Chapter 1735: line with translation, then ===GLOSSARY=== line then the JSON list
Li Honghan said: "You're old! Your mind is useless, Xichuan is deteriorating day by day in your hands, growing increasingly feeble, yet you still cling to power, acting autocratically, do you really want to drag all of us into an abyss of no return?"
Li Tianheng angrily said: "You unfilial wretch, I should have seen your ambition long ago."
Li Honghan coldly said: "I'm not foolish enough to go die with you!" He stepped forward, a powerful killing intent pressing on Li Tianheng from all sides.
Li Tianheng's face changed; he never imagined his son's martial arts had risen to such a level, the few exchanges just now shocked him greatly. Li Tianheng felt an unprecedented fear in his heart—could this boy intend patricide? He gripped his sword and pointed at Li Honghan: "Do you think doing this will make me submit? Do you think Xichuan's soldiers will obey you?"
Li Honghan said: "Hand over the tiger token seal, and announce to everyone that you will abdicate in my favor!"
Li Tianheng angrily said: "Daydreaming!"
Clang! Another ear-splitting collision, Li Tianheng was again shaken and staggered back, a surge of sorrow welled up in his heart—perhaps his son was right, he was old, after all.
(done)
Li Tianheng glared at Li Honghan: "Rebellious son, put down your weapon now and I'll spare your life!"
Li Honghan said: "What can you do to me now?"
Li Tianheng sighed, the tip of his sword drooping, he nodded and said: "Sinful obstacle! Well, since it's come to this, I'll give you……" He reached into his bosom, felt something, then flung it at Li Honghan. The object burst on release with a bang, smoke and dust billowed, a pink mist enveloped the surroundings.
Li Honghan tried to hold his breath but it was too late; he inhaled a sweet fragrance, his body instantly went limp, unable even to grip his sword, which clanged to the ground.
As the smoke cleared, Li Tianheng's cold, ruthless face gradually became clear; he walked slowly toward Li Honghan, gazing at his own flesh and blood, his eyes filled with disappointment and anger.
Li Honghan said: "Father…… you…… you actually poisoned me……"
Li Tianheng sneered: "You think your wings are already strong enough to prop up all of Xichuan? Haha…… have I not taught you? For a true sovereign, what matters most is not martial skill, but this!" He tapped his own head, then kicked Li Honghan hard in the abdomen, sending him doubling over, clutching his belly and letting out a muffled groan of pain.
Li Tianheng said: "Mr. Zhang wasn't wrong—you simply lack the ability to inherit the family business; you're not even worthy to be my son!" He kicked again, sending Li Honghan rolling away.
Li Honghan trembled: "Father…… father spare me…… I…… I never thought of killing you……"
"Never thought? You think I can't sense the killing intent you just had? Keeping a rebellious beast like you alive serves what purpose?" He slowly raised his sword.
The icy sword light shone on Li Honghan's eyes, making his liver and gall tremble; he shouted hoarsely: "Master……"
Li Tianheng scoffed: "I thought you had more guts, but you're so scared you don't even recognize your own father!"
A gloomy voice sounded from outside the door: "He's not calling you, he's calling me!" The first half was still outside, but the second half's voice drifted from behind Li Tianheng. Li Tianheng only saw a phantom, he hastily turned his head, before he could make out the figure, his abdomen took a heavy blow, his body flew backward, slammed into the wall, then fell to the ground; his sword flew from his hand, its blade pointing straight at Li Honghan's throat.
Li Honghan clearly saw the blade thrusting at him, but poisoned, his limbs were weak and limp, unable to dodge; he screamed in terror.
A withered hand snatched the blade before it pierced him, gripped the blade, then handed him the hilt; Li Honghan grasped the hilt, slowly rose to his feet, before he could decide, the withered hand lightly tapped his shoulder, and he uncontrollably lunged forward—puff! His sword plunged deep into Li Tianheng's chest.
Li Tianheng stared wide-eyed at his son, his eyes full of unwillingness and shock; Li Honghan's expression was equally shocked—he had just hesitated whether to strike, after all this was his father.
That gloomy voice sounded again behind him: "To become a true sovereign, you must sever the seven emotions and six desires; if you don't kill him, he will kill you; as your master I can only help you this far—what comes next is yours to decide." The figure then drifted away.
Li Tianheng gripped the sword blade with both hands, his palms split by the edge, blood trickled down; looking at his son, dazedly he seemed to see him from swaddling to toddling steps, and a faint smile appeared on Li Tianheng's lips.
Li Honghan sweat drenched his head, muttering: "I don't want…… I don't want……"
"Beast…… you…… will regret……" Li Tianheng struggled to utter these words, his head slowly drooping; his corpse remained standing, upright and unmoving.
Li Honghan released his grip on the sword, feeling his limbs go weak again, he was about to search his father's bosom for an antidote when he heard hurried, chaotic footsteps outside. Li Honghan cried out with a sobbing voice: "Catch the assassin, catch the assassin!"
Yang Haooran led the warriors charging in; seeing the scene, everyone was greatly shocked.
Li Honghan, face streaked with tears: "Quickly catch the assassin…… he killed my father…… fled……"
Yang Haooran embraced Li Honghan's body, shouting loudly: "Young Marshal, we saw it—it was that gardener, he just escaped from here and killed two of our guards."
Li Honghan's fearful heart at this moment finally eased a little; it should have been the master setting up a ruse outside—yes, it was he who killed my father; if he hadn't pushed me, perhaps I wouldn't have plunged the sword into my father's heart.
Li Honghan said: "I've been poisoned…… I've been poisoned……"
Yang Haooran said: "Young Marshal need not panic, I will immediately summon someone to treat you."
The situation in Yunyang gradually stabilized; under Yuan Qing Shan's command, the Yunyang troops clearly accepted their current fate—not only because they were utterly disappointed in Dakang and Su Yuchi's previous conduct, but also because Hu Xiaotian's skill in winning hearts was indeed superb.
When Hu Xiaotian prepared to return to Dongliang Jun, news suddenly arrived from Xichuan of Li Tianheng's death.
The one who first brought this news was Meng Guangxiong, chief of the Gai Bang's Shezhou branch; the Gai Bang had always been responsible for gathering intelligence from all regions, Meng Guangxiong was an old acquaintance of Hu Xiaotian and a standout among the younger generation of the Gai Bang, whom Hu Xiaotian highly valued.
Meng Guangxiong had previously stayed in Da Yong to oversee the reorganization of the Gai Bang's Jiangbei branch; only last month was he permitted to return to Xichuan, but upon passing through Yunyang he heard of Li Tianheng's murder, so he immediately reported the news to Hu Xiaotian.
Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian also found it unbelievable—Li Tianheng's death at this juncture would only worsen Xichuan's chaos; he first questioned its truth: "Guangxiong, is this really true?"
Meng Guangxiong said: "Absolutely true; it's said Li Tianheng was killed by a Dakang assassin, his son Li Honghan was also injured, and now Li Honghan has been elected as the new leader by popular acclaim."
Hu Xiaotian said: "It's only natural for the son to inherit the father's business, but this will only make Xichuan even more chaotic."
Meng Guangxiong said: "I'm just passing by to say a word—I must hurry back, I need to settle my brothers before this battle starts." Dakang had already massed troops at Xichuan's southeastern border, clearly intending to strike while Xichuan is internally divided, seizing back the lost territory.
Hu Xiaotian said: "No need to rush; tomorrow will do just as well. Although Dakang has stationed troops in the southwest, they have remained idle so far; Li Tianheng was indecisive, but his son Li Honghan is even narrower-minded—I see Xichuan under Li Honghan's rule will surely deteriorate further, and those soldiers may not necessarily submit to him."
Meng Guangxiong said: "Although I say that, deep down I still feel uneasy."
Hu Xiaotian said: "It's already night; tomorrow will do just as well. We brothers haven't seen each other in ages—we must have a meal before departing."
Unable to refuse his enthusiasm, Meng Guangxiong also agreed.
When Hu Xiaotian had people prepare the banquet, someone reported that a Dakang envoy had arrived.
Hu Xiaotian secretly mused: Since I seized Yunyang, news of Dakang's ennoblement of me has been sent, yet up to now I have seen neither the imperial edict nor the rewards; after all, the capital Kangdu and Yunyang lie far apart east and west, and it takes time for an envoy to reach here.
This time only one envoy came, surprising Hu Xiaotian—the visitor was none other than the leader of the Imperial Guards, Mu Rongzhan.
Mu Rongzhan remained as aloof as ever, white hair like frost, expressionless.
Hu Xiaotian greeted him with a beaming smile: "Who did I think it was? Turns out it's Guard Commander Mu Rongzhan; you're not guarding the Emperor in Kangdu, why come to this remote little city of Yunyang?"
Mu Rongzhan coldly said: "As a subject of Dakang, what's wrong with me coming to Dakang's land?"
Hu Xiaotian hehehed: "Guard Commander Mu Rongzhan's timing is perfect—I'm holding a banquet tonight to welcome my old friend cleanse the dust; you just happen to join a table." His tone clearly showed contempt for Mu Rongzhan. Mu Rongzhan did not anger, instead he handed Hu Xiaotian a letter and said: "Prince, the Princess commissions me to deliver this letter to you—please open it yourself, Your Highness."
Second update uploaded; lately my health hasn't been great, so I can only keep basic updates—hope everyone understands. Dragon Boat Festival, occasional benefits will be sent! (To be continued~^~)
we have.
Now glossary: list all named entities appearing in these lines.
We need to extract from lines: characters (protagonist & minor), places, sects/clans/factions/peoples, official & sect ranks/titles, techniques, cultivation realms/pills/treasures, named beasts/items, fan-fiction names.
We have glossary-provided terms: Hu Xiaotian, Li Tianheng, Li Honghan, Mu Rongzhan, Su Yuchi, Yuan Qing Shan, Guard, Your Highness, Emperor, Princess, Prince, Kangdu, Xichuan, Dakang, Da Yong, Dongliang Jun, Yunyang.
we have a version but need to ensure no Chinese and natural.
Also "Dakang assassin" is not a named entity, just description.
"Gardener" is not named.
【98】
Also "Dakang" etc already.
Also "Xichuan" etc.
Also "Dongliang Jun" we have.
Also "Yunyang" we have.
Also "Kangdu" we have.
Also "Da Yong" we have.
Also "Su Yuchi" we have.
Also "Yuan Qing Shan" we have.
Also "Mu Rongzhan" we have.
Also "Li Tianheng" etc.
Also "Hu Xiaotian" we have.
Also "Li Honghan" we have.
Also "Yang Haooran" appears: Yang Haooran (pinyin). Should we add? Yes, it's a named character. Not in glossary; add "Yang Haooran".
Also "Meng Guangxiong" we said.
Also "Shezhou" maybe.
Also "Jiangbei" maybe.
Also "Imperial Guards".
Also "Beggar Sect".
Also "Gai Bang" we translate as Beggar Sect.
Also "Shezhou Branch" and "Jiangbei Branch".
Also "Dakang assassin" not needed.
Also "Gardener" not needed.
Also "Old friend" not needed.
Also "Dragon Boat Festival" is a holiday, not a named entity? It's a festival; could be considered a named event but likely not required. The instruction says exclude generic genre words, real-world brands/apps/celebrities, internet slang. Festival maybe considered a named event but not required. Safer to exclude.
Also "Second update uploaded" etc not needed.
Thus glossary list entries: each as {"raw_term":"EnglishName","original_term":"ChineseChars"}.
We need to list every named entity that appears in these lines. Let's go through lines and collect.
Line 1: Li Honghan, Xichuan.
Line 2: Li Tianheng.
Line 3: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 4: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan, Xichuan.
Line 5: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 6: Li Tianheng.
Line 7: Li Tianheng.
Line 8: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng, Xichuan.
Line 9: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 10: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 11: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 12: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 13: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 14: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 15: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 16: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 17: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 18: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 19: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 20: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 21: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 22: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 23: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 24: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 25: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 26: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 27: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 28: Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 29: Li Honghan, Li Tianheng.
Line 30: Yang Haooran.
Line 31: Li Honghan.
Line 32: Yang Haooran, Li Honghan.
Line 33: Li Honghan.
Line 34: Li Honghan.
Line 35: Yang Haooran, Li Honghan.
Line 36: Hu Xiaotian, Yuan Qing Shan, Su Yuchi, Dakang, Yunyang.
Line 37: Hu Xiaotian, Dongliang Jun, Xichuan, Li Tianheng.
Line 38: Meng Guangxiong, Gai Bang (Beggar Sect), Shezhou, Hu Xiaotian.
Line 39: Meng Guangxiong, Da Yong, Gai Bang (Beggar Sect), Jiangbei, Hu Xiaotian, Yunyang, Li Tianheng.
Line 40: Hu Xiaotian, Meng Guangxiong, Xichuan, Li Tianheng.
Line 41: Meng Guangxiong, Li Tianheng, Li Honghan, Dakang.
Line 42: Hu Xiaotian, Xichuan.
Line 43: Meng Guangxiong, Dakang, Xichuan.
Line 44: Hu Xiaotian, Dakang, Xichuan, Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 45: Meng Guangxiong.
Line 46: Hu Xiaotian.
Line 47: Meng Guangxiong, Hu Xiaotian.
Line 48: Hu Xiaotian.
Line 49: Hu Xiaotian, Kangdu, Yunyang.
Line 50: Hu Xiaotian, Mu Rongzhan.
Line 51: Mu Rongzhan.
Line 52: Hu Xiaotian, Mu Rongzhan.
Line 53: Mu Rongzhan.
Line 54: Hu Xiaotian, Mu Rongzhan, Prince, Princess.
Line 55: (no new named entities).
【242】
Also "Your Highness", "Emperor", "Prince", "Princess" appear.
Also "Imperial Guards" appears as "leader of the Imperial Guards". Should we include Imperial Guards as a named entity? Probably yes.
【246】
Also "Shezhou Branch" appears as "Shezhou Branch of the Beggar Sect". We'll include Shezhou Branch.
【250】
Also "Prince" appears as "Prince". Already in glossary.
【254】
Also "Your Highness" appears as "Your Highness". Already.
【258】
Also "Guard" appears as "Guard". Already.
【262】
Also "Xichuan" appears as "Xichuan". Already.
【266】
Also "Da Yong" appears as "Da Yong". Already.
【270】
Also "Yunyang" appears as "Yunyang". Already.
【274】
Also "Li Tianheng" appears as "Li Tianheng". Already.
【278】
Also "Mu Rongzhan" appears as "Mu Rongzhan". Already.
【282】
Also "Yuan Qing Shan" appears as "Yuan Qing Shan". Already.
【286】
Also "Meng Guangxiong" appears as "Meng Guangxiong". Not in glossary; add.
【290】
Also "Jiangbei" appears as "Jiangbei". Not in glossary; add as a place name.
【294】
Also "Beggar Sect" appears as "Beggar Sect". Not in glossary; add.
【298】
Also "Jiangbei Branch" appears as "Jiangbei Branch". Not in glossary; add.
Also "Prince" etc already.
Also "Princess" etc.
Also "Your Highness" etc.
Also "Emperor" etc.
Also "Guard" etc.
Now we need to output glossary as list of JSON objects: 【{"raw_term":"EnglishName","original_term":"ChineseChars"},...】
We must ensure each entry's raw_term matches exactly the English we will use in translation. For those we already have glossary given, we must use exactly those forms. For others we need to decide the English form.
Let's list all unique entities:
From given glossary:
【318】
- Li Tianheng (Li Tianheng)
【320】
- Mu Rongzhan (Mu Rongzhan)
【322】
- Yuan Qing Shan (Yuan Qing Shan)
【324】
- Your Highness (Your Highness)
【326】
- Princess (Princess)
【328】
- Kangdu (Kangdu)
【330】
- Dakang (Dakang)
【332】
- Dongliang Jun (Dongliang Jun)
【336】
Additional:
- Yang Haooran (Yang Haooran)
【338】
- Shezhou (Shezhou)
【340】
- Imperial Guards (Imperial Guards)
【342】
- Shezhou Branch (Shezhou Branch)
【347】
Also maybe "Imperial Guard Leader" but we already have Guard as rank; the organization is Imperial Guards.
Check if "Imperial Guards" appears exactly as term: line 32: "two guards" translated as "two guards". The organization "leader of the Imperial Guards" we translated as "leader of the Imperial Guards". So the term "Imperial Guards" is used.
Now we need to output JSON list. Order not important but we can list alphabetically or as encountered.
Let's compile list:
【354】
2. Li Tianheng - Li Tianheng
【356】
4. Mu Rongzhan - Mu Rongzhan
【358】
6. Yuan Qing Shan - Yuan Qing Shan
【360】
8. Your Highness - Your Highness
:
10. Princess - Princess
【364】
12. Kangdu - Kangdu
【366】
14. Dakang - Dakang
【368】
16. Dongliang Jun - Dongliang Jun
【370】
18. Yang Haooran - Yang Haooran
【372】
20. Shezhou - Shezhou
【374】
22. Imperial Guards - Imperial Guards
【376】
24. Shezhou Branch - Shezhou Branch
25. Jiangbei Branch - Jiangbei Branch
Check if any other named entities like "Gardener" appears line 32: "gardener". That's a descriptor, not a proper name; it's a common noun "gardener". Not include.
"Old friend" not.
"Second update" not.
etc are notes.
Line 31: Li Honghan's face is full of tears.
Line 32: Yang Haooran embraces Li Honghan's body; two guards.
Line 33: Li Honghan.
Line 34: Li Honghan.
Line 35: Yang Haooran, Li Honghan.
Line 36: Hu Xiaotian, Yuan Qing Shan, Su Yuchi, Yunyang.
Line 37: Hu Xiaotian, Dongliang Jun, Xichuan.
Line 38: Meng Guangxiong, Shezhou Branch of the Beggar Sect, Beggar Sect, Hu Xiaotian.
Line 39: Meng Guangxiong, Da Yong, Jiangbei Branch of the Beggar Sect, Hu Xiaotian, Yunyang.
Line 40: Hu Xiaotian, Meng Guangxiong, Xichuan, Li Tianheng.
Line 41: Meng Guangxiong, Li Tianheng, Li Honghan, Dakang.
Line 42: Hu Xiaotian, Xichuan.
Line 43: Meng Guangxiong, Dakang, Xichuan.
Line 44: Hu Xiaotian, Dakang, Xichuan, Li Tianheng, Li Honghan.
Line 45: Meng Guangxiong.
Line 46: Hu Xiaotian.
Line 47: Meng Guangxiong, Hu Xiaotian.
Line 48: Hu Xiaotian.
Line 49: Hu Xiaotian, Kangdu, Yunyang.
Line 50: Hu Xiaotian, Mu Rongzhan.
Line 51: Mu Rongzhan.
Line 52: Hu Xiaotian, Mu Rongzhan.
Line 53: Mu Rongzhan.
Line 54: Hu Xiaotian, Mu Rongzhan, Prince, Princess.
Line 55: none.
Thus list is complete.
Now output format: after all 【N】 lines, output
Make sure each 【N】 line is exactly "【N】 translation". No extra spaces? Probably "【N】 translation". We'll follow that.
Now produce
【1】 Li Honghan said: "You're old! Your mind is useless, Xichuan is deteriorating day by day in your hands, growing increasingly feeble, yet you still cling to power, acting autocratically, do you really want to drag all of us into an abyss of no return?"
【2】 Li Tianheng angrily said: "You unfilial wretch, I should have seen your ambition long ago."
【3】 Li Honghan coldly said: "I'm not foolish enough to go die with you!" He stepped forward, a powerful killing intent pressing on Li Tianheng from all sides.
【4】 Li Tianheng's face changed; he never imagined his son's martial arts had risen to such a level, the few exchanges just now shocked him greatly. Li Tianheng felt an unprecedented fear in his heart—could this boy intend patricide? He gripped his sword and pointed at Li Honghan: "Do you think doing this will make me submit? Do you think Xichuan's soldiers will obey you?"
【5】 Li Honghan said: "Hand over the tiger token seal, and announce to everyone that you will abdicate in my favor!"
【6】 Li Tianheng angrily said: "Daydreaming!"
【7】 Clang! Another ear-splitting collision, Li Tianheng was again shaken and staggered back, a surge of sorrow welled up in his heart—perhaps his son was right, he was old, after all.
【8】 Li Honghan coldly stared at his father, knowing clearly that it wasn't his father weakening but himself rapidly growing stronger; he now had the capability to stand alone, could lead Xichuan out of predicament, quietly gazing at his father, he said word by word: "You can't hold on, I will!"
【9】 Li Tianheng glared at Li Honghan: "Rebellious son, put down your weapon now and I'll spare your life!"
【10】 Li Honghan said: "What can you do to me now?"
【11】 Li Tianheng sighed, the tip of his sword drooping, he nodded and said: "Sinful obstacle! Well, since it's come to this, I'll give you……" He reached into his bosom, felt something, then flung it at Li Honghan. The object burst on release with a bang, smoke and dust billowed, a pink mist enveloped the surroundings.
【12】 Li Honghan tried to hold his breath but it was too late; he inhaled a sweet fragrance, his body instantly went limp, unable even to grip his sword, which clanged to the ground.
【13】 As the smoke cleared, Li Tianheng's cold, ruthless face gradually became clear; he walked slowly toward Li Honghan, gazing at his own flesh and blood, his eyes filled with disappointment and anger.
【14】 Li Honghan said: "Father…… you…… you actually poisoned me……"
【15】 Li Tianheng sneered: "You think your wings are already strong enough to prop up all of Xichuan? Haha…… have I not taught you? For a true sovereign, what matters most is not martial skill, but this!" He tapped his own head, then kicked Li Honghan hard in the abdomen, sending him doubling over, clutching his belly and letting out a muffled groan of pain.
【16】 Li Tianheng said: "Mr. Zhang wasn't wrong—you simply lack the ability to inherit the family business; you're not even worthy to be my son!" He kicked again, sending Li Honghan rolling away.
【17】 Li Honghan trembled: "Father…… father spare me…… I…… I never thought of killing you……"
【18】 "Never thought? You think I can't sense the killing intent you just had? Keeping a rebellious beast like you alive serves what purpose?" He slowly raised his sword.
【19】 The icy sword light shone on Li Honghan's eyes, making his liver and gall tremble; he shouted hoarsely: "Master……"
【20】 Li Tianheng scoffed: "I thought you had more guts, but you're so scared you don't even recognize your own father!"
【21】 A gloomy voice sounded from outside the door: "He's not calling you, he's calling me!" The first half was still outside, but the second half's voice drifted from behind Li Tianheng. Li Tianheng only saw a phantom, he hastily turned his head, before he could make out the figure, his abdomen took a heavy blow, his body flew backward, slammed into the wall, then fell to the ground; his sword flew from his hand, its blade pointing straight at Li Honghan's throat.
【22】 Li Honghan clearly saw the blade thrusting at him, but poisoned, his limbs were weak and limp, unable to dodge; he screamed in terror.
【23】 A withered hand snatched the blade before it pierced him, gripped the blade, then handed him the hilt; Li Honghan grasped the hilt, slowly rose to his feet, before he could decide, the withered hand lightly tapped his shoulder, and he uncontrollably lunged forward—puff! His sword plunged deep into Li Tianheng's chest.
【24】 Li Tianheng stared wide-eyed at his son, his eyes full of unwillingness and shock; Li Honghan's expression was equally shocked—he had just hesitated whether to strike, after all this was his father.
【25】 That gloomy voice sounded again behind him: "To become a true sovereign, you must sever the seven emotions and six desires; if you don't kill him, he will kill you; as your master I can only help you this far—what comes next is yours to decide." The figure then drifted away.
【26】 Li Tianheng gripped the sword blade with both hands, his palms split by the edge, blood trickled down; looking at his son, dazedly he seemed to see him from swaddling to toddling steps, and a faint smile appeared on Li Tianheng's lips.
【27】 Li Honghan sweat drenched his head, muttering: "I don't want…… I don't want……"
【28】 "Beast…… you…… will regret……" Li Tianheng struggled to utter these words, his head slowly drooping; his corpse remained standing, upright and unmoving.
【29】 Li Honghan released his grip on the sword, feeling his limbs go weak again, he was about to search his father's bosom for an antidote when he heard hurried, chaotic footsteps outside. Li Honghan cried out with a sobbing voice: "Catch the assassin, catch the assassin!"
【30】 Yang Haooran led the warriors charging in; seeing the scene, everyone was greatly shocked.
【31】 Li Honghan, face streaked with tears: "Quickly catch the assassin…… he killed my father…… fled……"
【32】 Yang Haooran embraced Li Honghan's body, shouting loudly: "Young Marshal, we saw it—it was that gardener, he just escaped from here and killed two of our guards."
【33】 Li Honghan's fearful heart at this moment finally eased a little; it should have been the master setting up a ruse outside—yes, it was he who killed my father; if he hadn't pushed me, perhaps I wouldn't have plunged the sword into my father's heart.
【34】 Li Honghan said: "I've been poisoned…… I've been poisoned……"
【35】 Yang Haooran said: "Young Marshal need not panic, I will immediately summon someone to treat you."
【36】 The situation in Yunyang gradually stabilized; under Yuan Qing Shan's command, the Yunyang troops clearly accepted their current fate—not only because they were utterly disappointed in Dakang and Su Yuchi's previous conduct, but also because Hu Xiaotian's skill in winning hearts was indeed superb.
【37】 When Hu Xiaotian prepared to return to Dongliang Jun, news suddenly arrived from Xichuan of Li Tianheng's death.
【38】 The one who first brought this news was Meng Guangxiong, chief of the Beggar Sect's Shezhou branch; the Beggar Sect had always been responsible for gathering intelligence from all regions, Meng Guangxiong was an old acquaintance of Hu Xiaotian and a standout among the younger generation of the Beggar Sect, whom Hu Xiaotian highly valued.
【39】 Meng Guangxiong had previously stayed in Da Yong to oversee the reorganization of the Beggar Sect's Jiangbei branch; only last month was he permitted to return to Xichuan, but upon passing through Yunyang he heard of Li Tianheng's murder, so he immediately reported the news to Hu Xiaotian.
【40】 Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian also found it unbelievable—Li Tianheng's death at this juncture would only worsen Xichuan's chaos; he first questioned its truth: "Guangxiong, is this really true?"
【41】 Meng Guangxiong said: "Absolutely true; it's said Li Tianheng was killed by a Dakang assassin, his son Li Honghan was also injured, and now Li Honghan has been elected as the new leader by popular acclaim."
【42】 Hu Xiaotian said: "It's only natural for the son to inherit the father's business, but this will only make Xichuan even more chaotic."
【43】 Meng Guangxiong said: "I'm just passing by to say a word—I must hurry back, I need to settle my brothers before this battle starts." Dakang had already massed troops at Xichuan's southeastern border, clearly intending to strike while Xichuan is internally divided, seizing back the lost territory.
【44】 Hu Xiaotian said: "No need to rush; tomorrow will do just as well. Although Dakang has stationed troops in the southwest, they have remained idle so far; Li Tianheng was indecisive, but his son Li Honghan is even narrower-minded—I see Xichuan under Li Honghan's rule will surely deteriorate further, and those soldiers may not necessarily submit to him."
【45】 Meng Guangxiong said: "Although I say that, deep down I still feel uneasy."
【46】 Hu Xiaotian said: "It's already night; tomorrow will do just as well. We brothers haven't seen each other in ages—we must have a meal before departing."
【47】 Unable to refuse his enthusiasm, Meng Guangxiong also agreed.
【48】 When Hu Xiaotian had people prepare the banquet, someone reported that a Dakang envoy had arrived.
【49】 Hu Xiaotian secretly mused: Since I seized Yunyang, news of Dakang's ennoblement of me has been sent, yet up to now I have seen neither the imperial edict nor the rewards; after all, the capital Kangdu and Yunyang lie far apart east and west, and it takes time for an envoy to reach here.
【50】 This time only one envoy came, surprising Hu Xiaotian—the visitor was none other than the leader of the Imperial Guards, Mu Rongzhan.
【51】 Mu Rongzhan remained as aloof as ever, white hair like frost, expressionless.
【52】 Hu Xiaotian greeted him with a beaming smile: "Who did I think it was? Turns out it's Guard Commander Mu Rongzhan; you're not guarding the Emperor in Kangdu, why come to this remote little city of Yunyang?"
【53】 Mu Rongzhan coldly said: "As a subject of Dakang, what's wrong with me coming to Dakang's land?"
【54】 Hu Xiaotian hehehed: "Guard Commander Mu Rongzhan's timing is perfect—I'm holding a banquet tonight to welcome my old friend cleanse the dust; you just happen to join a table." His tone clearly showed contempt for Mu Rongzhan. Mu Rongzhan did not anger, instead he handed Hu Xiaotian a letter and said: "Prince, the Princess commissions me to deliver this letter to you—please open it yourself, Your Highness."
【55】 Second update uploaded; lately my health hasn't been great, so I can only keep basic updates—hope everyone understands. Dragon Boat Festival, occasional benefits will be sent! (To be continued~^~)
===TITLE===
Chapter 7667 【Joining Forces Again】 (Part 1)
End of Chapter
