“Look, that wicked sorcerer has killed my beloved concubine, now all of you go back to your own places and zip your mouth as to what has happened here in the Grand Court."He accused Cloud River of sorcery and murder, spitting out venomous words like a poisonous snake. The ministers and officials listened with bated breath, afraid to cross the emperor's wrath.They nodded their heads like a field of wheat in the wind, hoping to appease his fury.But as they left the Grand Court, their thoughts turned like the tides of the sea. Many of them began to believe that the emperor must have been bewitched by wicked sprites, and they whispered the words on the paper like a secret flame passing from one candle to another.Tolly, disguised as Cloud River, had infiltrated the Maternal Court of Empress Guma.Desperately searching for a place to hide, he stumbled upon a plain-looking room with a majestic purple wardrobe. Without hesitation, he squeezed himself inside and waited as the guards scoure
Back at his own office, Minister Stuart was brimming with anticipation as he met Duran, who was on tenterhooks to learn the outcome of His Majesty’s response to his missive. However, the emperor’s guards soon showed up, bearing a dark and unexpected message, one that would send shivers down Duran's spine. The order was chillingly clear: “Duran, the chief official of the observatory, had been found guilty of committing the heinous crime of spreading rumors about specters, and as such, he was to be executed forthwith, with no mercy and no hesitation.” With grim determination, the royal guards stripped Duran of his coronet and red robe, bound him with thick ropes and iron chains, and dragged him off to the palace gate, as if he were nothing more than a common criminal. The entire scene was macabre and terrifying, and it sent a shiver down the spines of those who witnessed it. However, as they were making their way towards the gate, they happened to encounter an official who was dress
The Minister Michael shuffled into the throne room, looking like a sorry sight, with his hair standing on end and his face unshaven. His thin cotton garments were soiled and wrinkled, giving him a disreputable appearance as he knelt before Emperor William, waiting for his punishment to fall. "You're a blind bat!" the emperor thundered. "Do you have any inkling what this is for?" He pointed to the burning brass pillar known as Tall Brass Maiden in the corner of the room. Minister Michael raised his head, his expression one of perplexity. "No, I'm as much in the dark as a bat, Your Majesty," he replied timidly. The emperor laughed savagely, enjoying his power over the hapless minister. "You're a real goose, aren't you? You know nothing except how to offend your emperor with your sharp tongue. But you don't seem to know that I invented these burning pillars especially for you. I'll roast your flesh and bones on this very pillar. Let anyone who dares to defame me with rumors and lies
Fina Fox seethed with anger as she returned to her court, feeling as if she had been slapped in the face by Empress Guma's insulting behavior. "I'll be damned if I let that viper get the best of me," she growled to her faithful maidservant Gina."What's the matter? You look like you've swallowed a lemon."Gina noticed Fina's foul mood and prodded her to reveal what had happened."That old hag Guma humiliated me in front of everyone. But mark my words, I'll have my revenge," Fina Fox didn't hold back."You want to be the empress? But how?" Gina's eyes widened in surprise when Fina revealed her ultimate goal."I have a plan, but I need your help. We'll need to think outside the box and find a way to remove Guma from the equation. It won't be easy, but I won't rest until I'm on the throne. Are you with me?" Fina's face darkened with determination.Gina nodded eagerly, thrilled to be a part of Fina's grand scheme."I'll do whatever it takes to help you, my lady. Let's consult a minister a
"I swear on my life, cross my heart and hope to die, that I am steadfast and pure of heart," she swore,"I implore you to take pity on me, have mercy on my soul. There are malicious spirits lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. I earnestly hope that you will judge me not by hearsay, but by my daily conduct and acquit me of this wrongful accusation.”Empress Guma pleaded with all the sincerity she could muster. her heart was heavy with the weight of false allegations that had been spread like wildfire. She knew that there were nefarious forces at work, pulling the strings and trying to frame her for crimes she hadn't committed.But she refused to let them win. She prayed that justice would prevail, that the truth would come to light, and that she would be able to clear her name once and for all."The royal decree hath accused you of dispatching Jasper Washington to slay the emperor, all so that thy father may seize the throne. If these allegations are proven true, you shall be gui
As Concubine Harper approached the imposing gate of the West Palace, she was accosted by a rugged-looking man who seemed to have sprung from nowhere."Who goes there?" she demanded, readying herself for any trouble. But the man, none other than Tolly in the disguise of Cloud River, seemed unperturbed by her hostility."Lead me to Empress Guma, I’m her friend. " he said urgently, "I gave her a gift a few days ago- White Feather. But it appears that it’s been burned away. Something horrible must have happened to her. I fear the worst."“You’re right,” said Concubine Harper in surprise, “Come with me. I hope you can help her out.”As they rushed to the scene, they found Empress Guma lying on the ground, her once-vibrant clothes now soaked in crimson blood. Cloud River let out a mournful cry."Forgive me, Your Majesty. I should have come sooner," he wailed.But Empress Guma, still clinging to life, managed a faint smile."Don't blame yourself, Mr. Cloud River. It's all my fault. I shoul
“That monster has already taken his own wife's life, and now he seeks to spill the blood of his own flesh and blood. You're not safe here, my dear prince and princess. Seek refuge in the Fragrant Palace with Concubine Yvonne until a powerful minister can plead your case before the emperor. Only then will you be out of harm's way," she advised them, hoping to offer them a glimmer of hope in these dark times.“Go with me,” said Cloud River, “I think the Fragrant Palace is not safe, either. You know, the emperor has gone crazy!”Yet, they did not take his advice. Instead, the prince and the princess knelt down before Concubine Harper."Oh, gracious Lady! Your kindness knows no bounds. My mother lies here, exposed to the elements, and we are forever in your debt if you could provide her with a coffin," Prince Hobart exclaimed, his voice quivering with emotion.The concubine nodded solemnly, her eyes gleaming with tears. "You had best make haste and leave this place as soon as possible,"
“You’re spot on, Minister Ross Russel,” nodded General Addison in agreement.The rest of the officials remained tight-lipped as the prince and the princess wept profusely. Benji Frost and Blair Frost ushed through the throngs of people with great fervor.“Emperor William is a malicious despot. By ordering the execution of his own children, he’s attempting to sever his own ancestral lineage, and by murdering his wife, he’s defied all ethical codes. We’ll escort the prince and the princess to their maternal grandfather Bill Washington and raise an army to depose him. This is nothing short of a rebellion.”Benji Frost hoisted Prince Hobart onto his shoulders and Blair Frost took charge of Princess Yana. They made their escape from the capital through the southern gate. Tolly, in disguise of Cloud River, was happy that he had two more helpers, though they did not decide to go to Fanta city yet.‘Perhaps I can go to see Bill Washington together with them first and then see what I can do th
As the ministers bickered like hens in a coop over the emperor's decree, the executioners were already tiptoeing out of the palace gates, blades glinting in the light. It was a race against time, for the prince's head was on the chopping block. Little did the executioners know, the prince was no ordinary mortal. Tolly had him under his protection. He suddenly asked General Addison, “Can you do me a favor?” “Of course, Your Highness”, said General Addison, ”I won’t allow these bastards to kill you no matter the cost.” “I’ve got a white feather in my pocket. Please take it out and burn it,” said Prince Hobart. “Okay, I’ll do it,” said General Addison. Without any delay, General Addison immediately got a white feather out of the pocket. Though not knowing what was the use of it, he realized it must be an important thing. Then he asked his men to bring him a torch. In a few seconds, the white feather was burnt into ashes. As Tolly rode on the horse with Princess Yana behind him, he
“Fate has brough us here to meet you, Princess Yana,” said General Logan Kline, determined to take Princess Yana back to the court,“Your Highness, by His Majesty’s order, I have come here to bring you back to the palace. Hundreds of officials have spoken on your behalf, and you need not worry.”“Don’t believe him,” said Tolly with a sneer, “Your father would not listen to those officials. Once you’re in the palace, you’ll be dangerous.”The princess’s eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and resignation.“I know very well that I cannot escape this great calamity,” she admitted, her voice filled with weariness, “I’m not afraid of death, but I am so tired from my journey that I can no longer walk. Would you be so kind as to let me ride on your horse?”General Logan Kline nodded without hesitation.“You may ride on my horse, Your Highness, and I will follow on foot,” he declared, his unwavering loyalty to the princess shining through his every word.Yet, once Princess Yana mounted the
“Okay, let’s go!” said Tolly.Before they started their journey, Tolly suddenly heard the clicking sounds in his bones. All the vital energy inside his body started to circulate. Tolly thought he probably broke through to a new level. With a flutter in his eyes, he quickly checked his status on the screen before his eyes.[Name: Hidden Dragon][Owner: Tolly Harmsworth][Level: 2 as a master-level cultivator][Talent for Cultivation: D level (Hidden Invincible Level)][Wrath Points: 3999][Exp Points: 2790][ Main Art: Lotus Technique, which can be hedged by the Six Sun Technique; Puppet Control Technique;][Current Guardians: Blue lightning bird, activated; Fire Phoenix, activated; Water Dragon, activated; Rock Roc, activated. ]He was glad to see that he was at level 2 as a master cultivator.“What are you looking at?” asked Princess Yana when she saw Tolly stare at something.“Nothing,” said Tolly with a smile, “let’s roll!”They quickly got out of the temple and decided to continue
It looked like the black cat's sharp claws loomed closer to Tolly's body. His heart was racing, but he didn't lose his composure. In a flash, he executed the Shadowy Lotus Move, saving Princess Yana from the cat's attack just in the nick of time. The black cat was stunned, its voice shaking with disbelief. "How do you know the Shadowy Lotus Move? It's an ancient art that has been lost for over a thousand years. Who are you?" it demanded. Tolly's lips curled into a sneer. He "My name is not something I care to share with a beast like you," retorted Tolly, his lips curling into a sneer, still holding the Princess in his arms. But as he caught a whiff of her alluring scent, it quickly turned him on. He had to put her down to avoid any embarrassment. "Go hide behind the statue," Tolly whispered to Princess Yana, his eyes locked on the witch in front of him. "I'll deal with this monster." “Hey, I’m not a monster,” said the cat in a furious voice. Instantly, the black’s anger boil ov
"You taught the people the ways of decency and honor," Princess Yana whispered reverently. "I am a descendant of the rose Dynasty, but my father, Emperor William, has brought shame to our name with his heinous crimes. I have fled his tyranny and seek refuge in your sacred temple for the night. If you protect me until dawn, I vow to rebuild this temple and enshrine your statue in gold."Tolly also followed suit. He knelt down before the statue and kowtowed three times. Instantly, he had flutters in his eyes.With a ding, he got a new notification on the screen before his eyes.[Detected a new secret manual here inside the temple. Would you like to get it?]Tolly was very excited because he did not expect that this was another unknowable place where a great secret manual was hidden.Without any thinking, he had a ‘yes’ notion in his mind and posed a question in his mind,“Where is the secret manual? How do I find it?”[Just under the cushion you're kneeling on.]It looked like his syste
Once alone, General Addison summoned his trusted general to discuss the situation. “General Paul Bailey and Logan Kline have come with the emperor’s official tally, demanding 4,000 flying horsemen to pursue the princes,” revealed General Adddison, “But we can’t spare our strongest warriors for this task. Select only the weakest, the elderly, and the injured. Let Geneal Paul Bailey and Longan Kline take them tomorrow.” The next morning, Geneal Paul Bailey and Longan Kline arrived to find their men looking as feeble as a mouse caught in a trap. The sorry sight of the stumbling and floundering army was enough to make them shake their heads in disbelief. But the Carlson brothers were already on their way, having traveled for two days with the young princes. Benji Frost knew they had come too far to turn back now, and they needed to take action. "Brother, we're in a bit of a pickle," he said to his brother Blair Frost . "We've got to spend some money to get out of this mess. But sellin
“You’re spot on, Minister Ross Russel,” nodded General Addison in agreement.The rest of the officials remained tight-lipped as the prince and the princess wept profusely. Benji Frost and Blair Frost ushed through the throngs of people with great fervor.“Emperor William is a malicious despot. By ordering the execution of his own children, he’s attempting to sever his own ancestral lineage, and by murdering his wife, he’s defied all ethical codes. We’ll escort the prince and the princess to their maternal grandfather Bill Washington and raise an army to depose him. This is nothing short of a rebellion.”Benji Frost hoisted Prince Hobart onto his shoulders and Blair Frost took charge of Princess Yana. They made their escape from the capital through the southern gate. Tolly, in disguise of Cloud River, was happy that he had two more helpers, though they did not decide to go to Fanta city yet.‘Perhaps I can go to see Bill Washington together with them first and then see what I can do th
“That monster has already taken his own wife's life, and now he seeks to spill the blood of his own flesh and blood. You're not safe here, my dear prince and princess. Seek refuge in the Fragrant Palace with Concubine Yvonne until a powerful minister can plead your case before the emperor. Only then will you be out of harm's way," she advised them, hoping to offer them a glimmer of hope in these dark times.“Go with me,” said Cloud River, “I think the Fragrant Palace is not safe, either. You know, the emperor has gone crazy!”Yet, they did not take his advice. Instead, the prince and the princess knelt down before Concubine Harper."Oh, gracious Lady! Your kindness knows no bounds. My mother lies here, exposed to the elements, and we are forever in your debt if you could provide her with a coffin," Prince Hobart exclaimed, his voice quivering with emotion.The concubine nodded solemnly, her eyes gleaming with tears. "You had best make haste and leave this place as soon as possible,"
As Concubine Harper approached the imposing gate of the West Palace, she was accosted by a rugged-looking man who seemed to have sprung from nowhere."Who goes there?" she demanded, readying herself for any trouble. But the man, none other than Tolly in the disguise of Cloud River, seemed unperturbed by her hostility."Lead me to Empress Guma, I’m her friend. " he said urgently, "I gave her a gift a few days ago- White Feather. But it appears that it’s been burned away. Something horrible must have happened to her. I fear the worst."“You’re right,” said Concubine Harper in surprise, “Come with me. I hope you can help her out.”As they rushed to the scene, they found Empress Guma lying on the ground, her once-vibrant clothes now soaked in crimson blood. Cloud River let out a mournful cry."Forgive me, Your Majesty. I should have come sooner," he wailed.But Empress Guma, still clinging to life, managed a faint smile."Don't blame yourself, Mr. Cloud River. It's all my fault. I shoul