Marquis of Guanjun

The Mo Nation, capital city Mojing.

The Mo Nation in the eastern suburb.

As autumn winds subsided, heavy snow fell

Fang Xiu stood at the entrance, gazing towards the north.

With the current situation settled, the northern barbarians submitted, and it was time for him to lay down his armor.

Cough, cough—

Fang Xiu coughed twice, tightening the thin quilt around him.

In the battle at the Sky-Breaking Mountain, despite achieving an unprecedented victory, he damaged his dantian, plummeting in strength. Even the slightest chill was now unbearable.

The past seven years of glory had witnessed Fang Xiu's great achievement.

At the age of fifteen, he rose through the ranks; at sixteen, he pacified the turmoil in the south, annihilating three thousand bandits.

At seventeen, he led an army on an eastern expedition, suppressing rebellious states, annihilating one hundred thousand enemies in a single stroke, earning the title of young marquis!

From then on, his unstoppable ascent laid the foundation for Mo Nation's century-long prosperity.

The path of his rise was irreversible.

Whether conquering the south or battling in the north, he never experienced defeat.

Campaigning in the east or embarking on a western expedition, his military achievements were outstanding, unparalleled by any.

He became the cornerstone of Mo Nation's hundred-year legacy, beloved by the entire nation, his awe-inspiring presence unmatched.

He was bestowed the title of "Marquis of Guanjun."

In that very year, the Emperor went so far as to bestow his most beloved Princess Royal in marriage to him, adorning him in imperial robes, enriching him with royal authority and prestige.

But now, with his dantian disabled, Fang Xiu has become a useless man at the age of twenty-two.

Despite the numerous scars on his body from years of battles, the biting cold penetrates to his bones.

Mo Nation's glory attracts envoys from all directions, and it is now time for him to retire after achieving success.

Fame and fortune are like fleeting clouds to him. The title of the Marquis of Guanjun is merely a designation for Fang Xiu.

"Ying'er, prepare the ink for me," Fang Xiu said, removing his light robe and standing before the writing desk.

Holding a wolf-hair brush, he wrote with profound strokes.

Two memorial letters—one resigning, the other declining the marriage proposal—serve to preserve the royal family's dignity.

"Young Master, what is this about?" Fang Ying asked.

Seven years ago, she was a beggar from the street and was saved by Fang Xiu when he first arrived in the capital.

Following Fang Xiu for seven years in both southern and northern campaigns, she had grown accustomed to studying and practicing calligraphy.

She alone continued to address Fang Xiu as "Young Master", while others call him Lord Marquis.

"Now that I am a useless man, I should relinquish the title of the Marquis of Guanjun. With my current disabled state, how can I be worthy of Princess Royal?" Fang Xiu smiles indifferently.

"Young Master, your body bears a thousand wounds from battles fought for the nation! Conquering three times, annihilating five tribes, your prestige is unparalleled. Your presence alone strikes fear into enemies, ensuring peace for the vast Mo Nation. You will forever be our Marquis of Guanjun, cherished by the people of Mo Nation. There is no need for you to..."

Fang Ying speaks firmly, full of respect and admiration for Fang Xiu.

"I have made up my mind, Ying'er. No need for further words. Send these letters to the palace for the Emperor's consideration."

"Decree arrives—Fang Xiu, come and accept the decree!"

At this moment, a sharp voice interrupts, coming from outside the door.

The old eunuch Xu Zhe trod on the freshly fallen snow with small steps, followed by four young eunuchs.

"By imperial decree, effective immediately, the title of the Marquis of Guanjun is revoked. Fang Xiu is demoted to commoner status and shall vacate the Mo Nation in the coming days. So decrees the Emperor!"

Xu Zhe lifted his head proudly, exuding arrogance.

Once as insignificant as an ant in the presence of the the Marquis of Guanjun, he now reveled in this change of fortune.

"Fang Xiu, the Emperor acknowledges your past accomplishments and generously grants you a mansion in the outskirts to ensure a comfortable life. This is a great imperial favor. Accept the decree quickly."

Xu Zhe squinted, his voice sharp and peculiar, resembling a drake's quack.

Fang Xiu stood dumbfounded, feeling as if thunder has struck him.

He couldn't help but doubt his ears, but a eunuch wouldn't dare fabricate an imperial decree.

The resignation letter he just wrote was still in his hand.

How ironic!

"Fang Xiu, kneel and accept the decree. Our Mo Nation is a martial state, not a refuge for the worthless. You should understand this!"

Xu Zhe was ecstatic, as he was once obliged to kneel in reverence from afar when facing the Marquis of Guanjun.

Now, he reveled in the joy of the reversal of roles.

A single imperial decree, demoting him to a commoner, served as nothing more than a feeble excuse to rid the empire of useless baggage.

Was this the extent of imperial authority?

The heartless royal family, confronted with his destroyed dantian and his inability to gallop into battle, cast him aside like used waste.

The bestowed mansion, no matter how well-intentioned, was nothing but an attempt to confine him, fearing the influence of the Marquis of Guanjun.

At this moment, Fang Xiu's heart was twisted as if it was stabbed by a knife.

For the sake of Mo Nation's eastern and western campaigns, he went through life and death struggles, only to end up with such a desolate fate.

How dared even a eunuch act arrogantly over him?

"My Young Master has made significant contributions to Mo Nation. Why does the Emperor strip him of his title and drive him away? It's too much! Isn't this akin to grinding an ax after the battle?"

Fang Ying clenched her teeth; her pretty face flushed with anger and her tone went fierce.

When the flying birds were done with, the good bow was stored away; when the sly rabbit died, the hunting dog was boiled to eat!

Not to mention his current state, with no value to Mo Nation. Fang Xiu smiled bitterly; his lips tinged with coldness and bloodthirst.

I once aspired to be like the bright moon, but alas, the moonlight shines on the drainage ditch!

He thought his retirement was already set, only to be scorned by the royal family, eager to expel him from Mojing.

"How dare you, you wretched girl!" Xu Zhe slapped Fang Ying.

A hint of killing intent flickered in Fang Ying's eyes.

Her jade-like fingers flashed at her waist.

Those women who follow the Marquis of Guanjun can never be weak. However, Fang Xiu was faster. As quick as lightening, he grabbed Xu Zhe's wrist like iron tongs.

Despite Xu Zhe's struggles, he couldn't break free.

After all, Fang Xiu was the unparalleled general who dominated the battlefield.

Even with his dantian disabled, he still exuded an overwhelming dominance.

"Fang Xiu, do you want to rebel?"

Xu Zhe warned with a sharp and duck-like voice, his face contorted with pain.

"Princess Royal has arrived!"

In the courtyard, a young woman adorned in a pink cotton robe and luxurious brocade garments stood gracefully.

Her steps were light, and her exceptional beauty was her exceptional beauty by the snowflakes gently falling on her black hair.

A beauty in the north, standing alone as if depicting the truest portrayal of herself.

She was none other than Zhao Qing'er, the Princess Royal of Mo Nation and Fang Xiu's fiancée.

"Fang Xiu, stop!"

Zhao Qing'er's voice was crisp, and she kept her gaze straight ahead.

"Get lost!"

Fang Xiu bellowed, and Xu Zhe was kicked back several yards, spraying a mouthful of blood onto the snowy ground.

"Princess Royal, he disobeys the imperial decree! It is a crime of deceiving the emperor!"

Xu Zhe hurriedly reported to Princess Royal.

"Step aside!"

Zhao Qing'er's eyes were cold and sharp, exuding a sense of aloofness and sharpness.

Fang Xiu looked at her with mixed emotions.

Indeed, this woman chosen by the Myth Sky Sect was extraordinary.

Unfortunately, their relationship seemed to come to an end.

"By the imperial decree, our engagement is hereby annulled. Fang Xiu, you should understand that you are no longer worthy of me," Zhao Qing'er declared with a condescending posture while staring at Fang Xiu.

In her eyes, there were only three words for him: not worth considering!

"Hahaha!"

Fang Xiu laughed heartily, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

He had staked his life, guarded the Zhao family's prosperity, and now, with a decree and a letter, he was cast from heaven to hell.

It was truly ridiculous, absurd!

"What are you laughing at?" Zhao Qing'er frowned.

"I'm laughing at my own stupidity. I devoted my entire life to the nation, risked my life on the battlefield, and what did I get in return? Heartless abandonment. The royal family is truly ruthless. Perhaps, I was too naive," Fang Xiu said as he tore apart the two memorial papers in his hand, throwing them into the air like a flurry of snowflakes, marking the end of his seven years of military service.

I could leave, but not at your behest. I could retire, but not at your dismissal!

Fang Xiu, with blazing eyes, full of indignation, grasped the wolf hair brush and began writing.

A paper of divorcement, leaping onto the paper!

"From now on, we have no ties. With the engagement in the past, this divorcing letter is now for you!"

Fang Xiu shot the letter towards Zhao Qing'er's ear, nailing it to a wooden stake with a buzzing sound.

As Zhao Qing'er watched the letter as it were stabbed in her face, her expression turned dark; she felt that her dignity was shattered.

Humiliation! It was an explicit and naked humiliation!

As the Princess Royal of Mo Nation, when had she ever suffered such treatment?

An arrow by her ear, a letter of divorcement in front of her—wasn't this a blatant disdain for imperial authority?

Not to mention the nobles of the palace, even ordinary commoners, if a woman was divorced, she would carry that stigma for a lifetime.

For the Princess Royal of Mo Nation, this was more terrifying than being killed!

"Fang Xiu, you... how dare you divorce me!"

Princess Royal's fragrant shoulders trembled slightly, her eyes almost bursting.

Even her long nails were deeply embedded in her flesh.

She not only symbolized imperial authority but also was the future disciple of the Myth Sky Sect.

How could she stand such a humiliation and disgrace?

What would happen if this were to spread?

"If there's nothing else, Princess Royal, please leave." Fang Xiu didn't want to say another word.

"Fang Xiu, you've insulted me too much. Do you really think that your identity as the Marquis of Guanjun will save you from my wrath?" Zhao Qing'er gritted her teeth.

"Zhao Qing'er, with all do respect. There's not a chance for an someone like you with Eight-Grade cultivation to kill me," Fang Xiu sneered.

"Your dantian is shattered, you're a waste loser, yet you dare to look down on an Eighth-Rank Master. In that case, I will show you my power."

Princess Royal let out a low growl, her steps gliding lightly, leaving no trace on the snow.

She flew towards Fang Xiu, while her palms were striking continuously and created a rolling gust of wind.

Fang Xiu stood with hands behind his back, unfazed even as Mount Tai collapsed in front of him.

He knew that Zhao Qing'er was just venting her anger and wouldn't dare to kill him in the Mo Nation.

Although the Marquis of Guanjun's strength had been weakened, his meritorious service and enormous influence among the common people made it difficult to kill him without a valid reason.

Even if Zhao Qing'er only wanted to vent her anger, it was something she couldn't achieve.

Suddenly, a shadow, ghostly in appearance, appeared before Fang Xiu.

It was none other than Fang Ying.

At this moment, Fang Ying's entire body was covered in a fiery red aura.

Her eyes were stern, like a nocturnal Rakshasa making a move, slapping towards Zhao Qing'er.

Bang!

The air exploded, and Zhao Qing'er was forced back several yards with a horrified expression.

Looking back at Fang Ying, her gaze had completely changed.

"A Ninth-Rank Master."

Unable to contain her surprise, Zhao Qing'er realized that the seemingly weak maid by the Marquis of Guanjun's side was a hidden Ninth-Rank Master.

Wearing a purple dress, her hair tied in a simple ponytail, Fang Ying stood in front, exuding a heroic demeanor.

With fiery eyes, she confronted Zhao Qing'er.

"My young master has outstanding achievements, but you, from the Zhao royal family, treat him so unfairly. Master's divorcing letter is in place, and he has nothing to do with Your Highness. If you continue to be aggressive, don't blame me for being impolite."

Zhao Qing'er's chest heaved, and her anger was hard to dissipate.

However, she also realized that the girl in front of her, with her eyes fixed solely on the Marquis of Guanjun, had no respect for her.

If she continued to provoke, she would not gain anything.

As Zhao Qing'er gradually calmed down, she looked at Fang Xiu.

Her eyes couldn't help but change.

The renowned Marquis of Guanjun, how could his influence be limited to just this young girl in front of him?

"Fang Xiu, I will not let it go."

Zhao Qing'er left with a resentful vow.