Chapter 973: I've imprisoned the Empress—how do I fix this!? 26

Shao Chun saw that feigning cooperation was useless, and since Jin Chen hadn't suffered any side effects from the medicine, he decided to use demon techniques to kill him outright.

No matter how cautious he is, he's merely a human.

He suddenly shifted, nimbly slipping out from under the covers, his ten fingers turning into hooked claws, and lunged straight at Jin Chen, who stood not far away, with incredible speed.

Since Your Majesty refuses the toast and chooses punishment, don't blame me for being impolite.

Shao Chun already held the mindset that Jin Chen must die tonight, and his words now carried provocation.

However, when he rushed to Jin Chen's face at a speed beyond human capability, he saw Jin Chen easily dodge.

Jin Chen sidestepped the attack and kicked out; Shao Chun, startled, couldn't dodge in time and got kicked, but as a cat demon his reflexes remained extremely quick—he swiftly flipped in midair, stumbled to landing, looked up in astonishment, and his long hair scattered over his body.

The scene was certainly beautiful, but Jin Chen felt no pity; he coldly eyed the fallen Shao Chun, the corner of his mouth curling in a near‑mocking arc.

Since you all know I'm not the person I used to be, why don't you realize you can't possibly kill me?

A bead of cold sweat traced Shao Chun's forehead; he quickly licked his wound, lowered his stance into an attacking pose, and charged again.

No matter what, Jin Chen must die today, or else the entire subsequent plan will collapse.

His master sent him from the Western Regions to the capital, with the mission to obtain the secret passage map and kill the Son of Heaven.

The first mission is already complete; now that his identity has been exposed, he must be killed no matter what.

Shao Chun doesn't know how to use demon techniques to kill directly—he's never learned—but his bewildering technique has reached perfection.

By lashing his tail, he hooked onto Jin Chen's arm and pulled him closer; his gaze shifted instantly, his pupils slit as they locked eyes, and a dark golden light flashed.

Mm!

After less than two seconds of eye contact, Shao Chun was hurt again, his whole body flung to the floor where his back slammed hard into the table corner, leaving him pale‑faced and utterly weak.

Having been raised in the imperial palace for a year, he's been pampered everywhere and hasn't suffered an injury in ages—let alone one like this.

Shao Chun helplessly clutched his chest, tears welling up, half‑kneeling on the ground as he lifted his gaze to the smiling Jin Chen approaching; his eyes drifted toward the hall's exterior, wondering why no one had come yet.

Tonight he had already made two preparations; whether it was the former emperor or Jin Xiao Mo, if either arrived, they could buy him time to escape.

Jin Chen followed his gaze and raised an eyebrow in doubt.

What is this demon looking at?

But even as Shao Chun was being killed by Jin Chen, no help arrived; the dagger pierced his abdomen, his demon core shattered, and blood poured from his seven apertures as he died.

To be safe, Jin Chen stabbed him again in the chest.

He even cautiously asked 0731, 'This thing probably doesn't have nine lives, does it?'

0731: 'That's not the setting.'

Besides the tyrant, the other expected helper, Jin Xiao Mo, was discovered by the Silver Moon Guard who had been stationed outside the Cold Palace to ensure Jin Chen's safety, after they noticed his movements.

The Silver Moon Guard intercepted Jin Xiao Mo, snatched from him some unidentified object, and silently forced him to leave.

Just then, a piercingly tragic cry echoed from within the Cold Palace.

Jin Xiao Mo startled, instinctively wanted to rush in, but the Silver Moon Guard drove him away.

He hid in a nearby corner, watching helplessly as Jin Chen emerged safely from the Cold Palace.

Jin Chen was unharmed; then that earlier cry must have been……

Jin Xiao Mo furrowed his brows, his expression complex and gloomy, and taking advantage of everyone's absence, he still sneaked into the Cold Palace.

——

What are you saying…… How could that be.

Wen Zhi Heng's icy gaze faded, his hand gripping the dagger trembling slightly, his pupils involuntarily constricting—clearly he was in extreme shock.

The tyrant, seen in Wen Zhi Heng's astonished eyes, clutched his stomach and rose, swaying as he spoke, yet his words were lethally potent.

Since the Empress doesn't understand, I'll explain it properly.

He and I are alike, but I am the real human; he is merely a demon that depends on my body to survive—if I die, he dies too!

No…… impossible.

Wen Zhi Heng's body twitched, his whole tensing up as he said, 'He couldn't possibly die.'

Why wouldn't he!

The tyrant clenched Wen Zhi Heng's wrist with his blood‑stained right hand, his gaze fierce to the extreme, having already concluded that Wen Zhi Heng dared not act against him.

By the way, tell me, my dear Empress, if you tell this to that impostor, he'll die too! He is not allowed to exist in this world.

He…… ah!

The tyrant was struck on the back of the head, startled, turned around, and met Jin Chen's eyes, devoid of warmth.

The two finally met face to face.

Although they look alike, anyone can tell at a glance the difference between them.

Jin Chen strode over, stepped in front of Wen Zhi Heng, took his hand, and said, 'Huai Feng.'

Seeing him, Wen Zhi Heng's flustered, at‑a‑loss expression eased; he gripped Jin Chen's arm, nearly leaning into his embrace, his phoenix eyes blood‑red.

It's all right, it's all right.

Jin Chen didn't ask why Wen Zhi Heng had appeared here; he merely whispered reassurance, his eyes flashing with killing intent as he glanced at the unwilling tyrant and coldly curled his lip.

Showing up out of nowhere, did you come here just to seek death?

You demon! I haven't even asked who you are!

The tyrant obviously loathed Jin Chen's presence, his eyes growing ever more ferocious, wishing he could devour his blood.

Jin Chen felt a bit puzzled, 'You don't recognize me?'

This dog emperor—hasn't he already colluded with the world's consciousness? Could it be he himself doesn't know……

Hmph, who are you, you demon! You've usurped the nest and stolen my Empress! Shameless thing!

Wen Zhi Heng frowned, feeling Jin Chen's soothing pat on his back, then fell silent, staying quiet in the scene, though his mind kept replaying those words.

Jin Chen lowered his gaze, glanced at the dog emperor's wound gradually staunching, and already formed a plan in his mind.

Kill the dog emperor!

Obviously the tyrant thought the same; the sight of his Empress being intimate with this monster truly made him feel extremely jarring.

He drew a sharp blade from his chest.

"I will kill you, monster, as an offering to heaven today!"

Jin Chen loosened his arm around Wen Zhiheng, raised his arm to block the blade, delivered a side kick, and while the tyrant staggered and couldn't stand firm, grabbed his collar and smashed him against the fake mountain rock.

"Monster, whoever dies is the real monster."

He spoke coldly, exerting himself fully, each strike aimed at the tyrant's vital point.

The tyrant, having grown accustomed to luxury since ascending the throne, could hardly be a match for Jin Chen; after barely a few exchanges, he was already on the brink of defeat.

His shoulder struck by three blades, he yet felt no fear of death, as Jin Chen grabbed his collar he laughed maniacally, saying, "I will not die."

He whispered, "Someone will not let me die."