The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

Upon mentioning the serious matter, the Python Robed Youth's expression slightly eased, and he frowned.

"Father's health is getting worse. He recently hinted at wanting to summon King Zhao to the capital."

The old man's brow jerked, and a deep fear appeared in his eyes.

"That old undying monster..."

"If he enters the capital, many of our methods will become useless."

"No, you must confirm whom your father really wants to appoint. If push comes to shove... we must act first..."

At these words, the Python Robed Youth's face twitched, and after a brief hesitation, a wicked and fierce gleam appeared in his eyes.

"I understand, I will carefully probe Father's thoughts!"

"Hopefully... he won't let me down..."

As the two were gravely discussing important matters, a flustered attendant came running with a familiar-looking wooden box.

"Master, Pingyang Earl has sent another head!!"

Youth: "..."

Old man: "..."

Looking at the head with wide-open eyes, eyes filled with terror, and a grim expression, the old man's beard and hair stood on end, like an enraged lion, trembling with fury.

"How dare that brat?"

Boom!

With a palm, the expensive solid wood round table was shattered into fine powder, the old man rose with a slap on the table, looking towards the direction outside the window, veins bulging on his forehead, his chest heaving violently.

The fierce and violent pressure enveloped the whole room, and the Python Robed Youth beside him was as calm as water, coldly adding fuel to the fire.

"Grandfather, this Pingyang Earl is truly arrogant to the extreme. Not only does he kill our people, but he also wants to destroy our spirit."

"Even if he's merely baiting us with provocation, we must respond..."

Hearing this, the old man's violently heaving chest slowly calmed down, and his ferocious, raging eyes gradually became cold and deep, muttering to himself.

"Something's off. How could an ignorant brat counter-kill a fifth-rank?"

"Is there an expert protecting him!?"

"Fourth-rank? Or even higher?"

Listening to the old man's musings, the Python Robed Youth sneered.

"Fourth grade or third grade, whatever, deploy a few Imperial Guards and wipe out his entire family!"

Upon hearing this, the old man's expression froze, and he refused without hesitation.

"No way!"

"Privately deploying Imperial Guards is a serious crime, pulling one hair moves the whole body, especially at such a critical moment. Who knows how many eyes are secretly watching us!"

"If your father finds out, I'm afraid the throne will slip through our fingers!"

Mentioning the throne he so dearly yearned for, the Python Robed Youth swiftly calmed down, unwilling yet resigned.

"Are we to just let that brat walk all over us?"

"Heh, your grandfather here isn't just limited to court influence. In Jianghu, the experts at my command are as numerous as carp crossing a river. Use them without involving cause and effect, it's safer, yet... it takes a little time..."

Murmuring, the old man waved his big hand authoritatively.

"Don't let trivial matters distract you. Focus on probing your father's intentions, see whom he really wants to appoint!"

"With that brat relying on expert protection, let him bounce around a few more days. Once I bring a few Upper Three Grades experts to the capital, I'll cut him to pieces!"

...

Royal Martial Academy

With a cold demeanor, Zhao Nuo walked into the Scripture Pavilion amidst the respectful greetings of her fellow students along the way, her slightly raised, slender neck like a proud little swan.

However, when she habitually came to a familiar corner and saw a smiling figure greeting her, the icy demeanor on her face melted instantly, and pure, sweet joy filled her crystal clear eyes.

"Brother... Mr. Li..."

Unable to help herself, Zhao Nuo took two quick steps, then quickly suppressed her excitement, reassuming her princess demeanor, her affectionate nickname turning into a distant polite greeting.

Noticing the strong resentment in the little girl's eyes, Zhu Haomiao chuckled and rubbed her head.

"Haven't seen you for two months, you've grown quite a bit taller!"

The young girl was at the age of growing in height. Before Zhu Haomiao went into deep sleep, he could look her in the eye while seated; now, he had to look up slightly.

"Hmph!"

Zhao Nuo snorted coldly, like a sulking little puppy, dodging the young man's touch and glaring at him indignantly.

"Don't be mad. Come, I made something delicious for you~"

Taking out the extraordinary delicacy specially made for her that morning, the tempting aroma immediately roused the little girl's appetite.

"Hmph!"

But resisting the urge, Zhao Nuo turned her body sideways toward the young man, insistent.

Seeing this little one harder to please than a New Year's pig, Zhu Haomiao scratched his head, pulling out a snow-white ferret from the bag.

The sleeping Diao Chan's little nose twitched furiously, waking up quickly, and it squirmed frenetically in the young man's hands.

"Chirp!"

Seeing this, Zhu Haomiao released Diao Chan, watching Zhao Nuo with a slight smile.

"If you don't eat, Diao Chan will gobble it all up."

The little girl, watching everything secretly, couldn't hold back any longer, screamed, and rushed to the table to battle the ferret.

Watching the two little ones playfully fighting, Zhu Haomiao chuckled and shook his head, his gaze returning to the secret manual in his hands.

However, after months of study and deconstruction, Zhu Haomiao found the useful information in the Scripture Pavilion's secret manuals dwindling, many law fragments were repetitive.

This greatly affected his completion speed, and it's estimated that after deducing Void Refining God and Returning to Truth Technique to the Fifth Level, the subsequent development would stall.

Bear in mind, this was under the premise of having Original Sin Law to fill in, needing only to deduce the cultivation technique's completion beyond 50%, greatly reducing difficulty!

The subsequent Eight Basic Forces didn't have this shortcut...

Propping his chin, Zhu Haomiao furrowed his sword eyebrows, squinting thoughtfully.

Indeed... no amount of mid to low-tier cultivation techniques can surpass a Supreme Divine Skill...

The Eight Basic Forces are profound and mysterious; to deduce them to a Perfect Realm, he must deconstruct this world's most profound secret manuals!

Yet, such level manuals are the core techniques of various schools or the unshared secrets of the royal family, even glimpsing them could get one chased to the ends of the earth!

Thinking of this, Zhu Haomiao instinctively glanced at Zhao Nuo, whose mouth was smeared with oil, like a little kitten.

Back then, the white jade mysterious light rank on her fist easily pierced through his defense, absolutely the highest and strongest power of laws in this Illusion Realm.

But this might involve royal secrets, and if she disclosed it to him...

If discovered, it could be very bad for her...

Feeling troubled, Zhu Haomiao pressed his lips together. Beside him, Zhao Nuo, sharply sensing the boy's complicated gaze on her, curiously raised her head.

"Brother, you have something on your mind?"

"No, just eat your food, don't meddle in adults' affairs!"

Laughing and patting her head, Zhu Haomiao sighed lightly, abandoning the tempting idea.

"No! You're definitely worried about something!"

With her mouth pouted, Zhao Nuo put her hands on her hips, puffing out her small chest.

"I'm Father's favorite princess! Tell me, I can help you!"