Chapter 563: First Volume, Chapter 563: Wounds Deep in the Bone Marrow

First Volume, Chapter 563: Wounds Deep in the Bone Marrow

Despite the Liang Emperor's best efforts to conceal it, the rare sincerity and reluctance in his eyes could not be faked.

In a single lifetime, no matter how great the joy or sorrow, all eventually returns to stillness.

From the moment the Liang Emperor secured the throne, he became like an old monk who had seen through the illusions of the world.

Nothing in this world could stir the Liang Emperor to profound turmoil.

Until Qin Feng appeared.

This boy had given him too many surprises.

Even when facing piles of Imperial Memorials, the Liang Emperor could still harbor a sliver of anticipation.

What happened today in the Imperial Court undoubtedly awakened the Liang Emperor's past memories.

Back then, the emperor and minister complemented each other perfectly; with just a hint from the Liang Emperor, Qin Feng would instantly understand and remove every obstacle for him.

Just as today, when facing Chen Si's insolent act, Qin Feng stepped forward without hesitation to defend the Liang Emperor's dignity.

If only it were possible, the Liang Emperor longed to preserve this unspoken understanding with Qin Feng forever.

Alas, as the Liang Holy Man, the Liang Emperor dared not trust anyone.

Not even Qin Feng, who had endured countless tests.

Perhaps this was the fate—or even the curse—of being a Holy Man.

A foolish ruler is surrounded by treacherous ministers; a wise ruler is entangled in endless state affairs.

Even the most basic friendship became a luxury.

"It has come to this; lamenting the past serves no purpose."

"Qin Feng, if you trust me, I will reveal my true heart to you."

"Even if I guard against you like a tiger or wolf, before the Two Nations' Peace Talks are completed, I will not move against you."

Qin Feng closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Since things had been said this far.

Even out of regard for their past bond, Qin Feng naturally had to respond.

Qin Feng turned and walked to the Dragon Case, shedding his earlier carefree demeanor, his expression now serious and focused.

He extended both hands flat, slowly brought them together, and bowed deeply to the Liang Emperor.

"Before the Two Nations' Peace Talks conclude, I will treat the Holy Man as I once did."

A hint of relief passed over the Liang Emperor's brow.

Had it been the Lin Family or any Powerful Clan of Nan Jing, the Liang Emperor would never have dared the slightest relaxation.

Let alone a "temporary truce" with them.

But facing Qin Feng, the Liang Emperor could halt this covert struggle without restraint.

For the Liang Emperor knew full well: this feud between ruler and minister lay not with Qin Feng, but with himself.

"Withdraw."

Though the Liang Emperor had many unspoken words—or rather, grievances—he wished to pour out to Qin Feng.

The words reached his lips, but he swallowed them back.

The moment he became a Holy Man, the Liang Emperor could only bury his true feelings deep within his heart.

Qin Feng no longer hesitated; he bowed again.

"Your servant takes his leave."

Qin Feng did not raise his head or turn around; with the utmost reverence, he slowly withdrew from the Imperial Study.

The Palace Guards glared at him with fury.

That slap had clearly forged an irreparable enmity.

From the Palace Guards' hateful gazes, it was clear: given any chance, they would kill Qin Feng without hesitation.

As the saying goes: the King of Hell is easy to deal with; the Little Ghosts are hard to appease.

Through their unspoken understanding as ruler and minister, Qin Feng could pause the conflict with the Liang Emperor.

But he could not mediate with the Liang Emperor's subordinates.

The hatred in the Palace Guards' eyes did not make Qin Feng the least bit wary—it only steeled his resolve.

If they were ruthless, he would be even more ruthless.

Only thus could he protect those he cherished.

Qin Feng did not hesitate; he slapped them again.

"Impudent!"

"I am a Marquis of Ten Battalion Commander, appointed by the Holy Man. You, a mere Palace Guard, hold only a Fifth Rank OfficialRank."

"How dare you look at me with such eyes? Do you intend to rebel?!"

The Palace Guards had no choice but to swallow their rage.

And…

Qin Feng's ability to leave the Imperial Study unharmed was proof enough.

The Palace Guards slowly lowered their heads and bowed to Qin Feng.

"Your servant is guilty. Please, Marquis Qin, forgive me."

Qin Feng snorted softly, said nothing, and walked away, under the watchful eyes of the Palace Guards and the Imperial Guard.

It was not that Qin Feng was gloating; it was that these hounds, relying on their status as the Liang Emperor's confidants, had never regarded Qin Feng as worthy of notice.

Whether to make enemies or friends was utterly meaningless.

If so, better to use them to establish authority!

Zhang Xiuye, who had been hiding in the distance, scurried away in disgrace.

Qin Feng didn't care either. Hands clasped behind his back, right under everyone's gaze, he brazenly walked through nearly half the Imperial Palace, heading toward the Palace Gate.

This kind of privilege and arrogance—even the Three Dukes or even a Prince didn't possess it.

Whether it was the eunuchs and palace maids brushing past, or the Imperial Guards standing watch nearby, they all pretended not to see.

Once Qin Feng had walked far away, another wave of hushed whispers rose behind him.

"This Qin Feng is far too arrogant!"

"This is exactly what the old saying means—raising a tiger only to invite disaster. The current Qin Feng doesn't even take the Sage seriously anymore."

"Hmph, if you had the backing of the Shedynasty's most Elite Troops behind you, and had repeatedly accomplished extraordinary feats, you could be this arrogant too."

"Sigh, is there really no one in all of Jingdu who can deal with Qin Feng?"

"At the very least, we'll have to wait until the State Peace Talks are over."

"Heh, this time Qin Feng has thoroughly offended every important figure in Jingdu. Just watch—he won't be jumping around for more than a few days."

Qin Feng paid no attention at all to the gossip behind him, simply striding with great steps toward the Palace Gate.

Almost the moment he stepped out of the Palace Gate, a familiar yet unfamiliar voice suddenly came from beside him.

Following the sound, Qin Feng couldn't help but furrow his brow.

Chen Si had been waiting at the Palace Gate for some time. Seeing that Qin Feng had finally come out, he stepped forward without hesitation.

Although he had only one arm left, Chen Si still pressed a hand to his chest and offered a salute.

There was none of the arrogance he had shown at the Imperial Court before.

"Marquis Qin, I've long wished to meet you. I wonder if you'd do me the honor of a casual chat?"

Qin Feng had originally been unwilling to pay Chen Si any attention.

To be precise, he wished he could chop the fellow down on the spot.

Li Lang's death had been too great a blow to Qin Feng.

But on second thought, Qin Feng couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, feeling he was being too stubborn and narrow-minded.

Chen Si had only been following orders. Putting himself in Chen Si's shoes, Chen Si had also lost quite a few of his own subordinates to Qin Feng's hands.

On the Battlefield, casualties were unavoidable. On this point, Qin Feng couldn't match Chen Si's ability to let go.

Qin Feng suppressed the resentment in his heart and made a "please" gesture.

It was supposed to be a casual chat, but the two walked for a long while without either speaking a word, each quietly sizing up the other without showing it.

Before this, Qin Feng had assumed Chen Si must be the same sort of man as Zhao Yulong—accomplished in both civil and martial arts, handsome and elegant.

But the result was unexpected.

At first glance, Chen Si was just an ordinary middle-aged man.

Especially once he tucked away the fierce aura honed on the Battlefield, he looked no different from any commoner.

Just then, Chen Si broke the silence.

He threw his head back and let out a burst of hearty laughter.

"Marquis Qin can truly be called a man among men. Losing to you doesn't feel unjust."