Chapter 5, Coercion

Your Highness should be aware that acting on behalf of the Son of Heaven is to assist the Emperor of the Central Plains, the Huawang. Ordinary people aspire to wealth and nobility but cannot attain it. Given that Your Highness has suddenly acquired this high position, you should feel honored. Wu Xingyi, appearing nonchalant, bowed his head again before standing up. His tall figure firmly locked onto Lian Junru's every aura, and he spoke word by word: "I have already dispatched someone to announce to the four nations that the newly appointed envoy of the Central Plains has appeared in the world. It is likely that the lords of the four nations are currently discussing this matter. Furthermore, His Majesty the Huawang has also been informed of this news and should be on his way here now. Your Highness, please remember this: when one flourishes, all flourish; when one suffers, all suffer. If you are unable to cope, then both envoys will also face calamity together.

Have you made up your mind, Your Highness?" Wu Xingyi's words carried a hint of impatience. "My time is limited, and yours is the same. His Majesty has only been on the road for half an hour since departing, and you should be well aware of the consequences if you utter anything inappropriate. The crime of impersonating a noble is punishable by being torn apart in public, with the remains never allowed to be buried, left to be blown away by the winds until reduced to ashes. Even if you do not care for yourself, you should consider your two elders. They are already advanced in age and could enjoy wealth and honor, yet they must suffer because of your stubbornness. As a child, you should not be so heartless, should you?" He looked at Lian Jun, whose expression had changed dramatically, and his tone of persuasion intensified.

Wu Xingyi's brows lightly furrowed for a moment before returning to calmness. He then responded to Tu Shu in a seemingly nonchalant manner: "Your Highness need not worry; both esteemed individuals are well, but this is not the time for you to see them." Without even glancing at Lian Junru, who was nearly furious, he continued, "Your Highness should be aware of the earlier crisis; had I not arrived in time, both you and the esteemed individuals would have been in grave danger. Under such circumstances, I believe it would be better for you to wait a while before seeing them again." His words were neither servile nor overbearing, yet carried a hint of intimidation.

The man in blue stared at Lian Junru for a long time, finally revealing a smile that was quite meaningful. "I am Wu Xingyi, and I pay my respects to Your Highness!" He suddenly knelt down on both knees, respectfully bowing his head and saying, "I have led my subordinates in waiting for you for many years, and we have finally awaited the day of your return!" Without waiting for Lian Junru to respond, he abruptly raised his head, his sharp gaze piercing into the eyes of the other, "The people of Zhongzhou have endured for hundreds of years for this day, and Your Highness's emergence is the best reward for them!"

Upon opening his eyes, Lian Jun was astonished to find himself lying on a magnificent bed. He was momentarily stunned, and the sensation in that instant almost made him believe he had returned to the palace where he had once lived for a long time. Could it be that the warm affection and the terrifying slaughter were all just nightmares? In disbelief, he turned over and sat up straight, only to feel a sharp pain in his chest and abdomen, unable to suppress a groan.

Since even the heavens have shown me no mercy, do not blame me for being ungrateful! What do the common people matter, what do the nation and the world in peace matter? The shape of things will eventually harmonize with the heavens. I will make you aware of the price to pay for provoking the dragon's reverse scale! Since you need an irreplaceable puppet, I will show you what kind of puppet Lian Junru will be! He laughed hoarsely, his booming voice echoing through the palace, sounding eerie and terrifying. Since you need an irreplaceable puppet, I will show you what kind of puppet Lian Junru will be! He laughed hoarsely, his booming voice echoing through the palace, sounding eerie and terrifying.

Wu Xingyi's eyelids twitched violently, and despite his deep composure, he did not expect that his scheme would be exposed at this moment, and by a mere teenager no less. From Lian Junru's gaze, he perceived a trace of deep hatred and well-concealed fear, both of which he had anticipated, thus he merely smiled faintly.

Wu Xingyi calmly looked at the young man before him, confident that he could persuade him to act according to his words. After all, everything here was under his control. What he sought was a righteous cause, a restoration of the four nations to the path of kingship. This had been his greatest wish since he obtained the status of a messenger. Although this attempt had failed, resulting in the death of the true envoy, he had still gained a young man who, by coincidence, had accepted the soul power. Therefore, it would be a pity not to make use of him.

Staring blankly for a long time, Lian Jun finally threw his head back and laughed wildly. Heaven, you have truly played the biggest joke on me! When I was in Lingyun, I was like a marionette on strings, and now here, I must become a puppet without autonomy. The seventy-two lives of Zhao Village have been lost like grass and trees, without a trace. Is this truly my retribution?

You, are you perhaps trying to use Li to replace Tao? He suddenly exclaimed, then coldly laughed, "I clearly saw the scene that day; the person in the silver cocoon was someone else, and had nothing to do with me. Now you insist on identifying me as the so-called envoy, and have detained my parents. Are you trying to make me a puppet according to your words?"

"Why me?" Lian Jun took a step forward, straining to meet Wu Xingyi's piercing gaze. "I want to know why you chose me? Since I am a puppet, then not being recognized is my only means of survival, isn't it?"

Lian Junru watched Wu Xingyi's departing figure and the slowly closing door, feeling utterly numb as he collapsed onto the steps behind him. Everything that had transpired in just a few days felt like the most vivid of dreams; he had obtained what he desired, yet lost it even faster. Were his parents, who were imprisoned somewhere unknown, still safe?

In the blink of an eye, Lian Jun recalled a scene he had witnessed in the open space at the edge of the village, and he suddenly felt unsteady. Although he now considered himself a commoner from the mountains and fields, the memory of being a prince still lingered. After hearing Wu Xingyi's words just now, a vague sense of clarity began to emerge in his mind.

Suddenly, a figure appeared before him, and those calm eyes seemed capable of penetrating one's defenses, causing Lian Jun to feel a wave of panic. "Who are you?" he asked, striving to control the fear in his heart, raising his voice, "Where is this place, and what do you want?" He had already recognized that the person was the same figure in blue who had suddenly appeared in the village that day, and he immediately became extremely alert.

A few faint words struck Lian Junru's heart like a thunderclap, heavy and overwhelming. After enjoying a few days of warmth, he once again found himself caught in the whirlpool of conflict, still as a mere puppet. Why, why can he not escape this fate that seems predestined? Why is he always unable to seize his own destiny? Why

Wu Xingyi finally smiled pleasantly, and the saying "Those who know the times are the wise" indeed holds true. He slightly bowed, his demeanor appearing elegant and gentle, and no one would suspect that he was the foremost among the Eight Envoys known as the Pillar of Zhongzhou. "Your Highness, you are exceptionally gifted. At that time, you obtained soul power, and it could be discerned with the secret methods of the Three Right Sides of Zhongzhou. To say you are an imposter is not entirely accurate; in fact, if Your Highness is willing to cultivate, you might very well become a true Envoy of Honor." Almost in an instant, he transformed back into the dignified and profound Envoy Leader that usually appeared before others. "They are about to arrive. If Your Highness can win the hearts of the people, your future circumstances will be much easier."

Without turning back, Wu Xingyi could already discern the current expression of Lian Junru, and thus he淡淡地 instructed, "This place is called the Qinzun Hall, which has been the residence of the successive envoys. I will go ahead to make preparations, and I also ask Your Highness to tidy your attire in preparation for the arrival. His Majesty should be arriving soon"

"You have finally awakened!" A deep voice suddenly reached his ears, startling Lian Jun as he looked around. Just a glance at the surrounding environment caused his heart to sink into an abyss; the unfamiliar arrangement and decor were absolutely different from the Fenghua Palace where he had lived for over a decade. This place was definitely not the one he was familiar with. Who on earth had brought him here?

Wu Xingyi seemed not to have heard these words that sounded like a solemn oath; he merely smiled slightly before turning to leave. "I forgot to inform Your Highness that Zhao Manor has now become a wasteland. After we departed, the second batch of assassins arrived, and all seventy-two people in Zhao Manor perished in this catastrophe. If you care for the two esteemed ones, you must follow my advice," he paused at the door, his tone suddenly turning extremely cold. "The emergence of the Master is a good omen for the Central Plains, but it is not what the various nations desire. You and the two esteemed ones are actually hanging by a thread. Whether you live or die will depend on your future fate!" If you care for the two esteemed ones, you must follow my advice." He paused at the door, his tone suddenly turning extremely cold. "The emergence of the Master is a good omen for the Central Plains, but it is not what the various nations desire. You and the two esteemed ones are actually hanging by a thread. Whether you live or die will depend on your future fate!"

Wu Xingyi, I have remembered everything you said today! Lian Junru took a few steps back, raised her pale face, and forcefully declared, "If you harm even a single hair on my parents, then, even if I have to traverse heaven and earth, even if I become a vengeful spirit in the underworld, I will surely take your life! I, Lian Junru, am but a commoner; if I can accompany you to the Yellow Springs, it would still be worth it!"

Lian Junru felt completely bewildered, as if he did not understand what the other party was saying. Having arrived in this world not long ago, he was suddenly faced with such a great upheaval, and he had no idea how to respond. At this moment, all he wanted was to see his caring parents, to calm his frightened heart. "Where are my father and mother?" He had no desire to delve into the true meaning of the other person's words and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Where on earth are my father and mother?"