Chapter 42 – Feels Like I’m Picking a Husband for the Harem

The young man’s appearance and bearing were extraordinary, like a white otherworldly flower blooming in the depths of a black lake. His beauty was ethereal and pure, the kind that made one hesitate to even breathe too close, lest they taint him. Yet beneath that purity lingered a dangerous allure, an intoxicating, sinful charm that made people want to surrender themselves to him willingly.

His tall figure looked frail, almost sickly, as though a strong gust of wind could sweep him away at any moment.

Mu Nanjin turned to Captain Liu. “Lord Liu, what’s that man’s name?”

Captain Liu feigned ignorance. “Who are you talking about?”

Mu Nanjin shot him a glare. “You clearly saw him. Don’t play dumb.”

“…” Captain Liu huffed. “I don’t know him.”

Mu Nanjin shifted her gaze to Kan Chaoyan.

Kan Chaoyan replied, “He’s called Tian Yuan, ‘Tian’ as in Heaven, and ‘Yuan’ as in resentment.”

That was all he knew.

As for what sect Tian Yuan came from or where he hailed from, even Kan Chaoyan had no idea.

“Tian Yuan…” Mu Nanjin repeated the name softly. The young man seemed to sense her voice; he lifted his head and met her eyes directly.

Mu Nanjin blinked at him. “Your name suits you perfectly. You’re so good-looking it’s enough to make Heaven jealous and men resentful.”

Kan Chaoyan and Captain Liu: “…”

That’s… one way to interpret it, I suppose.

【Eh!?】

【No way!】

What now?

Kan Chaoyan and Captain Liu pricked up their ears in curiosity.

【He’s the assassin from Jingtuo Temple!】

【If I’d known he looked this good, I wouldn’t have let him go that day. I should’ve knocked him out and taken him home to raise!】

What!? Assassin?

Who, Tian Yuan?!

Kan Chaoyan and Captain Liu’s minds were in turmoil, although they forced their faces to remain calm.

【Ohhh, so that’s how it is. Tian Yuan’s patron was the one Heitan trampled to death. Without anyone funding him, he has joined the other wandering fighters applying for positions in the palace.】

【Wow, the Emperor just struck gold. With Tian Yuan protecting him, there aren’t many in the world who could kill him now.】

【Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’ll make sure you get to keep this one.】

Kan Chaoyan and Captain Liu: “…”

Keep? He’s an assassin, not a pet!

Could someone who once tried to kill the Emperor really be trusted to protect him?

Could a man loyal only to silver truly be relied upon?

【Heehee, this means I’ll get to see that gorgeous face every day from now on.】

Oh, for heaven’s sake.

Captain Liu swore silently. He just knew Mu Nanjin had ulterior motives.

At that moment, an elderly man among the group stepped forward. “Lord Kan, what is this ‘test’ you mentioned?”

Kan Chaoyan pointed at Mu Nanjin and smiled. “All you need is her approval.”

Everyone turned to look at her.

A few snorted in disdain.

“We’re all Grandmaster-level martial artists, yet we need a little girl’s approval?”

“How exactly are we supposed to earn it? Through combat? Is her strength greater than all of ours combined?”

“This is absurd! The court clearly doesn’t value us. We might as well leave!”

A handful of them turned on their heels and left the training ground outright.

Captain Liu wanted to stop them, but Kan Chaoyan held up a hand to restrain him.

In Kan Chaoyan’s eyes, those who left were the arrogant sort. Even if they were forced to stay, they would be impossible to control later on, and the Emperor would never stoop to begging anyone for loyalty.

Mu Nanjin said calmly, “Anyone who has a problem with me can leave.”

The remaining group exchanged glances, and a few more departed in silence until only nine people were left.

Those who remained either genuinely wished to serve the court or harbored other, more sinister intentions toward the Emperor.

Mu Nanjin finally declared, “Tian Yuan can stay.”

【Heehee, why does this feel like I’m selecting consorts for my personal harem?】

Kan Chaoyan and Captain Liu: “…”