Chapter 318: Chapter 220: The Four Maids of the Eastern Palace Mansion, Cyan Shadow Enters the Ranks, the Empress Leads the Army in Person

’What’s going on...?’

Luo Ying knew she was a Fuyao Sword Cultivator. She had already severed any aspect of her Dao related to romantic love, so it should have been impossible for her to have any feelings for a man.

Back when she was still a True Disciple at Fuyao Sword Palace, she had practiced the Supreme Forget Love Dao.

She had long since cut away all romantic feelings, dedicating herself to the sword in her sole pursuit of longevity.

Her Daoxin had always been unshakably firm, impervious to any external influence.

Otherwise, she never would have reached the Eleventh Realm so quickly.

She had seen her fair share of handsome men; even those with extraordinary looks like Prince Jin held no interest for her.

’So why am I having these feelings for the Crown Prince?’

Luo Ying decided it must be because she had speculated too much about the Crown Prince. ’That’s why I’m feeling so uneasy and worried.’

When Lu Mingyuan saw Luo Ying arrive, he dispensed with the pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"I’ve heard about the request you made."

"You want to deal with the White Lotus Ancient Sect?"

Luo Ying composed herself, came to her senses, and nodded. "That is correct."

"The White Lotus Ancient Sect is not only my enemy, but also the Crown Prince’s. If they are not eliminated, they will sooner or later become a threat to the Great Yan."

"My enemy?"

Lu Mingyuan smiled sardonically.

"You used the White Lotus Ancient Sect as a front to assassinate me. For that alone, I could have your entire clan executed. Now you’ve needlessly made a major enemy for me, and you think this is an appropriate time to negotiate?"

Luo Ying lowered her gaze. "If the Crown Prince wishes to kill me, then do so. But if you wish to eliminate the six leaders of the Infinite Faction, I doubt you can do it without me."

’I must be of some value to the Crown Prince,’ she thought. ’Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sought me out.’

And Luo Ying’s gamble was correct.

Lu Mingyuan admitted to himself that with his current strength, it would be difficult to completely crush Luo Ying.

’Making her serve me is the best solution.’

Lu Mingyuan said, "Enough nonsense. The Imperial Experts have already been investigating this matter and have located several of the White Lotus Ancient Sect’s strongholds in the Imperial Capital."

Luo Ying hadn’t expected the Eastern Palace to be so efficient; they had already locked onto the locations of the White Lotus Ancient Sect’s new nests.

Zi Yun and Hong Wan each carried a brocade tray of clothes and walked up to Luo Ying.

"Cyan Shadow, change into these."

Zi Yun spoke first, her smile reasonably gentle.

Hong Wan’s expression was not so pleasant. She could sense the killing intent and Evil Qi coming from Luo Ying and knew this was a ruthless character who had surely killed many people—no simple figure.

She remained on guard against her.

"After you’ve changed, you will accompany me out of the palace."

Lu Mingyuan gave the order coolly, a plan already forming in his mind.

The White Lotus Ancient Sect would become the example he’d make to warn others. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

If he wanted to escape his father’s shadow, this was undoubtedly a necessary step to deter the rabble.

After a short while, Luo Ying changed into the clothes Lu Mingyuan had prepared.

Her loose hair was tied up into a high ponytail that cascaded down her back. With her forehead exposed, she had a sharp, heroic look. Her waist was slender, and she held a sword in her right hand.

For the time being, Luo Ying could only accept her new identity.

Cyan Shadow, one of the four great maids of the Eastern Palace Mansion.

’How many identities have I had? I can’t even remember anymore.’

...

Practicing martial arts, discussing the Dao, and being accompanied by beauties should have been a pleasant affair for both body and mind. Unfortunately, Lu Mingyuan was in no such mood and could only choose to make his move.

Dealing with the White Lotus Ancient Sect was not only Luo Ying’s request; Lu Mingyuan also wanted to seize the opportunity to raise his Cultivation.

’Cultivating quietly is still too slow.’

’The Blood Glutton Celestial Fall Scripture can absorb all things in the world. By using its Primordial Spirit Chapter, I can directly seize another’s Cultivation and Destiny. That kind of Cultivation Technique is the fastest way.’

’Since I have the status of Crown Prince, I must make use of it.’

The Crown Prince’s sedan arrived at the Drunken Flower Tower, an underground establishment that had been acquired by the White Lotus Commerce Association and was also one of the seven most famous towers in the Imperial Capital.

A Great Yan cavalryman, holding a military banner high, charged into the Imperial City, and news began to spread through the streets.

"Report!"

"Qi Xingyan, the Guardian Envoy of the Celestial Profound Continent, is leading the forces of the Major Sects in a fierce battle against the Holy Nether Army! Both sides have suffered heavy casualties!"

"Fighting on the front lines is fierce! The Nether Race and the Witch Race performed a ritual and summoned a terrifying Demon Fiend from the River of the Underworld to clear a path! The Great Nether Empress is personally leading the charge and approaching the Capital Region! Dao Alliance Cultivators are assembling!"

"She has personally declared that the Great Yan has defied the will of heaven, and that the Holy Nether Army acts on the decree of twelve Divine Spirits to save all living beings of the Central Plains World!"

Lu Mingyuan heard the news, his brow furrowing slightly.

Zi Yun whispered, "Your Highness, could they be coming for you?"

"I certainly hope not."

...