Emperor’s Shadow
"Bai Hong, I need you to handle this," Ji Wuhui said, his voice calm yet charged with authority.
Though his composure had returned, an icy edge lingered in his tone, promising swift retribution.
Bai Hong, a cultivator of Pathseeker rank, was an unparalleled force in Nine Stars City. Even with the city teeming with cultivators, his strength remained a peak existence that none dared challenge.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will bring His Highness back safely," Bai Hong replied. Before his words could fully settle, his figure vanished.
Ji Wuhui's gaze shifted toward Nine Stars City, his expression as cold as winter frost. "Anyone who dares lay a hand on my son will pay the price—no exceptions."
As an emperor, his path had been stained with blood. This offense would not be forgiven.
---
The speed of an Pathseeker cultivator was astonishing. In mere moments, Bai Hong arrived at Wind Immortal Tower.
Sensing Ji Tianhao's presence within, he exhaled silently, relieved that the prince was still alive. For now, that was all that mattered.
However, relief quickly gave way to a steely determination. His figure blurred as he swept into the tower, his expression cold and unforgiving. Whoever had dared challenge the royal family in Nine Stars City would soon face the consequences.
Outside the tower, passersby noticed only a fleeting shadow as Bai Hong passed, leaving them confused and murmuring.
---
Inside Wind Immortal Tower, Ji Tianhao stood surrounded by a faint golden glow, resembling a divine figure descended to earth. The city's defensive formation bolstered him, filling him with confidence.
Even if a Eminence realm attacked, Ji Tianhao believed he could withstand dozens of blows.
What he didn't realize was that if Luo Chuan truly intended to kill him, no amount of defensive augmentation—tenfold or more—would make any difference.
Luo Chuan was neither bloodthirsty nor a fool. But anyone foolish enough to provoke him would inevitably face the consequences.
By now, Bai Hong had entered the tower.
The diners, sensing the charged atmosphere, began whispering among themselves.
"Bai Hong has served Emperor Ji for decades. He reached Pathseeker rank long ago. If he's here, it's clear His Majesty is enraged!"
"With Bai Hong involved, that man's fate is sealed."
"What a pity…"
Their gazes shifted to Luo Chuan, filled with regret. To them, the outcome was inevitable. Bai Hong's legendary reputation as an Pathseeker cultivator left no room for doubt. Meanwhile, Luo Chuan appeared no older than twenty—how strong could he possibly be?
---
"Bai Hong, save me!" Ji Tianhao shouted, his voice tinged with desperation as he spotted the elder.
Luo Chuan's calm, composed demeanor unnerved Ji Tianhao to his core.
One slap had left Li Mu's life in question. If that same strike landed on him…
Ji Tianhao shuddered at the thought, his scalp tingling with fear. Even the protective glow of the city's defenses offered him little reassurance. Luo Chuan's unsettling composure made him feel small and powerless.
As a pampered heir, Ji Tianhao had never taken cultivation seriously. His understanding of the city's defensive capabilities was surface-level at best. What he did know, however, was that Bai Hong's strength was unmatched.
To Ji Tianhao, Bai Hong was a figure capable of single-handedly defeating entire armies. Seeing him arrive was like grasping at a lifeline amidst a storm.
Yet, something was off. Bai Hong's expression was not as reassuring as Ji Tianhao had hoped—it seemed conflicted.
Ji Tianhao, however, dismissed this. His blind faith in Bai Hong's strength remained unshaken.
"Bai Hong, this man dared to threaten me! I want his life!" Ji Tianhao barked, pointing at Luo Chuan, his tone filled with venom.
His desire for revenge burned fiercely, but as the situation unfolded, the reality would soon prove far beyond his expectations.