Chapter 1073: Chapter 1072: I Trust My Intuition_1
Hiss!
With just a few moves, two Heaven Realm Martial Emperors had been killed, leaving everyone, including the spies from various sects, utterly shocked. Er Pingzhi was especially stunned; there couldn’t possibly be such a master in the Zrin Kingdom.
While his mind was in complete disarray, a tall and handsome youth in a green robe appeared before Er Pingzhi’s eyes out of nowhere.
National Master!
Before the words could leave his mouth, Er Pingzhi realized that the youth in green was not the National Master, though they looked strikingly similar. The youth appeared much younger and had a colder demeanor.
"Is the National Master alright?"
the youth in green asked.
"No, no problem."
Er Pingzhi still hadn’t grasped the situation.
However, the expressions of King Jin and Fujiki Ookubo, who were at a distance, underwent a drastic change; they couldn’t look more troubled.
The two Heaven Realm Martial Emperors who had died were from the Fujiki Family of Japan, specifically brought in for this operation. Although they were only second-tier in the Heavenly Realm, they were still exceptional masters. And now, they were dead?
But what truly sent a shiver down the spines of the two men was the appearance of that person.
Shi Xiaole, how could this guy be here?!
The Emperor List had no sooner been announced than it alarmed the three great dynasties. The five hundred names on the list shone like stars, each commanding great respect. But if one were to talk about the most memorable impression outside the top ten masters, it would definitely be Shi Xiaole!
At forty-six, ranked one hundred and nine, a genius the likes of which had never been seen... Every accolade on the Emperor List lent another measure of luster to this young man. He might not be the strongest, but he certainly was the most talked about.
Not to mention, King Jin had once witnessed in Sky City how Shi Xiaole, with his Divine Barrier Realm cultivation, effortlessly defeated Fujiki Naotsugu, who was half a step into the Void Origin.
Only those who had truly seen Shi Xiaole in action knew just how brilliant and extraordinary he was. Suppressing him? Without being at least a whole level stronger in skill, one shouldn’t even dream about it.
King Jin’s fists whitened as he clenched them forcefully, his body trembling unconsciously.
Fujiki Ookubo by his side was equally at a loss, whispering softly, "Young master, what should we do now?"
King Jin’s face flickered with various emotions. After opening his mouth several times, he finally closed his eyes. When he reopened them, they were bloodshot, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Retreat!"
At that moment, Fujiki Ookubo realized the determination of the young master had been dealt a heavy blow.
No wonder, for the operation, both the Fujiki Family and the young master had expended significant effort. If the failed operation were to be reported back, it’s unknown how severely the young master would be reprimanded, and his status could even plummet.
But what could be done in the face of absolute power? All strategies paled in comparison. Not to mention, the young master’s own schemes had failed.
The loyalty that had just been established now underwent a sudden and violent shake. Fujiki Ookubo’s gaze flickered as he silently followed King Jin.
The Heaven Plea Ceremony eventually ended with Er Pingyong’s capture and the complete defeat of the One-Word Shoulder-to-Shoulder King faction. Those officials and military officers who had chosen the wrong side fell to their knees one after another, weeping and begging for mercy, recounting how they had been forced and had no other choice.
Er Pingzhi immediately executed the key individuals and ordered the rest to deeply reflect on their wrongdoings. The others promptly thanked him profusely and chanted long live the king.
However, Shi Xiaole, observing Er Pingzhi’s expression, felt that there was more to the situation. The number of officials involved this time was too large; to purge them all at once would be too impactful for the Zrin Kingdom.
If it were him, he would also choose a phased strategy, eliminating them bit by bit.
Shi Xiaole still didn’t fully understand Shi Xuanzhong, but he inexplicably felt that with the latter’s vision, it would not be possible to support someone to ascend the throne who only knew about benevolence, righteousness, and morality; that would be irresponsible to everyone in the Zrin Kingdom.
Just after returning to the royal city, regardless of the pressing matters at hand, Er Pingzhi rushed to the sleeping quarters in an anxious flurry. He saw Shi Xuanzhong breathing normally and burst into laughter, with tears streaming down his face.
"Young hero, was it really you who saved the National Master? Please, receive my bow!"
After Er Pingzhi spoke, he was about to bow to Shi Xiaole, who reached out to support him.
"Your Majesty is being too polite, this was my duty."
Shi Xiaole’s tone softened a bit; he had just saved the man’s life, and the man hadn’t been this worked up before. It seemed that Shi Xuanzhong held an incredibly high position in his heart.
Er Pingzhi opened his mouth as if to speak but then hesitated.
Shi Xiaole’s words made him think of many things, and combined with the similar appearance between the National Master and himself, Er Pingzhi’s expression toward Shi Xiaole changed.
If it was gratitude and an unspoken wariness before, it now gradually turned into fondness.
"National Master, you’re awake!"
Just then, a shriek reached their ears; it was Er Miba clinging onto Shi Xuanzhong’s hand, lying at the bedside.
This girl initially planned to send someone to take Shi Xuan away and stay behind herself, facing the national crisis with her brother. But Shi Xiaole was back in no time, and upon learning the trouble was resolved, naturally, she was overjoyed.
Er Pingzhi didn’t even bother with Shi Xiaole anymore and hurried to the bedside, staring intently at the National Master’s face.
Under the tense scrutiny of the three, the man on the bed slowly opened his eyes.
Those eyes were gentle and profound, confident and composed. When they looked at you, it was like a spring breeze caressing your face, warming the depths of your heart.
The National Master smiled at Er Pingzhi and his sister, and sensing the presence of a third person, he couldn’t help but look toward Shi Xiaole.
Shi Xiaole had imagined more than once the scene when he would truly meet Shi Xuanzhong.
He thought he was prepared, but when those eyes truly looked at him, his heart uncontrollably twitched. When the warmth in those eyes suddenly turned into affection, Shi Xiaole felt a lump in his throat and his eyes moistened abruptly, prompting him to quickly turn his head away.
The sleeping quarters were silent.
Er Miba, who had been calling the National Master, suddenly shut her mouth. Following the National Master’s gaze to Shi Xiaole, her heart trembled with shock followed by joy that stirred her soul.
Er Pingzhi’s mouth widened into a smile, he reached out his hand, and without a second word, he pulled his still-reluctant sister away.
"What is your name?"
A voice asked, carrying an almost imperceptible tremor, remaining calm but hiding a certain wariness.
"Shi Xiaole, ’Xiao’ as in ’small,’ ’Le’ as in ’joy.’"
Shi Xiaole’s throat felt tight. He finally turned his head back, meeting that steadfast gaze. He saw the man’s eyes were also moist, and it felt like a hammer blow to his chest.
"Good, a good name. I, I don’t have complete memories, I can’t remember what relation you and I have, but I trust my intuition. Child, do you?"
Amid the man’s fervent, gentle, and comforting gaze and words, Shi Xiaole was silent for a while, then nodded and said softly, "I believe."
The man closed his eyes, tilted his head back, and after a while, opened them again, saying with a smile, "I am Shi Xuanzhong, but Shi Xuanzhong is not me."
