Chapter 124 - Offering

Name:The Princess and The Lord Author:
By midnight the darkness is almost absolute, only a smattering of luminous stars scatter the blackest sky, the moon has waned to almost nothing, the once lively street has become quite the stalls and shop are closed and people already rest in their warmed bed prepare for tomorrow but in front of Ninjing manor a few peoples with black cloak stealthily appear at Ninjing back door, the man with black uniform swiftly open the door then he makes sure no one following them, only then he let them in.

The head servants greet them politely, he was expecting them to come he smiles warmly but his eyes carefully scrutinize for any hidden threat, the group of black cloak men slightly nervous because they can feel the strong Qi around the seems feeble old head servants, their heart race knowing even for a mere servant they got high-level cultivation they can't imagine how strong the owner of this place.

Above the roof of the manor one by one appear a bunch of men with black uniform they all cover their face so only their eyes could be seen, they watch them like a beast lurking their prey even though none of them show any threat but still it's nerve wrecking for a group with black cloak men, one of them unconsciously grab his sword but the other man stop him, he shakes his head sign the other man no to be reckless, fortunately the other man yield but his hand remain in his sword.

The head servant lead them to pass the main courtyard then enter the main hall, the room is cover with black wooden interior, two big arms chair at the end of the room showing there are only two masters in this Manor, behind the arms chair there's a giant screen wall with grey stones there's a carved of giant Dragon engulf in fire, four ornament pillar stand tall above the red ceiling, the deep red color makes them slightly unsettling.

The room is illuminated by four big square lampions and candles, the room it's bright and beautiful but somehow it's also rigid and cold make them uncomfortable, pretty much show how the owner character. The servant welcomes them to sit while the maid served them with expensive wine and pastries but they feel so nervous no one touches their food or drink.

One of the men take off his hood, he sips his wine calmly the warmed liquors warmed his body from the chilly weather then he felt his body become more relaxed, he nodded his head satisfied with the wine he drank, the other man with him watch him drink leisurely let their guards down and follow his suit, one by one drink their wine then gradually they become more relaxed.

Not long after a beautiful androgynous man with lavish red fiery robes enters the room, his untied long black hair falls neatly on his shoulder, his mouth slightly curved his small gesture manage to stunned the group of men in front of him can't imagine what would happen if they were women.

"I'm Bei Li Yan, the red vermillion King Palace, nice to meet you" he bowed his head slightly didn't look arrogant but not humble either "Nice to meet you again general Fu"

Although they expecting this but see the famous Hei Shen King palace with their own eyes is still gives them a shocked.

"Nice to meet you again master Bei, this is my second son Fu Ying" General Fu introduces the handsome young man beside him, the young man looks like only twenty-three he has a manly appearance and muscular build just like typical soldiers, the young man nods his head but his eyes remain vigilance.

then General Fu continue introducing other men who come with him "And this is all my trusted friend and loyal subordinated with the previous emperor"

"I'm Zhang Yu Hong, it's a pleasure to meet you Master Bei" an old man with topknot grey hair and long white beard he appears he's on seventy years old but cultivator look can be misguided, his robes look modest but the great quality of his fabric cannot be hidden, the old man has calmed temperament and wise demeanor his eyes sharp and clear, he seems like a righteous man.

"Grand tutor Zhang, the pleasure is mine" Bei Li Yan cupped his hand courteously.

Another man rise from his seat "I'm Wu Tian Zi, is an honour to meet you master Bei" he cupped his hand modestly while slightly bend his waist, this man is around fifty with topknot black hair with simple jade hairpin, just like Zhang yu Hong he also dressed simple to hide from prying eyes.

"I can say the same way, to meet the legendary Prime Minister Wu" Bei Li Yan hear many great story about Prime Minister Wu cunningness, it was because of him the Liangzu kingdom economy become prosper like today or at least until the current Prime Minister messed up a few things for his own and his cronies benefits.

Long-time ago the previous emperor value prime minister to the highest degree not to mention Prime minister Wu also honest and upright person so the Emperor give him the title as marquis of the first rank, this is the highest title the Emperor could give to a person without Royal blood. maybe his accomplishment treats the current Emperor so he was forced to retire and abdicated his position as prime minister.

"Don't say that master Bei, I'm not Prime minister anymore" he looks disheartened not because he lost his position but because his hard work diminished by current prime minister make the economy who once stable become messy and full with corruption, it cause the death of small merchants and big merchants live under pressure of the officials.

"It is a loss for this kingdom…" Bei Li Yan let a long sighs, too many corrupt officials in the world so he always happy when he found the honest one, is like finding a rare treasure "Please have a seat" Bei Li Yan said politely.

The four people back to their sits, general Fu suddenly asked "About the first princess, how is she condition?" his question brings everyone's attention.

"Don't worry you all can ask her by yourself later," said Bei Li Yan "But if you were curious, I can assure you the princess is healthy and ….lively" Bei Li Yan mouth twitch a little when he remember Ming Yue Yin cursed inside her chamber when she was boiled for hours.

General Fu relief, as long the Princess is alive he still has a chance to fix his mistake and this Kingdom also still has its chance.suddenly the air inside the room becomes heavy, Fu Ying grips his swords on her waist a thin layer of sweat covering his forehead he remembers this feeling when he was against thousands of his enemy army, but for Zhang Yu Hong and Wu Tian Zi, this feeling remind them when they met the Previous Emperor Father.

The heavy pressure on their chest, the rapid heartbeat and the sweat cold on their back bring them back to the memory when they were young and met the Emperor Father who still an Emperor at that time for the first time at Royal banquet, Only General Fu and Bei Li Yan who remain unfazed.

Zhao Li Xin enter the room with Jin Hao, Mong Ki and Mong Yi follow him behind, he wear his usual black attire with half his hair tied with red silk lace carelessly make him look lazy and unruly, he didn't bother to give them a glance he walk unhurried to his black arms chair when he sits his body slump slightly then he rest his arms on the arms chair while her fist prop her head, he look lazy and indifferent.

If its other people they might feel offended and furious but general Fu already reminds them wholeheartedly Zhao Li Xin character and most of all his 'inhuman' power, he keeps reminding his group not to provoke this 'Demon Lord' in any circumstances. He told them to keep their distance, less eye contact, don't make a loud noise, and don't make a sudden move so practically he treat Zhao Li Xin like a dangerous wild beast.

At first, they though General Fu exaggerated it but after they see 'Long Ming' with their own eyes, they admitted it he is like a wild beast, beautiful and deathly at the same time.

They become more nervous because Zhao Li Xin didn't say anything his subordinated also acted nonchalantly, Jin Hao Sit on the chair beside Bei Li Yan he look uninterested while fan himself leisurely.

Bei Li Yan sips his wine calmly then he smacked his lips with daze expression, while Mong Yi pour wine for Zhao Li Xin ignoring the guest and Mong Ki pretends to be statue beside Zhao Li Xin.

The room becomes tensed and awkward but Zhao Li Xin subordinated looks relaxed seems like Zhao Li Xin's behavior is normal and nothing is wrong, well because it is normal for them, it's a good Zhao li Xin close subordinated it's a good thing when Zhao Li Xin cold, lazy, and indifferent that's mean his in a good mood.

"News…." Zhao Li Xin said with low voice.

General Fu and his groups startled they didn't understand what he mean but Bei Li Yan raised from his chair immediately.

"Heavenly Jade pavilion emissary is looking for you, he used every connection he had to find us, I hear they want to apologize for what happened with the Huang siblings they wanted to offer one hundred chests of gold, Fifty bottles of perfection Grade Pill and saint level weapon called 'The Radiant snow Blade" said Bei Li Yan, General Fu and his people dumbstruck, this level of offering it's match for Royal Tribute for their Kingdom, this offering shows how scared Heavenly jade pavilion is.

But now they feel nervous if Zhao Li Xin accept it what happened with them and the first princess, the heavenly jade pavilion is the current Emperor backer even though they can win against the Emperor but they can't match heavenly jade pavilion power.

Zhao Li Xin tapped his finger on his arms chair he smirks devilishly "Is that their price for my woman…." The temperature slightly increased, it's a sign that their Lord is unhappy.

The people inside the room become nervous, General Fu stares at Bei Li Yan who might sign him to 'run' just like before, fortunately, Zhao Li Xin's anger gradually subsides he sips his wine slowly then he glanced at Bei Li Yan "What else?"

Bei Li Yan look hesitated, his smile becomes stiff, Jin hao who notice Bei li yan expression can feel imminent danger about to happened, he secretly activated his barrier, Mong Yi and Mong Ki who aware what Jin Hao doing look each other with concern then Mong Yi secretly take out protective talisman then he stay near the guest, Mong Ki put protective barrier for himself.

"They're...mm…they offering a woman name Huang Ning Yun to become Young Miss servant" after Bei Li Yan said that he put barrier around him.

Zhao Li Xin black eyes suddenly become darker, his eye fill with raged and blood lust, the temperature increased rapidly, they all can feel a sudden heat on their skin, the flame emerged from Zhao Li Xin body then spread like wildfire, a few send later the thundering sounds of 'BOOM!' echoed inside Ninjing Manor.

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"Did you hear that?" Lory suddenly raised his head.

"Is it the kitchen?" Ming Yue Yin guesses it.

"Maybe…" Lory shrugs her shoulder, then she stares at Ming Yue Ying's head with a deep frown "You gonna wear that?"

"What? Is not enough?" Ming Yue Yin show her head with row of thorny silver hairpin.

"It's remain me with death traps inside the tombs" Lory pursed her lips.

"...…."