Volume 3, Chapter 19 – Zhong Xizhi

In the Sadik Empire, on the outskirts of the western city Saberius, which was the location of the Blackrose Family’s main manor, the diplomatic minister Herson, personally dispatched by the Emperor from the capital, was kneeling trembling on the ground in the beautiful garden. After several seconds of anxious waiting, the oppressive pressure around him finally dissipated, and only then did Herson slowly look up to see the handsome yet majestic black-haired man sitting in the pavilion drinking afternoon tea, the head of the Blackrose Family, Xiao Blackrose.

At this moment, feeling the incredibly dense pressure and the bone-chilling aura surrounding Xiao, Herson finally understood why His Majesty the Emperor feared this man so much and was completely submissive to him. The person before him was truly too terrifying and far too unfathomable. More importantly, his strength was horrific. Judging by the aura he had used to suppress the royal envoys just now, this Duke’s strength had likely reached the peak of the eighth rank, and there was probably no one in the entire Sadik Empire who could be his match.

Taking a deep breath, Herson managed to squeeze out a forced, awkward smile. “So, Duke, what are your intentions?”

“Hmm,” Xiao looked at the documents Herson had brought from the capital, a playful smile gradually appearing on his face. “As expected, the invitation from the Snownight Empire has arrived.”

“Yes, that is correct. His Majesty wanted me to consult with you, Duke, on what the royal family should do this time. Whom should they send to the Snownight Empire to participate in that Coronation Ceremony?”

“The royal family doesn’t need to worry; they don’t have to go.”

“Huh?! No… they don’t? For such a major diplomatic event, the royal family won’t send anyone?”

“That’s right.” Xiao smiled slightly, but his tone carried an extremely powerful pressure that left no room for doubt. After raking his dark, deep pupils over Herson, a ‘kind’ smile reappeared on Xiao’s handsome face. “However, Mr. Herson, you needn’t worry. We will represent the royal family and attend this Coronation Ceremony.”

“The Duke means… the Blackrose Family will send someone?”

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“Yes, the royal family has been working very hard lately, so they should get some good rest. Leave this kind of long-distance, grueling task to us ‘subjects’. Do you understand, Mr. Herson?” Xiao narrowed his eyes and spoke very politely.

Faced with this, Herson could only tremble and nod without any will to resist. “I understand, Duke. I will pass your message to His Majesty immediately…”

After a black-armored knight dragged the weak-kneed Herson out of the garden, Xiao’s personal secretary, Luowei, who was standing beside him, couldn’t help but ask with a look of helplessness, “Duke, some of the ministers still seem quite tactless, actually suggesting that the Blackrose Family should be severely punished. It seems they haven’t figured out their own position. Do we need to send members of the Nightingale organization to have a ‘friendly communication’ with them?”

Regarding the secretary’s suggestion, Xiao shook his head indifferently. “There’s no need, Luowei. If everyone followed my instructions, this puppet government would be too obvious. When necessary, we need them to make a fuss. Regardless, just keep a close eye on them and don’t let them cause any major trouble.”

“Understood, Duke. I will go and notify the Nightingale organization immediately.” As she spoke, Luowei prepared to leave the garden.

However, at that moment, Xiao gave a soft laugh. “No need, Luowei. The leader of Nightingale happens to have returned today. You can just tell her directly in a moment.”

“Eh? Lady Zhong Xizhi has returned?” Luowei couldn’t help but show a look of astonishment. After all, as the leader of the Nightingale organization, the strongest assassination and intelligence network on the continent, raised by the Blackrose Family. She was away on missions almost year-round, only occasionally returning to the Blackrose manor at the beginning of the year. And now? It was clearly the peak of their workload.

“Yes, she’s back.” Xiao understood his secretary’s surprise and gave a rather helpless smile. Then, Xiao looked toward a huge fruit tree not far away and waved his hand with a mix of annoyance and amusement. “Xizhi, if you’re back, come out and say hello. Stop hiding there!”

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Following Xiao’s shout, a figure seemed to peek timidly from behind the tree. After confirming there was no one else around, she walked out cautiously. “My apologies, Duke…”

A young woman dressed in a white dress with a black military coat draped over her shoulders slowly emerged from behind the tree, appearing in the sight of Xiao and Luowei. A strand of beautiful black hair flowed down like a waterfall over her curved eyebrows. Her pair of orange-red eyes carried a hint of shyness but remained soul-stirringly beautiful. She had a delicate straight nose, slightly flushed cheeks, and cherry-like lips. Her flower-like face was as translucent as jade, and the skin exposed outside her military uniform was as sparkling as snowy jade. Her figure was graceful and slender, possessing a refined and otherworldly beauty.

More importantly, atop the girl’s head were two dark green dragon horns. Clearly, this girl named Zhong Xizhi was not a pure human but a rare human-dragon hybrid. It was for this reason that she had been abandoned by the dragon race and eventually ended up in the Deepwinter Forest. The countless cold stares she had received since childhood seemed to have made the girl somewhat socially withdrawn. Despite being a peak seventh tier expert on the verge of breaking through to the eighth tier, she looked completely timid.

This caused Xiao to shake his head helplessly as he sighed. “Xizhi, you are the head of Nightingale now, a leader of people. Can’t you show some presence? Otherwise, how will those new young girls be willing to listen to you?”

Incidentally, the basic members of the Nightingale organization were also mostly orphans from the Deepwinter Forest. The boys sent from the forest mostly became members of the Blackrose Knight Order, while the girls mostly entered Nightingale. These orphans, along with some individuals trained privately by the Blackrose Family, formed this powerful intelligence organization. If those newcomers to the organization were to see their leader acting like this, they would likely be shocked.

However, in response to Xiao’s words, Xizhi somewhat helplessly reached out and twirled her hair with her finger. “I-I can’t help it. It’s broad daylight, and I hate the sunlight. But Duke, you needn’t worry. When I’m in front of those children, I’m very good at pretending…”

“Fine, then.” After a brief mention, Xiao didn’t intend to say more. After all, when this woman needed to act, she was absolutely flawless.

“Speaking of which, Duke…” Seeing that Xiao had no intention of further ‘scolding’ her, Xizhi asked curiously, “Did you call me back specifically because there is some urgent mission?”

“Yes.”

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“What is it?”

“The Duke Family was raided by the Royal Knights of the Snownight Empire. The pink-haired girl played by Lady Yumo was also locked in a prisoner carriage and sent toward the imperial capital, Sky Dome. You and Qiu Mingtong are to go and rescue her when the convoy leaves the Northern Frontier.”

“Oh, I see… Eh?! Wait?! A prisoner carriage?!” The moment she heard this, Xizhi immediately lost her composure. The timidity on her face vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, murderous intent. Her orange-red eyes even gradually transformed into the vertical pupils characteristic of the dragon race.

The next moment, Xizhi rushed directly in front of Xiao and grabbed his shoulders disrespectfully. “Duke? You’re saying Lady Yumo became the prisoner of those brats?! Dammit! I’m going to slaughter those bastards! Then I’ll throw them all into the forest to feed the Abyssal Demons! Those goddamn… f ck!! Dammit, I’m going to go kill them right now, f ck…”

Watching Xizhi, who had suddenly burst into profanity and become a completely different person, Xiao gave a bitter smile. “Alright, I know you’re angry, but kill those who should be killed and leave those who shouldn’t for now, understood?”

“Yes…” With Xiao’s reminder, Xizhi calmed down slightly. However, in the next instant, an excited expression erupted in the girl’s eyes, which practically sparkled. “Then, are we going to bring Lady Yumo to Saberius?! Can we? Can we?! Please! Duke!”

As Xizhi spoke, Luowei, acting as the secretary nearby, also looked at her Duke with expectant eyes. Similarly, the knights standing guard not far away also stuck their heads out upon hearing this, looking toward their Duke. To others, the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons was a terrifying monster, but to those like them, who were alive and held their current positions because of Lady Yumo, she was their second parent. They owed her a debt of gratitude that was difficult to repay, and if given the chance, they would certainly repay it. Unfortunately, due to their year-round busy work, it was basically impossible for them to go to the Deepwinter Forest, let alone talk about repaying a debt.

Therefore, after learning that Lady Yumo had taken human form and could leave the Deepwinter Forest, many within the Blackrose Family looked forward to the day when she could personally come to the Sadik Empire for a visit. When that time came, they would certainly ensure Lady Yumo enjoyed the finest life possible. At this moment, everyone watched Xiao silently, waiting for their Duke’s reply.

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“Sigh…” After a helpless sigh and under the disappointed gazes of everyone, Xiao shook his head with a bitter smile. “Not now.”

“Ah? Don’t do that, Duke, wuwuwu.”

“Sigh, if you all want to see Lady Yumo that much, I will invite her over after everything is concluded smoothly.”

“Everything?”

“Xizhi, you haven’t forgotten our plan, have you?”

Hearing this, Xizhi was slightly taken aback, and her expression gradually became serious. Indeed, compared to enjoyment, completely burying the threats to Lady Yumo was the urgent priority. “I remember, Duke.”

“Good.” Xiao smiled slightly, showing a satisfied expression. “Remember, don’t mess it up.”

“Understood, Duke. I will protect Lady Yumo well and won’t let those pests near her. I will also make sure Lady Yumo understands the ‘ugliness’ of the empire…” As she spoke, Xizhi slowly stood up, and a terrifying, bone-chilling smile gradually appeared on her pretty face. “Please rest assured, I will ensure the plan proceeds smoothly…”