Chapter 174: Li Xian
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Li Xian’s mother had spent a significant sum of money to acquire a potion from the black market that promised to induce temporary infatuation in individuals. Drinking this potion would make the person fall in love with the first person they saw after its consumption for a period of five years. However, once the five-year duration elapsed, the effects of the potion would vanish, and its side effects were known to potentially drive the imbiber to madness.
Over the past five years, Li Xian’s mother had enjoyed a blissful existence with the merfolk, during which time she gave birth to Li Xian. The small family of three resided contentedly in a secret yet splendid manor.
Unfortunately, falsity remained false and could not transform into reality simply through the passage of time. When Li Xian turned four years old, the five-year effect of the potion waned. The mermaid, unable to accept that she had once been enamored with Li Xian’s mother, the one who had deceived her, desired to end the life of this woman with her own hands. Regrettably, the loyalty potion bestowed upon her by a wealthy benefactor prevented her from taking action. Ultimately, the mermaid’s only recourse was to comprehend the reality of her existence one fateful night.
Upon witnessing her lover’s lifeless body, Li Xian’s mother unleashed an anguished cry that bordered on insanity. Startled by the terrifying sound, four-year-old Li Xian sought refuge in a corner, petrified.
From that day forth, Li Xian’s life underwent a profound transformation.
The animosity he experienced did not arise from inter-country conflicts but from the prejudice he faced as a mixed-blood individual, born of both human and mermaid heritage. Even his own mother disparaged him, fueling his deep resentment towards the Empire. While the Empire exploited mermaids to expand its dominion, reducing them to the lowest rung of society, Li Xian harbored the burning desire to overthrow its oppressive regime and establish a nation free from social stratification.
In the present moment, Li Xian, the leader of the rebel army, sat in his office, his demeanor composed. He calmly perused Olift’s dossier before consigning it to the shredder.
Whether the spy dispatched by the imperial military was truly deceased or hiding in some obscure corner held no bearing on his plans. This mermaid named Olift had gleaned no useful information whatsoever. Li Xian simply detested when someone would escape confinement within his domain and challenge his authority.
A knock on the door jolted Li Xian back to reality.
Swiftly regaining his composure, Li Xian responded calmly, “Enter.”
After obtaining permission, Zhou Ye pushed open the office door and entered with a composed stride. His gaze fell upon Li Xian seated behind the desk, but no discernible expression graced Li Xian’s face. His usual calm demeanor remained intact.
It appeared that the escape of the imperial military spy held no threat for him.
Upon further reflection, Zhou Ye realized this was a favorable outcome. It meant that Olift had not gathered any information that could jeopardize the rebel army, alleviating Zhou Ye’s concern about Li Xian’s continued investigation that might unveil Olift’s involvement with the alliance.
When Zhou Ye aided Olift in escaping, he left an imperceptible mark on Olift—a special reaction exclusive to Zhou Ye and his twin brother, Zhou Ling, known as the White Tiger Double Star.
Not long before meeting Crete, Zhou Ye felt the mark burn, a clear indication that Olift was alive and had made contact with his brother, Zhou Ling, who should now be aware of Olift’s safety.
His task at hand was to continue lurking within the rebel army and listen for their forthcoming plans. Once they harbored intentions of instigating a war between the Alliance and the Empire, seizing the opportunity to ignite a civil war within the Empire’s territory, Zhou Ye could promptly alert the Alliance to respond.
“Why are you here?” Li Xian didn’t anticipate Kevin’s presence.
Zhou Ye respectfully bowed to him. “Reporting, the overseer of the bathhouse on Planet Beijing has informed us that Duke Brian’s son has recently targeted the bathhouse and employed disruptive tactics to interfere with its operations. The overseer would like to inquire if you wish to take countermeasures.”
“Duke Brian… Inform them to overlook it and handle the situation as they have in the past.”
“Yes!” Zhou Ye turned to leave but was halted by Li Xian.
“Kevin, wait a moment. Personally deliver this document to Star Bath in the capital. Once you hand it over to the overseer, remain there and keep a close watch on Duke Brian’s son for me.” Li Xian handed Zhou Ye a moderately thick document. “Feel free to peruse its contents as well. If Brian and his son make any further moves, you can be prepared in advance.”
“I understand. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave first.” Li Xian waved at him and said, “Okay, you can leave..”
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