Chapter 213 - Deterrence (1/2)

After six hours, Qiu Yanhai and Xue Qingjian opened their eyes, having mostly healed their injuries. Xue Qingjian returned to her youth, to the beaming Zhuo Fan and Li Jingtian at the side.

Now that the couple got up, Zhuo Fan came to them with a friendly laughter, “I guess congratulations are in order, for your recovery. Now let us all return to the clan.”

Shivering inside, the two staggered backward in fear.

“Uh, don’t look at me like I’m the enemy here. We’re all on the same side now, no?” Zhuo Fan shrugged and smiled at Xue Qingjian, “Sister, did you already forget how close we ‘siblings’ are?”

Swallowing dryly, Xue Qingjian scampered behind Qiu Yanhai, like a mouse afraid of the cat. But the eyes held an unmistakable hatred overshadowed by immense fear.

Glaring at him, Xue Qingjian spat, “Who’s your sister? I must’ve been blind to not see you’ve got the demon in you!”

True enough, since she took Zhuo Fan as a naive child who barely opened his eyes to the world. Who’d have thought this pup was in control of the famous Mad Dipper.

He had no scruples and such vile schemes that had even this famed pair of monsters shiver in fear! How the hell was that a little brother? A demon from hell was more like it.

Xue Qingjian was regretting having been swept by Zhuo Fan’s sweet smile and sophistry. She was itching to gouge his eyes out and squash them!

Zhuo Fan was becoming irritated. Qiu Yanhai saw his mood sink and urged, “Steward Zhuo, please calm yourself. My old hag is raving. Don’t mind her!”

“Nevermind then, your lives are in my hands anyway. It’s your choice if you want to get along with me. Now that you’re Luo clan’s elders, it’s time we move!”

Zhuo Fan ignored them and unfolded his Lightning Wings as he took to the skies.

Seeing the demon take flight, the pair breathed easier, yet looked close to breaking down in tears.

They who lived free in a mountain, they, who fended off even Regent Estate’s threats, how was it they had fallen so low, in the hands of a twerp?

They couldn’t make one sense of it all…

Li Jingtian walked to them and mocked, “Didn’t you laugh at me saying I have no guts, old man? Well, where’s yours?”

Smiling dejectedly, Qiu Yanhai shook his head and sighed, “I was at fault before. I didn’t expect you to be so powerful!”

“Ha-ha-ha, as long as you know!” Li Jingtian said, “But I am a man of immense willpower, and not under complete control of the Bloodworm. And the ones I ever followed never were ordinary! Try to look beyond Steward Zhuo’s young looks. He does everything with calm and precision. Fierce tactics are a powerful man’s tools. You won’t lose out by following him!”

The two nodded after a long time.

“And since we’ll be working together in the future, I’ll let you in on the basics to survive in the Luo clan!” Making sure Zhuo Fan was far enough, Li Jingtian whispered.

The couple had their ears peeled, “Please tell us, brother Li! “

“Except for Steward Zhuo, anyone in the Luo clan are good people to get close to, especially our young miss. She is a must to win over. Steward Zhuo may be all about power play, looking down on all, but he is always devoted to the Luo clan. He will more often than not listen to young miss. So, if you ever get on his bad side, rush to the young miss and have her plead your case. That gets you off the punishment almost completely!” Li Jingtian patted Qiu Yanhai’s shoulder, while giving the two a serious look.

The two were immensely grateful as they cupped their hands, “Thank you, brother Li!”

“It’s nothing. We are all in the same boat, you can dispense the courtesy. Ha-ha-ha…” Li Jingtian waved.

Was he actually that caring? Of course not. The two were ignorant of the Luo clan’s matters, but would figure it out easily in the first three days anyway.

He reminded them earlier since this favor came cheap and saw no reason not to have them owe him one.

[Just when did I begin turning into such a vicious man?]

He sighed and suddenly scratched his head, [Guess environment changes the man…]

At the gates of the imperial capital, Marshal Dugu was sitting astride his large horse and entering the city with his five godsons. The million strong army was stationed ten miles out.

The news of Dugu Zhantian’s return, the second of the Four Pillars to the court, was soon on the lips of every citizen!

“Your Majesty, Marshal Dugu is seeking an audience!”

“Enter!”

In the golden palace of the imperial capital, the emperor was sitting on a lavish throne. Next to him was the man he often played chess with, Mr. Sima.

Dugu Zhantian entered with large steps and bowed, “Dugu Zhantian greets Your Majesty. May you have a long and prosperous life!”

“Ha-ha-ha, Marshal Dugu has come from far away. You must be weary, please sit!” With a chuckle, the emperor walked to Dugu Zhantian and helped him to a chair.