Chapter 71

The pain became unbearable for Hua Ren so he grunted and pushed the Emperor backward. Staggering, he pressed his palm to his shoulder, panting heavily. Beads of sweat trickled down his temples as he leaned against the door for support. It hurt so much.

The Emperor stumbled but quickly regained his balance, his eyes wide with shock at Hua Ren’s defiance.

"You dare—" but his voice faltered as he noticed a crimson stain spreading across Hua Ren’s white robe. His expression shifted to one of stunned disbelief as he stared at his own hand, now smeared with blood.

For a fleeting moment, silence filled the space between them.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, striding toward Hua Ren. “I overreacted. I’m sorry.” His tone was softer and regretful. He reached out cautiously, but Hua Ren instinctively shuffled back, shaking his head.