Chapter 2281 - 2270: Supreme Emperor

"Buzz..."

In the suburbs outside the capital of the Lianyun Empire, dazzling blue light suddenly flickered in mid-air. As the light sparkled, the air cracked like glass, creating spider web-like fissures.

"Boom..."

A slightly lean figure jumped out of the blue fissure, three to four meters in height, which would be somewhat dangerous for an ordinary person, but for Lin Zifeng, it was as safe as walking on level ground.

With both feet firmly planted on the ground, Lin Zifeng quickly squinted his eyes to examine the verdant forest surroundings. Luckily, it was already close to dusk, and the mountain paths were devoid of travelers and vendors; otherwise, if seen, he’d inevitably have to explain himself.

Looking at the magnificent city ahead that the thick foliage couldn’t conceal, Lin Zifeng chuckled softly and began to walk slowly toward the city gate.

"I wonder if Dongfang Ziyue has returned; hopefully, she’s alright."

As he muttered to himself, Lin Zifeng took clothes from the Third Parallel Universe that were worn by the ordinary people from his Magic Bracelet, concealing the aura of his Saint Peak cultivation completely to be safe.

Before long, Lin Zifeng stood outside the Triumphant Return Gate of the Lianyun Empire. He was puzzled that, despite it being the main gate of the Empire’s capital, only a few soldiers stood guard listlessly.

With a few perfunctory words, Lin Zifeng smoothly entered the capital. Looking at the bustling streets, he decided to find a place to stay for the night and visit the Martial God Marquis Mansion the next morning.

Randomly selecting an inn, Lin Zifeng settled in and stood outside the window, gazing at the imposing Martial God Marquis Mansion in the distance. He hoped that the next morning he would see a touch of hidden joy on Dongfang Ziyue’s usually indifferent face.

As the sky darkened, the moonlight transformed.

In a world that was not his own, Lin Zifeng felt no desire for a nighttime stroll. He fell onto the soft bed and closed his eyes to rest.

Lin Zifeng was calm, but unlike usual, the imperial palace of the Lianyun Empire was different today. The place where civil and military ministers usually gathered now held just three men: one kneeling, one standing, and one sitting. The air in the hall was extraordinarily heavy.

"Xue Feng, nothing happened just now when you went to the Martial God Marquis Mansion, right?"

The speaker, although lean, appeared tall and gave off a majestic presence. His angular and resolute features with stubble exuded a determined charm.

This person was Liu Jihong, the true power holder of the Lianyun Empire... the Supreme Emperor!

Although Liu Jihong’s tone carried the customary authority of a monarch, it now included a hint of gravity because Jiang Xuefeng, with the parchment in his hands, was trembling slightly without reason, making Liu Jihong uneasy.

"Your Majesty... In short, the Martial God Marquis Mansion... was bloodbath!"

Kneeling on the red carpet, Jiang Xuefeng’s formerly resolute face was full of weight. After hesitating, he gritted his teeth and reported in a sullen voice.

Addressing Liu Jihong as ’Your Majesty’ in front of Liu Pangzi was considered treasonous, yet Liu Pangzi dared not express any dissatisfaction and stood respectfully beside Liu Jihong without uttering a word.

Despite having abdicated, Liu Jihong still controlled everything in the Lianyun Empire, even requiring Liu Pangzi to consult him on various imperial matters. It could be said that Liu Jihong was the true master of the Empire, always standing in the shadows.

Indeed, upon hearing these words, Liu Jihong, usually stern and composed before the ministers, suddenly stood up, appearing anxious, devoid of his usual imperial demeanor: "You... what did you say? Do you realize this is deceiving the monarch...?"

On hearing this, Liu Pangzi hastily chimed in, "Exactly, Jiang Xuefeng, the Martial God has high cultivation; how could he be murdered by villains!?"

Liu Pangzi’s words were abruptly cut off by Jiang Xuefeng’s grave statement, standing as the shadow always reverent in front of the emperor: "Your Majesty... listen to what I have to say. Just now, I witnessed several elderly men dressed in luxurious attire and their subordinates killing all the family members and guards of the Martial God Marquis Mansion!"

The entire Martial God Marquis Mansion...

Such an account was hard for the two emperors to believe, knowing that the residents of the Martial God Marquis Mansion included one of the strongest figures in the Lianyun Empire, Dongfang Haoxuan! Not to mention that the guards within the mansion were all elite soldiers of the Empire.

Before any skeptical words could be spoken, Liu Jihong gently shook his head and sighed at the heavens. Such jesting from Jiang Xuefeng was unlikely; thus, the bloodbath at the Martial God Mansion was real!

As the emperor, Liu Jihong became silent while Jiang Xuefeng dared not speak further, maintaining the silent tableau of one standing and one kneeling.

After a long while, Liu Jihong, attempting to appear composed, broke the silence with careful words: "Have the culprits... been found?"

Shaking his head, a trace of shame and anger appeared on Jiang Xuefeng’s face as he spoke solemnly: "I’m powerless; the culprits who killed Marquis Dongfang were right before me, but my skills are too limited to stop them."

Another sigh, deeper than the last, revealed Liu Jihong’s hope that Jiang Xuefeng had negligently allowed the murderers to escape.

Even the normally stoic Liu Jihong found amusement in this childish thought, his rigid expression briefly betraying a self-mocking smile.

A handful of people... had managed to bloodbath the Martial God Marquis Mansion, whose defenses rivaled that of the Imperial Palace itself. How could a single Jiang Xuefeng stop them?

Despite the reluctance to accept it, Liu Jihong, having ascended to the Empire’s highest position, possessed the resolve to accept the painful truth of Dongfang Haoxuan’s murder.

The Lianyun Empire’s National Guardian Martial God, Marquis Ziyi, someone practically on par with his own son, Dongfang Haoxuan, was dead!

While experiencing pain, a flame of anger ignited within Liu Jihong’s heart—an open and brazen murder of a national senior under his own nose. Such humiliation was intolerable!

But in an instant, the flame of anger was doused by the profound and elusive strength of the assailants, replaced by deep apprehension.

If a few individuals could annihilate the Martial God Marquis Mansion, it implied that, if they wished, even the supposedly secure Imperial Palace could crumble!

With determination flickering on his face, Liu Jihong’s hands behind his back clenched into fists, the blood seeping through his fingers dripping onto his luxurious robe, making a gruesome sight.

Could it be... that this grievance must be endured?

As a monarch, witnessing the murder of the nation’s main pillar could not go unanswered without tarnishing imperial dignity in the eyes of the people?

(Explanation: The Martial God Marquis is also known as Marquis Ziyi; and regarding his cultivation, it’s approximately in the Sub-Saint Realm, not Saint, as there were errors in the latest update yesterday)