Chapter 95

The Imperial City of Fengming still stands there, exuding an ancient and simple aura. For over a thousand years, it has withstood the trials of war and remained unshaken.

However, today's Imperial City is different from the usual bustling traffic; it is filled with a solemn and deadly atmosphere, and almost no shops are open.

In less than a month, the entire Imperial City seems to have changed completely. First came the news of Xia Changfeng's execution, which shocked the entire Fengming Empire.

Even more shocking was that the person who killed the crown prince of the Xia Empire was none other than Long Chen, the rising star of the young generation in the Imperial City, who had risen like a comet.

When the projection from the memory jade appeared in the Imperial City square, everyone was stunned. Long Chen presented the footage of him killing Xia Changfeng and his group, showing it to everyone in detail.

Originally, Long Chen, who was full of spirit and had a bright future, suddenly became the top wanted criminal of two countries.

All the members of the Long family were thrown into prison overnight, and a few days later, a large number of troops were recalled to the Imperial City.

Before people could understand what was happening, 400,000 elite soldiers of the Xia Empire arrived at the city walls, and the two countries' elite forces faced off.

For a moment, everyone was extremely tense. A major battle was imminent, and it would be a terrifying war that would fill the hearts of people who had lived in peaceful times with fear.

Fortunately, the war did not break out. The Fourth Prince intervened, stating that the murderer had been captured and the details of the incident had been investigated, and he would give the Xia Empire a satisfactory explanation.

The elite soldiers of the Xia Empire then withdrew from the Imperial City but did not leave far, choosing to camp 80 miles outside the city. Clearly, if Fengming did not provide a satisfactory resolution, they would not hesitate to start a war.

A solemn and deadly atmosphere enveloped the entire Imperial City. Although the Imperial City had the leadership of the Duke of Ying and the Duke of Wu, leading most of the elite forces of the Fengming Empire,

the situation arose suddenly, and there was not enough time to mobilize more troops. If a war broke out, regardless of the outcome, the Imperial City would face a heavy loss.

Many people also sighed inwardly, thinking that the Fengming and Xia Empires were supposed to be friendly. How did they suddenly come to this point?

How ironic, often the most unexpected enemies are the most fatal. Otherwise, they would not have been so easily attacked and reached the city walls of the Imperial City.

With the arrest of the Long family, a great upheaval occurred in the Imperial City. The first thing that came to mind for the people of the Fengming Empire was the Duke of Zhenyuan, who guarded the border and fought against the barbarians.

The Duke of Zhenyuan had guarded the border for over a decade, commanding over 200,000 elite troops, and had been in constant battle with the barbarians. They were the true elite.

Compared to the so-called "elite" troops who had been living in peace and only practiced formations when they were full, these "elite" troops were vastly inferior and incomparable.

The same soldiers under the Duke of Zhenyuan's command could fight ten to one. After the Empress Dowager issued the order to arrest the Long family, everyone wondered what actions Long Tianxiao would take.

Just ten days ago, news suddenly spread that Long Chen's killing of Xia Changfeng was under the instigation of the First Prince, who was also arrested.

This also implicated many "accomplices," who were all suppressed. Today was the day when all the "murderers" would be executed.

Outside the Imperial City, the arena where people used to fight was dismantled, and a larger execution ground was built.

On both sides of the execution ground were the elite forces of the Xia Empire and the Fengming Empire, facing each other across the ground, creating a tense atmosphere.

The people of the Fengming Empire also gathered in the distance, watching the execution ground from afar. This was the most sensational event in the Fengming Empire in recent decades.

Not only were the families of the nobles and princes executed, but the crown prince who had been designated as the heir was also to be executed, along with dozens of court officials. The scene was overwhelming.

The execution ground was divided into two rows, front and back. In the front row were several dozen people, all dressed in official robes, bound and kneeling on the ground.

Although people had been mentally prepared, they were still shocked. Among them were the current prime minister, the secretary, and other high-ranking officials of the empire, whom they rarely saw, now becoming prisoners.

The most shocking was that the First Prince, Chu Yang, was at the front of the crowd. The current Chu Yang no longer had his former elegance and grandeur. His hair was disheveled, his eyes were dazed, and he was muttering something, fidgeting constantly.

Behind this group were about twenty people, including maids, servants, and old nannies, all members of the Long family.

Long Furen, wearing iron shackles, looked haggard, her eyes gazing into the distance, lost in thought.

Except for Long Furen, the other members of the Long family could not help but cry out loud, clearly knowing that today was their last day. Seeing the executioners beside them, they were filled with despair.

"Alas, it is we, the Long family, who have wronged you. If there is a next life, we will surely make it up to you," Long Furen sighed, looking at the weeping crowd. After all, they were innocent, implicated by the Long family.

"Madam, don't say that. We are born and die as members of the Long family. We do not regret it," Bao'er, standing beside Long Furen, said firmly.

"Hmph, dreaming of a next life? You are all fools," a man holding a long knife said coldly.

Long Furen stared at the man with intense hatred, wishing she could bite him to death.

"Li Feng, you scoundrel, even as a ghost, I will not let you off," Long Furen said through gritted teeth.

This executioner was none other than her nephew, the son of her elder sister. Seeing this person, Long Furen's heart ached as if pierced by a needle.

The coldness of her natal family had once made her heart cold, and their recent warmth had made her think they had changed their minds, though it seemed somewhat opportunistic. After all, they were family, so she forgave them.

However, she never expected that their approach was to push the Long family to the brink of death, filling her with endless resentment.

When Ah Man returned to the Long family, he only said one thing to Long Furen: "Hurry and seek help from Master Yunqi," before fainting.

It turned out that on the day Ah Man saw Duke Ying chasing Long Chen, he was exhausted and rested for a while before suddenly remembering Long Chen's instructions and rushing back to the Imperial City.

Whether it was Ah Man's good luck or the incompetence of Duke Ying's subordinates, Ah Man returned to the Imperial City without any hindrance.

However, Ah Man did not stop along the way, relying on his willpower to make it home. After delivering the message, he collapsed from exhaustion.

Ah Man did not notice that when he returned, Long Furen was chatting with her sister. Even if he had noticed, he probably would not have thought much of it.

When Ah Man collapsed, Long Furen was shocked and quickly called for help. Her sister comforted her and called over two people nearby.

She said that Ah Man must have fainted from hunger, thirst, and anxiety, and they should revive him first. After a few bowls of water, Ah Man still showed no signs of waking up.

Just as Long Furen felt something was wrong, she suddenly smelled a fragrance and then fainted. Before she lost consciousness, she saw her sister's mocking smile.

When she woke up again, the entire Long family was already in prison, filling her with regret, resentment, and deep self-blame.

Li Feng, seeing Long Furen's anger, smiled coldly and said, "A ghost? Hmph! Even as ghosts, you will be a bunch of fools, unable to recognize the situation.

Over a decade ago, you were so foolish that we severed ties with you to avoid being implicated.

Now you are even more foolish. We said a few nice words, and you believed them. You are such an idiot that if you don't die, it would be against the laws of nature."

Long Furen was so angry that she trembled, tears streaming down her face, but she could not say a word. This was her natal family.

"You don't need to cry. Considering we are relatives, I will make it quick, so you won't feel any pain. It will be over soon," Li Feng lightly shook his long knife and continued,

"However, Aunt, I really have to thank you. As soon as I cut off your head, I will rise to power. With so many people dead in the empire, there will be many good positions, and I, Li Feng, will definitely get one.

When I become wealthy and powerful, I will not forget your kindness. During the holidays, I will buy plenty of paper money and burn it for you, ha ha."

"Li Feng, may you die a miserable death," Bao'er, seeing Li Feng's smug smile, shouted angrily. She could not bear this hypocrite, remembering how he had once acted obediently in the Long family, now showing his true colors, which were revolting.

"Die a miserable death? Heh heh, that's you. Your heads will roll soon, and I will see who dies a miserable death," Li Feng looked at Bao'er with a sinister smile.

"Bang"

Just as Bao'er was about to retort, a dull sound was heard, and a figure was thrown beside them.

"Ah Man"

Recognizing the figure, Long Furen cried out in sorrow, tears streaming down her face.

It was Ah Man, but now he was covered in long iron spikes, like a hedgehog.

This was a torture device called the Bone-Eroding Nails, which were highly toxic and could corrode bones, causing excruciating pain.

No one could withstand such pain. A normal person could not endure even one, and even a cultivator could not endure more than five. The pain would be unbearable.

Ah Man's body was almost covered in these nails, indicating the terrifying pain he had to endure. Ah Man had already fainted, but the impact of being thrown caused the iron nails to hit his bones again, waking him up in pain.

"Mother, don't worry, Ah Man is not in pain," seeing Long Furen crying, Ah Man said honestly, trying to smile.

However, Ah Man was now emaciated, and trying to smile was a difficult task.

When Long Chen first brought Ah Man back, he had told the story of Ah Man's ordeal and hoped his mother would adopt him as a foster son.

Ah Man had always called Long Furen "mother," but she had always felt strange about it and had not agreed.

Seeing Ah Man call her "mother" now, she felt a pang of sorrow.

"Ah Man, it is I who have wronged you."