Chapter Fifty-Four: The Second Twelve Palaces

Li Yu nodded approvingly at the ten men in black before him.
“Well done! You didn’t let the lady of the house run off with someone else.”
“You must be Tianze, right? I’ll get straight to the point—I’ll help you dispel the poison in your body, and in return, you’ll sever your contract with Yan Lingji. That seems fair, doesn’t it?”
Tianze looked at the approaching Li Yu with a furrowed brow, puzzled as to why this seemingly frail scholar commanded the loyalty of so many skilled fighters.
If he had such followers, the vast world would be his for the taking.
“No need. I can remove the poison in my body myself. As for her, she is a woman of Baiyue and should serve as the future queen of her people,” Tianze replied, unmoved.
Li Yu shook his head. Of the three “kings” of Tianxing, apart from Wei Zhuang, the other two really couldn’t see the bigger picture. Wei Zhuang was no exception, only surviving the Devouring Fang Prison thanks to his exceptional strength.
“How about this, then? If you can escape unharmed from these ten under my command, I will agree to help you restore your kingdom. If not, you’ll have to obey me.”
“Why should I trust you?” Tianze asked with disdain.
“I’m not asking for your trust. I just want you to see how insignificant you are. These ten are not even one percent of my full strength. If you can’t handle them, on what grounds do you bargain with me? And I would never gamble with my wife. Her life is worth ten thousand times more than that of a useless exiled prince like you,” Li Yu retorted, matching Tianze’s disdainful look.
“Yu…” Yan Lingji looked anxiously between the two sides. If she hadn’t intervened, they would have already come to blows.
“Don’t worry, my dear. This prince doesn’t care about you, but I treasure you above all else. If he wants to die, he shouldn’t drag you into it,” Li Yu said, for once showing firmness with Yan Lingji.
Principles were at stake—who knew if Tianze would suddenly lose his mind and drag the little fairy into some suicidal scheme? If that happened, Li Yu would have nowhere to cry.
After being deposed by his own people, imprisoned by an enemy nation for years, and tormented by a vampire, it would be a wonder if Tianze were still sane. Anyone else would have broken long ago.
If not for Li Yu’s patient guidance, the little fairy would have taken off with Tianze long ago, instead of waiting here for Li Yu.
“So, Prince, my proposal is all gain and no loss for you. What are you afraid of?” Li Yu pressed.
“It’s a deal,” Tianze said, as the iron chains on his body silently whipped into motion.
Behind him, the King of a Hundred Poisons summoned a swarm of venomous insects and spiders.
The Corpse-Driving Demon, with an air of mystique, scattered fine green powder toward Li Yu and the men in black.
Li Yu immediately released his internal energy, forming a shield that kept all the writhing little creatures at bay.
He pulled the little fairy, who had been spectating in the center, into his arms and stepped aside to watch the show.
As for the Unmatched Ghost, he stood in place roaring in frustration, uncertain whom to help, venting his emotions with howls.
Li Yu was never worried about whether these ten assassins from the Net could handle Tianze’s trio.
These ten were all “Kill” class assassins—against “Heaven” class foes, they would hold their own; and among these three, only Tianze had any real fighting ability. The other two could barely scare off the rabble.
Soon, the Corpse-Driving Demon was sent flying with a single sword strike and fell unconscious against a pillar.
The King of a Hundred Poisons watched his swarm decimated, his face a picture of misery.
“Spare their lives; do as you wish with the rest,” Li Yu called out encouragingly.
Tianze’s iron chains, after much experimentation, yielded no advantage.
He was holding his own against three assassins, a testament to his strength. But assassins cared little for honor; once a fourth joined in, Tianze’s chains were stretched thin.
With the fifth assassin’s entry, Tianze shot across the sky like a meteor, crashing to the ground.
Li Yu watched as Tianze limped up the steps.
“Convinced yet?” Li Yu looked down from above.
Tianze turned his head away, like a proud lone wolf.
“You really think the world is conquered by individual might? I find it astonishing that someone so foolish still dreams of being king. No wonder your own people betrayed you,” Li Yu lectured, rubbing salt in the wound.
“What do you want from me?” Tianze asked, still defiant.
“If not for the little fairy, do you think I’d waste words on you? You’d be a dead man. You want revenge on Han? In a few days, go and kidnap the Han crown prince. Kill him or not, as you wish,” Li Yu outlined his plan.
“Yu, I’m sorry to trouble you because of me,” Yan Lingji sensed Li Yu’s tolerance toward Tianze was for her sake.
“It’s nothing. I just don’t want you to have a thorn in your heart. We still have a long future together,” Li Yu said softly, stroking her smooth arm.
“My husband, who are these people?” came a clear, ethereal voice.
Li Yu, amazed, looked up in surprise.
A powerful golden crow descended from the sky, its presence so overwhelming that everyone felt pressed to the ground.
Tianze’s hair stood on end.
“Feiyan? Feiyan, I’m here!” Li Yu waved excitedly.
As a lady in palace attire descended gracefully, everyone on the ground finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Who was this woman who just called Li Yu her husband?
“Feiyan, what brings you to Han?” Li Yu grasped Yan Fei’s delicate hand.
“I missed you, so I came to see you,” Yan Fei replied openly.
“Feiyan, let me introduce you. This is the fairy from Baiyue, Yan Lingji. Ling’er, this is Yan Fei of the Yin-Yang Family, from Dongjun,” Li Yu introduced them nervously.
Yan Fei looked at Li Yu, cautiously holding both his and the Baiyue girl’s hands.
Yan Fei wouldn’t embarrass Li Yu in public. She nodded politely at the stunning Yan Lingji. “Hello.”
Yan Lingji was utterly overawed by Yan Fei’s powerful aura. To think that this celestial beauty was also Li Yu’s woman—they really were a perfect match.
But she wasn’t inferior, either. Li Yu had promised to cherish her for a lifetime.
“Hello, my name is Yan Lingji,” she said, taking the initiative.
“Yan Fei,” the proud lady of Dongjun replied coolly. Had it not been for Li Yu, she wouldn’t have spared this enchantress a glance.
What a troublesome man.
Ever since learning of his Nine Yang body, Yan Fei knew that debts of the heart would be inevitable in the future. How could Li Yu not be tempted by such a seductive Baiyue beauty?
Yan Fei suspected that Li Yu’s trip to Han was precisely for this woman.
She should never have let him come here alone.
“What’s with all these people?” Yan Fei asked, noticing Tianze’s group tending their wounds nearby.
“They’re Ling’er’s family,” Li Yu explained. “They were worried I couldn’t protect her, so they wanted to test my strength.”

Li Yu then turned to Tianze’s group with mock severity. “Well, family, how was the test? Want to keep going?”
“No need,” Tianze shook his head hastily. He might be slow, but he wasn’t stupid. He still held some hope with Bai Yifei, but Li Yu’s display of power left him in despair.
Even this newly arrived madam’s aura overshadowed Bai Yifei.
So that “one percent of my strength” talk wasn’t just empty boasting—perhaps Li Yu really could help him restore his kingdom.
Li Yu’s heart eased, seeing Yan Fei, his main wife, so magnanimous.
He had feared Yan Fei would turn the scene into a battleground and cast some soul-shattering curse on Ling’er.
That would have truly made him weep.
“Feiyan, have you seen Lady Jingni?” Li Yu caressed Yan Fei’s slender hand, asking curiously.
“Yes! Jingni looks ready to give birth any day, while you’re out here being a philanderer.” Yan Fei gave Li Yu a glare.
Jingni wasn’t actually pregnant with Li Yu’s child, but Li Yu hadn’t told anyone, so everyone naturally assumed the child was his. This was also his way of protecting Jingni and her daughter.
“It’s all my fault. Feiyan, now that you’re here in Han, will you stay this time?” Li Yu looked at his wife with hope, growing more delighted by the moment—his wife was truly beautiful.
“My husband, to hold your hand and grow old together—that is my wish. Once I’ve settled a few things, I’ll stay by your side forever,” Yan Fei said sadly, gazing at her devoted little man.
“Is it that old monster Donghuang Taiyi forcing you to look for those so-called Azure Dragon Seven Lodges?” Li Yu asked, irritated.
“You know of the Azure Dragon Seven Lodges?” Yan Fei was surprised.
“Of course I’d look into anything concerning my wife! Here’s what: tell Donghuang Taiyi that I’ll help him collect the Seven Lodges. If he dares to order my precious wife about again, I’ll sabotage his plans myself. Others may fear Donghuang Taiyi, but I do not,” Li Yu declared angrily.
Such a wonderful wife, ordered around by that old freak—who could stand it?
If it’s a matter of her maternal family, so be it. He’d gather the Seven Lodges as a dowry if need be.
Given the course of history, the so-called Azure Dragon Seven Lodges were but an illusion, a mirage.
The ultimate winner would be Liu Ji, currently idling among the peasant clans.
“My husband cherishes me, I know. This time in Han, I’ll stay longer and help you remove obstacles,” Yan Fei said tenderly, stroking Li Yu’s face.
“Today, my lady has arrived—this is a joyous occasion! Prepare a feast in celebration!” Li Yu ordered.
“At your command,” the men in black bowed.
The Unmatched Ghost, hearing there would be food, let out a happy roar.
Only Tianze’s trio felt bitter. They’d hoped to unleash their pent-up suffering upon the world, but were crushed at the very first stop.
And tamed thoroughly at that.
Tianze was actually glad to see Yan Lingji find such a home, but for a man of vengeance, comfort only led to degeneration.
He needed the cleansing of blood.
Yan Lingji had already fallen, unfit for their group.
…
The feast was swiftly prepared.
Watching the Unmatched Ghost gnawing on a whole leg of lamb, Tianze realized he’d been too optimistic.
This one had fallen, too.
With that, Tianze downed his cup in one gulp.
Delicious.
Li Yu looked at Yan Lingji on his left, Yan Fei on his right, and thought, “So this is what life is about. It’s good to be alive.”
“My husband, I’m curious—how did you meet this young lady?” Yan Fei asked, looking at the enchanting Yan Lingji.
“Sister, there’s no need to ask Yu—I’ll tell you. It was a dark, damp cave, and I was locked inside, pitiful as a lamb awaiting slaughter. Then Yu appeared, like a savior, and brought sunshine into my life.” She shot Li Yu a seductive look, making his whole body tingle.
“My husband loves her so much—do you have a poem for her?” Yan Fei sipped her tea and asked calmly.
Li Yu thought, “Oh no.”
He’d assumed that, as a Baiyue woman, Yan Lingji wouldn’t care for poetry, so he’d never considered it.
He hadn’t expected Yan Fei to bring it up.
“A poem? Yu, what’s she talking about?” Yan Lingji frowned, looking a little annoyed.
“Well, I have long been inspired, but I thought you wouldn’t be interested, so I never mentioned it. Would you like to hear it now?” Li Yu asked carefully.
“Go on!” Yan Lingji bared her adorable little tiger teeth and shook a tiny fist in mock threat.
Li Yu lifted his teacup, imitating Li Bai, gazing up at the ceiling and thinking for a moment.
“In the south, there lives a beauty,
Peerless and alone,
One look topples a city,
A second gaze brings down a nation.”
“Yu, I’m not nearly as wonderful as you say,” Yan Lingji blushed, shy under his praise.
“I’m only telling the truth—you deserve such praise,” Li Yu said, gazing into her enchanting blue eyes.
“My husband, you’ve become quite adept at charming girls,” Yan Fei said, dampening the mood.
“That’s not it—he said I’m beautiful enough to topple a nation,” Yan Lingji protested, conjuring a fiery orange flame on her finger.
Li Yu felt a headache coming on—both were the apples of his eye.

“My dear ladies, we’re all family now! Harmony brings prosperity. When you have children in the future, this won’t be good for them!” Li Yu tried to smooth things over.
He took Yan Lingji’s warm hand, and with excitement said, “Ling’er, you just called me ‘husband,’ didn’t you?”
Yan Lingji shot a provocative glance at Yan Fei. “Husband, I want to give you little monkeys.”
Li Yu beamed. “Good, good—lots and lots of little monkeys!”
Tianze looked at Li Yu’s lovesick grin in bewilderment. “Him? Why does he have so many followers? I don’t get it.”
The King of a Hundred Poisons smiled, gobbling food with his snakes.
The Corpse-Driving Demon ate slowly, peacefully sharing the table with the Unmatched Ghost.
“When are we kidnapping the Han crown prince?” Tianze blurted, unable to stand the atmosphere.
“No rush. Three days from now. He’s the Han crown prince, after all; we should make a plan and maximize the benefit, right?” Li Yu replied calmly.
Tianze nodded and fell silent.
“Husband, do you need my help?” Yan Fei asked, concerned for him.
“No need—it’s a small matter. I can handle it. Feiyan, tomorrow I’ll take you somewhere,” Li Yu said, as an idea struck him.
“Is it Zilan Pavilion?” Yan Fei guessed his intent.
“You know?” Li Yu asked, surprised.
“Jingni told me everything. I want to see this Zinu who so haunts your dreams,” Yan Fei said sternly. Li Yu sensed tomorrow would be rough.
Sister Jingni really did spill everything—how did she even know about Zinu? Li Yu thought he’d kept that secret well.
But he didn’t consider that, apart from her unborn child, Li Yu was Jingni’s whole world. How could he hide anything from her?
…
Night fell, seductive and deep.
Li Yu accompanied Yan Fei to her room.
“Feiyan, can I discuss something with you?” Li Yu asked shyly.
“No need to stand on ceremony, husband. Between husband and wife, there should be nothing hidden,” Yan Fei encouraged, seeing his hesitance.
“I’d like us to practice the Emperor’s Twelve Arts again—I want to create a duplicate of myself,” Li Yu admitted.
“Why?” Yan Fei asked curiously.
“I want to visit Zhao, but can’t leave my body behind. I also want to check on Mirror Lake—Sister Jingni is about to give birth, and I’m worried. I’d like to consult the Healer’s Family,” Li Yu explained.
“If my husband has decided, of course I support you.” Yan Fei rarely argued with Li Yu’s decisions. Partly it was her affection for her younger husband, partly guilt for so rarely being by his side. Besides, Li Yu seldom asked her for anything, especially something like this. He could have asked any other confidante, but he chose her, a mark of his respect.
“I’ll ask Ling’er to come guard us. Last time we practiced the Twelve Arts, it caused quite a stir,” Li Yu said, heading outside before Yan Fei could respond.
“Yu, aren’t you going to spend time with your main wife? Why drag me here—do you need an audience?” Yan Lingji’s voice sounded. Yan Fei felt a sudden, inexplicable nervousness.
“Nonsense. I need you to guard us while Feiyan and I conduct an important experiment. I trust you most,” Li Yu said solemnly.
“Oh? What kind of experiment requires all this fuss?” Yan Lingji asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“You’ll be surprised,” Li Yu grinned.
“So mysterious!” Yan Lingji rolled her eyes at him.
“Feiyan, Ling’er is here. Shall we begin?” Li Yu took Yan Lingji’s hand and looked eagerly at Yan Fei.
“She can wait in the outer room. Let’s go to the inner chamber,” Yan Fei requested.
“Of course—Ling’er, sorry to leave you waiting,” he said, hurrying away with a blushing Yan Fei.
Yan Fei closed the door with a burst of inner force.
Yan Lingji watched Yan Fei’s bashfulness and grew more curious about what they’d be doing inside.
When she heard the sounds of panting from within, realization dawned.
She stared at the inner room in disbelief.
What unusual tastes! Did they like being overheard? Was “guarding” just an excuse?
But as a beam of white light shot toward the sky and entered the room, Yan Lingji realized it wasn’t as simple as she’d thought.
Hearing footsteps approaching, Yan Lingji rushed out to stop the oncoming crowd.
“Yu is practicing a technique. Please don’t disturb him,” she said.
“What kind of technique causes such a commotion?” Tianze was skeptical.
“His wife is inside too. If you’re not afraid of her wrath, be my guest,” Yan Lingji replied, stepping aside.
Tianze eyed the phenomenon in the sky, reluctant but wary of Yan Fei’s power.
“Don’t forget, you’re also of Baiyue,” Tianze tried again.
“But now, I am his woman,” Yan Lingji declared, her bold and passionate nature on full display.
“Very well—we’ll leave,” Tianze said, departing with the King of a Hundred Poisons and the Corpse-Driving Demon.
The Unmatched Ghost remained outside with Yan Lingji, joined by the ten Net assassins.
“I hope you finish soon,” Yan Lingji murmured, watching the silver beam pierce the clouds.
Such a spectacle couldn’t be hidden; who knew who else would come next?
Her worries were justified—at that very moment, all the powers of Xinzheng were converging on their location.
Meanwhile, Li Yu, the cause of it all, was utterly bewildered—
Where am I?