Protect Our Patriarch

……

Wang Shouzhe and his companions appeared relaxed and at ease.

However, Zhao Zhikun and his wife were trembling with fear. If they were captured and taken back, they might not even have the chance to redeem themselves on the outer region battlefield.

Moreover, whether Gongyang Ce would give him a chance to return alive was still a matter of debate.

Because if Zhao Zhikun had no way out, he might not be willing to protect Commandery Prince Kang. And if he turned against him, it would be a huge threat to Commandery Prince Kang.

This was highly possible; otherwise, why did Gongyang Ce choose to appear only after the Yun Yao flying boat left Guilong City and the jurisdiction of the Thirty-Six Guards?

Thinking about it was terrifying, and cold sweat dripped from Zhao Zhikun's forehead.

Outside the Yun Yao flying boat.

Gongyang Ce stood with his hands behind his back on the back of a sixth-order spirit bird, the "Golden-winged Ibis," following the Yun Yao flying boat leisurely while warning it to submit to inspection.

The fierce wind currents brushed past him, yet they couldn't even shake his protective energy, merely causing his clothes to flutter slightly.

On this return to the Holy Land, he had received part of his master Langya's inheritance, significantly improving his strength and making him more composed and confident.

If it weren't for Commandery Prince Kang urgently summoning him back for a task, he could have gained even more this time.

Under Yao Chengchao's instruction, the Yun Yao flying boat slowed down and opened a door to let Gongyang Ce in.

Gongyang Ce sneered, flying into the boat with his hands behind his back. With his strength and confidence, he believed Yao Chengchao wouldn't dare to act recklessly against him. After all, they were still within the Great Qian's sphere of influence, just five or six thousand miles from Guilong City's main area.

As soon as he entered the flying boat.

Yao Chengchao greeted him with a smile, cupping his hands, "I've long heard of Young Master Ce's reputation. It's a great honor to witness your elegance today."

Although the Yao's Clan was of noble rank in the Immortal Dynasty, they originated from merchants, naturally greeting everyone with a smile to ensure prosperous business.

"Brother Chengchao." Gongyang Ce, not wanting to offend a smiling face, gracefully returned the salute, "I thank Brother Chengchao for your cooperation in advance."

"Not at all, not at all. Our Yao's Air Transport is in the transportation business, so cooperating with inspections is only right." Yao Chengchao was full of pleasantries.

"Then I must thank Brother Chengchao. Please hand over the people yourself." Gongyang Ce said indifferently, "As long as you cooperate actively, considering it's your first offense, I won't hold it against you this time."

This was because Yao's Air Transport was too powerful, and the Great Qian needed this air route to maintain connections and exchanges with the Immortal Dynasty, so it was impossible to cut it off directly.

"This..." Yao Chengchao frowned slightly, "I think Zhao Zhikun and his wife are quite pitiful. Why not show some mercy, Young Master Ce? Our Yao's Clan will surely offer a token of gratitude~"

"Brother Chengchao, you're harboring and assisting criminals in their escape, and I'm already not holding it against you." Gongyang Ce's face turned cold, "If you persist in your folly, don't blame me for using force. Even if this matter reaches His Majesty or the Holy Land, your Yao's Clan won't be in the right."

"Fine, then I'll immediately turn the Yun Yao flying boat around and deliver the Zhao couple to your emperor." Yao Chengchao's tone hardened, "I'll plead guilty to harboring and assisting in their escape to His Majesty."

A sharp gleam shot from Gongyang Ce's eyes, an invisible killing intent enveloping Yao Chengchao: "Brother Chengchao, do you really want to oppose Commandery Prince Kang? He is the future Emperor, and even your Yao's Clan cannot afford to offend him."

Upon hearing this.

Hiding in the secret compartment, Zhao Zhikun felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, chilling him to the bone. If Gongyang Ce were to take him to see the Emperor, it would be a matter of fair handling, and Zhao Zhikun would have nothing to say.

But now, Gongyang Ce's words implied that he was refusing Zhao Zhikun the chance to see the Emperor... What did that mean? It meant they wouldn't give him any more chances.

His heart bled, and his facial muscles twitched uncontrollably. Commandery Prince Kang wanted him dead!

Only a dead man could keep that secret forever, without affecting his Imperial Heir Struggle.

Just as Zhao Zhikun was falling into despair.

A broad yet stern voice rang out: "Gongyang Ce, mind your words. Commandery Prince Kang is merely one of the Quasi-Imperial Heirs. How can you be so sure he is the future Emperor?"

This voice... sounded somewhat familiar...

Zhao Zhikun froze.

Wait... this is Commandery Prince An, Wu Mingyuan! How could he be on the Yun Yao flying boat?

"Commandery Prince An!"

At the same time, Gongyang Ce saw the elegantly dressed young man walking slowly out of the cabin. His pupils shrank instantly, and he thought to himself, this is not good.

Could this be a trap set for him?

"Your Highness, little brother Shouzhe, you came just in time." Yao Chengchao changed his expression, "Gongyang Ce is threatening me, not even allowing me to surrender to the Emperor."

Little brother Shouzhe?

Upon hearing this name, Gongyang Ce was immediately shocked, his gaze turning to the newcomer.

Behind Commandery Prince An stood a graceful young man with a gentle demeanor.

His aura was not aggressive or domineering, like a gentle spring breeze, without a hint of aggression, yet confident and composed, giving people an invisible sense of trust.

His demeanor was extraordinary, even standing beside the noble-born Commandery Prince An, he was not overshadowed in the slightest.

Is this Wang Shouzhe?

Is this the man whose plans he had thwarted several times?

It was also this man, who, after deciding to support Commandery Prince An, quickly boosted his momentum. Now, Commandery Prince An's reputation among the middle and lower families and commoners could rival Commandery Prince Kang.

Once, he didn't even consider Wang Shouzhe worth his attention, thinking of recruiting him only because he had some knack for making money.

Little did he expect that such a small figure from a rural family could rise so quickly, now capable of stirring the winds and clouds, even influencing the future direction of the entire Great Qian Dynasty.

"Brother Chengchao, please calm down. Young Master Ce is merely executing the order to capture fugitives. He is a great prodigy of the Holy Land and would never threaten others lightly." Wang Shouzhe said with a gentle smile, "Since things have come to this, I believe Young Master Ce will not easily let Zhao Zhikun go. Brother Chengchao, please bring him out."

"Alright, with you and Commandery Prince An here to uphold justice, I'm not afraid of Gongyang Ce silencing anyone." Yao Chengchao directly retorted Gongyang Ce.

It was evident that his previous attitude was merely to show weakness to the enemy.

The great prodigy of the Holy Land was indeed formidable, but what did that have to do with Young Master Yao? Their auras didn't align, and their views differed; forcing a friendship was pointless.

Subsequently, Yao Chengchao followed Wang Shouzhe's instructions and brought out the disheveled Zhao Zhikun and his wife from the hidden compartment.

By this time, how could Zhao Zhikun and his wife not understand the situation?

They were merely pawns being manipulated, tools in the power struggle between Commandery Prince Kang and Commandery Prince An.

"That girl I met at the clothing shop, is she with Commandery Prince An?" Jiang's eyes showed a clear animosity towards Commandery Prince An.

Before Commandery Prince An could answer, Wang Shouzhe stepped forward, cupping his hands apologetically: "Madam Zhao, that girl is with me. She assisted in your escape under my orders."

"You are Wang Shouzhe?" Jiang's hatred for Wang Shouzhe seemed no less, gritting her teeth, "It's you, you ruined everything for us. You've already won, why do you still scheme against us, refusing to let us go?"

"Madam Zhao, you're mistaken." Wang Shouzhe sighed, "Zhao Zhikun assisted Commandery Prince Kang against my Wang's Clan, each serving their master, which is understandable. However, once you've entered this high-stakes gamble, winning or losing, life or death, is no longer up to you."

"If you don't want to participate, don't step in. Once you're in, be prepared to bear the consequences, and don't blame others."

Zhao Zhikun held Jiang back, smiling bitterly: "Yuanxiang, he's right. Since we've lost, we must accept it. But this time, I've not only suffered myself but also implicated you."

After a pause, Zhao Zhikun bowed to Commandery Prince An and Wang Shouzhe, speaking bitterly: "Your Highness Mingyuan, Master Wang Shouzhe, I was the one who advised Commandery Prince Kang and targeted the Changning Wang's Clan. All the blame lies with me, Zhao Zhikun. I beg you to spare Yuanxiang."

Commandery Prince An glanced at Wang Shouzhe, then stepped back, hands behind his back, looking around as if to say, "I'm not interested in dealing with such trivial matters, Wang Shouzhe, you handle it."

Wang Shouzhe gave Commandery Prince An a look of exasperation.

You're a Quasi-Imperial Heir, yet so lazy. If you're not farming or researching, you're happily playing chess and bullying novices.

If you become Emperor and remain this lazy, won't I, Wang Shouzhe, be overwhelmed with work?

No, no, for the sake of a leisurely life in the future, I can't indulge his bad habits.

With this thought, Wang Shouzhe also stepped back, pulling Yao Chengchao aside to chat about interesting stories from the Immortal Dynasty, adopting a "none of my business" attitude.

It's your Imperial Heir Struggle, not mine...

Now, it was Commandery Prince An's turn to be dumbfounded. Working with Zong An was always comfortable; Zong An could handle all sorts of trivial matters smoothly, leaving him worry-free.

Now, working with Shouzhe, he realized there was no limit to laziness.

He finally understood why Zong An was so meticulous and thorough. With such a carefree and unconventional father, it was hard not to be steady and comprehensive.

"Young Clan Leader Zong An truly has it tough."

Commandery Prince An sighed inwardly, then reluctantly stepped forward, saying, "Zhao Zhikun, Jiang, your matters will be dealt with later."

After speaking, he looked sternly at Gongyang Ce, "Gongyang Ce, as a great prodigy of the Holy Land and a future Quasi-Holy Son, how can you be so blind to right and wrong?"

"Your Highness, we're just serving our masters." Gongyang Ce's eyes flickered, unable to bring himself to lie outright.

"Ridiculous!" Commandery Prince An waved his sleeve, sternly reprimanding, "You are a prodigy of one of the Holy Land's nine veins, a disciple of the Taiyi Golden Sun True Law vein, and at least a future guardian of the Great Qian. If you lack basic integrity, how can you protect the Great Qian and the human race?"

"If that's the case, I must visit Master Langya and Holy Master Jiang to ask if the Holy Land has fallen to the point where strength is the only respect. To cover up Commandery Prince Kang's crimes, can you casually kill to silence?"

Each word pierced Gongyang Ce, making his face flush with heat, unable to argue convincingly.

"Your Highness." Wang Shouzhe ended his chat with Yao Chengchao and joined the conversation, "I've looked into Gongyang Ce's past and character, and analyzed his style. This person indeed wants to revitalize the Great Qian and humanity with Commandery Prince Kang. However, he's been deceived by the facade Commandery Prince Kang presents, thinking they are alike, hence his unwavering support for Commandery Prince Kang to ascend, hoping to realize their ideals together."

Gongyang Ce's eyes flickered with uncertainty, staring at Wang Shouzhe, "How can you be sure that Brother Chengce and I are not alike? I've known him for a long time; don't I know him better than you? Besides, it's just a temporary measure; he promised me that once he ascends the throne, he will strive for our ideals, but..."

"But during the process of ascending the throne, there will inevitably be some underhanded means and less than honorable actions, which are unavoidable, right?" Wang Shouzhe interrupted him casually, his expression showing a mix of helplessness and regret, "Young Master Ce's character didn't surprise me. However, you are an idealist, too naive and self-centered, unwilling to believe even when you notice something amiss, continuing to deceive yourself."

Gongyang Ce had been thoroughly investigated by Wang Mei before.

Perhaps because Gongyang Ce was too idealistic, Commandery Prince Kang, understanding his nature, kept many things from him. For instance, the smuggling issue was completely unknown to Gongyang Ce before it was exposed.

Gongyang Ce, influenced by the Holy Land, had always detested collusion with foreign enemies. With his character, if he had known beforehand, he might not have helped conceal it.

Even now, Commandery Prince Kang was likely still deceiving Gongyang Ce, claiming that Zhao Zhikun acted on his own, without his orders.

But did Gongyang Ce really have no suspicions? Probably not.

"You..." Gongyang Ce was so provoked by Wang Shouzhe's expression that he almost spat blood, "A gentleman can be killed but not humiliated! Wang Shouzhe, just because I lost to you this time doesn't mean you have the right to insult me!"

"Whether what I said is true, you know in your heart." Wang Shouzhe didn't argue with him, calmly shaking his head and sighing, "Following Commandery Prince Kang, you've done some things, and there are issues, but nothing unforgivable, not deserving death. Besides, I'm not qualified to judge you. Wait until the dust settles, then return to the Holy Land and seek forgiveness from Holy Master Jiang."

"Wang Shouzhe, don't think you've got me cornered." Gongyang Ce, pushed to the extreme, regained his composure, coldly snorting, "Today, I was indeed careless and fell into your trap, but don't think you can easily keep me here."

As his words fell, he stepped forward, his clothes fluttering without wind.

In an instant.

A sharp sword intent surged from him, soaring into the sky.

At that moment, he seemed to transform into an indestructible sword, surrounded by a fierce aura, unmatched in sharpness.

He was not an ordinary Purple Mansion Realm cultivator but a great prodigy of the Purple Mansion Realm, with his pride and confidence. Even if he was alone in enemy territory, he wouldn't easily surrender.

Moreover, his strength was not weak to begin with. This time, after receiving special inheritance from his master Langya, although his cultivation hadn't significantly increased, his understanding of swordsmanship had deepened, naturally boosting his confidence.

The terrifying sharp metal aura filled the air, making the atmosphere in the cabin oppressively tense, with faint vibrations and the sound of swords clashing, as if countless invisible swords were suspended, ready to strike.

The endless sharpness was all directed at Wang Shouzhe, seemingly about to crush him.

Beside him, Zhao Zhikun and his wife looked tense. They understood that negotiations had failed, and a fight was imminent.

"Sigh~"

Wang Shouzhe sighed softly, waving his hand.

A puppet, plain and unremarkable in appearance, yet very human-like, appeared before him.

Wang Shouzong!

Unlike the battlefield-killing war puppet Wang Shouzong, he was a guardian-type puppet.

The reward set by the Shenwu Royal Dynasty's new recruit training camp was aimed at young people with excellent potential, so the rewarded puppet was naturally focused on protecting the young.

Wang Shouzong, currently the Wang's Clan's strongest combat power, was evaluated as "late Purple Mansion Realm" in overall strength, with excellent quality, far surpassing the early Purple Mansion Realm Wang Shouzong. Even when facing attacks from Divine Realm experts, he could resist and entangle them for some time.

However, being a guardian-type puppet didn't mean he lacked offensive capabilities.

As the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense.

Wang Shouzong's attack power was also not weak.

As soon as he appeared, Wang Shouzong sensed Gongyang Ce's hostility and threat towards Wang Shouzhe.

"How dare you! To oppress my master!"

He roared, a flash of red light in his eyes, suddenly unleashing a vast and majestic pressure, mercilessly suppressing Gongyang Ce.

A massive, mountain-like shadow appeared behind him, majestic and imposing, as if Mount Tai was pressing down, solidifying the air.

"Boom!"

The clash of forces echoed with a dull sound in the air.

Gongyang Ce's face turned pale, as if struck by an invisible force, retreating several steps, his eyes filled with shock: "What level of puppet is this?"

Before he could recover from his shock, Commandery Prince An also stepped forward, shielding Wang Shouzhe, sternly saying, "Gongyang Ce, if you persist in your folly, you'll be killed today!"

A powerful aura of a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator surged from him, majestic and imposing.

Behind him appeared a massive golden dragon-shaped shadow, fierce, noble, and powerful—a Canglong Manifestation!

As one of the Quasi-Imperial Heirs, Commandery Prince An was naturally a great prodigy of the Purple Mansion Realm. If he weren't talented and powerful, he wouldn't be qualified to compete with Commandery Prince Kang.

A future potential Lingxu Emperor couldn't be weak!

However, Commandery Prince An preferred farming, had a peaceful nature, and rarely engaged in conflicts, so he didn't often show his strength.

Under the combined pressure of the two forces, Gongyang Ce's face turned even paler, with a hint of fear in his eyes.

Just dealing with Wang Shouzhe's overly powerful puppet left him with little confidence, and with Commandery Prince An added, he had no chance of winning!

For a moment, Gongyang Ce was paralyzed, his momentum gradually weakening.

"Shouzhe, since this guy won't listen, let's just kill him." Yao Chengchao joked from the side, "Don't worry, I'll testify for you that Gongyang Ce brought this upon himself."

"Gongyang Ce hasn't committed a major crime; killing him would be a waste." Wang Shouzhe shook his head, "He has considerable potential, and in the future, he'll be a formidable Divine Realm expert, a pillar of humanity. Killing him so easily would mean my daughter Wang Liyao would lose a strong subordinate when she becomes the Holy Land's leader. For this reason, let's spare his life for now."

Yao Chengchao's smile froze.

Shouzhe, you really think far ahead. How can you be so sure your daughter will become the Holy Land's leader? You speak as if the Holy Son position is already reserved for Wang Liyao.

"Shouzhe, how should we deal with him?" Commandery Prince An asked, "Should we capture him first?"

"Please, Brother Yao, send him on a trip to the Immortal Dynasty." Wang Shouzhe said, "He can return whenever he wishes. By the time he comes back, everything will be settled, and he won't be able to stir up any trouble."

"You..."

Gongyang Ce's face showed humiliation and fear.

"Brother Chengchao, I'll cover his ticket." Wang Shouzhe said, taking out a rope that glowed with treasure light, "To prevent him from causing trouble and wanting to disembark early, use this Beast Binding Rope to tie him up~"

This Beast Binding Rope wasn't simple; it could bind seventh-order fierce beasts without breaking, specifically bought to discipline Wang Lilong when she misbehaved.

"Oh, Shouzhe, you really are meticulous, well-prepared." Yao Chengchao took the Beast Binding Rope, eagerly tying up Gongyang Ce, "Young Master Ce, I suggest you don't move recklessly, or you might really lose your life today."

Gongyang Ce's face was full of humiliation, but he understood that Wang Shouzhe and the others wouldn't give him a chance to return to Commandery Prince Kang's side.

If he resisted recklessly, he would likely be killed on the spot by Commandery Prince An and that puppet.

Even this seemingly honest and sincere Yao Chengchao would seize the opportunity to intervene.

"Wait, Old Yao, why are you tying him like that?" Wang Shouzhe noticed the familiar binding method, and his eyelid twitched.

"Is there something wrong?" Yao Chengchao looked puzzled, circling the tightly bound Gongyang Ce, "I think I tied it well. I learned this rope technique from a small border country."

"Nothing wrong, if you think it's fine, it's fine." Wang Shouzhe was speechless, taking out a bottle of potion and tossing it to Yao Chengchao, "This is a high-grade anesthetic. Even a true dragon would become limp and unable to move after consuming it. It's expensive, so use it sparingly..."

Yao Chengchao and Commandery Prince An looked at Wang Shouzhe with peculiar eyes. How did he know this? Had he tried it?

Unexpectedly, Shouzhe, who usually appeared as a refined gentleman, carried such things with him? It was said that only certain special thieves...

"This is an alloy shackle I developed, not only sturdy but also tightening with struggle, with barbs inside..." Wang Shouzhe, unaware of their thoughts, continued pulling out items, with the sole purpose of preventing Gongyang Ce from escaping.

Gongyang Ce, filled with indignation, almost fainted.

Wang Shouzhe, are you a beast?

Once Yao Chengchao finished dealing with Gongyang Ce, temporarily throwing him into the cramped hidden compartment.

Everyone's attention then turned to Zhao Zhikun and his wife.

Having witnessed Gongyang Ce's fate, Zhao Zhikun and his wife were already terrified, their faces pale.

Before Wang Shouzhe's side could speak, Zhao Zhikun directly hugged Commandery Prince An's leg: "Your Highness, whatever you say goes, just don't hand me over to Wang Shouzhe."

Wang Shouzhe's face darkened, was it really that bad?

……

Unknowingly, three days had passed.

Today was the day of the grand court meeting.

Since ascending the throne, countless grand court meetings had been held. However, there were few that Emperor Longchang anticipated as much as this one.

Today, he could finally see that rascal Wang Shouzhe.

Emperor Longchang had already decided in his heart that after the commendation, he must find a way to give Wang Shouzhe a hard time, making him lose face in front of the civil and military officials, to vent his own grievances.

"Old Yao, what difficult problem should I give that rascal Wang Shouzhe later?" With some time before the grand court meeting began, Emperor Longchang was already eager, pondering the "Thirty-Six Stratagems of Giving a Hard Time."

Old Yao, holding a whisk, stood by, his mouth twitching, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Your Majesty, have you forgotten how you overturned before? Are you so sure Wang Shouzhe will obediently comply? Don't end up like before, digging a pit for yourself.

If you end up losing both the lady and the soldiers, it won't be good.

……