The phoenix palace went absolutely silent. Numerous gazes locked onto Xu Qing. Meanwhile, Princess Anhai’s expression flickered.0

The imperial bells almost never rang nine times. But just now, they had, indicating that something momentous had happened. There would obviously be major repercussions. Then, at almost exactly the same moment, a contingent of imperial guards showed up and told Xu Qing to come with them to the imperial palace. Though it seemed like an invitation, the somber and desolate aura of the guards made it clear it was more than that.3

Most importantly in this maelstrom of events was that, though it might seem far-fetched, a lack of caution could lead to death. It didn’t matter that Xu Qing had a shocking background and also controlled one-and-a-half regions. If something very dramatic happened that related to the survival of humankind as a whole, then there was no question about which of the two the emperor would view as more important.3

At first, Princess Anhai looked confused. But then her eyes filled with determination. Rising to her feet, she coldly said, “How impudent!”4

The golden-armored imperial guards didn’t so much as twitch in response to...0