don't want to take action against you, and I certainly don't want your families to get dragged in. Remember what I've said!"
With that, he turned and walked away, murderous intent radiating from his body.
And in the darkness, several Brocade Guard members emerged, cold sweat on their faces, carrying Sun Ping's corpse as they left overnight.
As for the main character, Xu Nian…
At that moment, he was full of confusion, pausing in front of Cuihong Tower.
The largest brothel in Liang City!
He'd always heard people talk about it—but now, finally, he actually had the money to come.
But Sun Ping's appearance had made him sense a hint of danger.
Brocade Guard Captain!
No way they'd send just one captain. Something was definitely off here.
If His Majesty really wanted to protect him, he wouldn't send only a single captain—the identity would make him an easy target.
"Something's wrong!"
Xu Nian glanced at Cuihong Tower, finally giving up the thought of indulging inside. Instead, he turned toward the city gates.
Forget it.
First, deal with the affairs in Liang City.
For now, he is Xu Nian. Luo Yushu's matters can wait—he'll investigate slowly when he eventually returns to the Capital City.
When that time comes, it'll be Xu Nian leading the players to conquer the world!