Chapter 89: Have You Truly Abandoned All Shame! (Please Subscribe)
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The Princess of Southern Ming gazed at the black dog by Cheng Guang’s feet, her expression shifting strangely.
Why did this black dog evoke a sense both unbearably familiar and deeply fearful?
Could this black dog be some kind of exotic beast bearing the bloodline of the demon clan?
No, that couldn’t be. Even if it were a beast with demon blood, it shouldn’t inspire such terror. Yet, merely glancing at the black dog made the princess’s soul tremble, as if she had glimpsed a supreme Demon Emperor reigning over the tenth layer of the demon sea.
Such thoughts were absurd.
Not to mention a Demon Emperor, even the offspring of a Demon Emperor would be unlikely to appear beside Cheng Guang.
Then what was the true nature of this black dog?
The princess continued to scrutinize the dog intently.
Noticing her gaze, Cheng Guang chuckled and said, “Aunt, why do you keep staring at my dog? Are you interested in this black dog of mine?”
As he spoke, a thought stirred within him.
This little black pup had been named “Pug from Hell” by the system, perhaps a dark joke, but the key was the phrase “from Hell.” Hell was one of the layers of the ten-layer demon sea, indirectly confirming that this black dog seemed to originate from that very realm.
And the Princess of Southern Ming, standing before him, was also from the tenth layer of the demon sea.
Could it be that she recognized the dog’s true identity or its species?
Cheng Guang studied her expression with growing interest.
The princess’s smile stiffened slightly upon his question but soon returned to normal. “Not interested. Your dog’s appearance is just a bit unusual, that’s all,” she said.
Upon hearing her comment, the black dog looked up to examine the princess, its pitch-black eyes reflecting her image with a slight raising of its brow.
Oh?
The aura of the Abyssal Demon Emperor...
Was this woman a manifestation of the Abyssal Demon Emperor?
Since when had the Abyssal Demon Emperor secretly reached into the mortal realms?
The black dog’s eyes held a trace of confusion.
By all rights, though the tenth-layer demon sea had some interest in the mortal world, it was far less than that of the demon tribes. The distance was great, and breaching the mortal realm’s boundaries was difficult. It was easier to trouble the divine angels of the Three Divine Realms.
So why was this Abyssal Demon Emperor’s manifestation so far from home, stirring trouble here and even sending a manifestation?
As the black dog observed the princess, she seemed to notice something as well. She glanced back at the dog, sensing curiosity in its eyes, and shivered involuntarily.
She had an unshakable feeling of being seen through.
And by a dog, no less.
The absurdity was almost laughable.
Though shocked internally, the princess maintained her noble composure and quickly withdrew her gaze from the black dog.
For some reason, the more she looked, the more the dog reminded her of a familiar Demon Emperor from her memories.
Even when not looking directly at the dog, the princess felt uneasy under its gaze.
This unease was different from the embarrassment and indignation she felt when Cheng Guang stared at her; it was a feeling of restlessness.
Cheng Guang did not notice her odd behavior. Nearby, Qing Luan brought tea and soon hurried back with a teapot and cups.
Cheng Guang looked at the princess and invited, “Aunt, why not sit and chat?”
The princess moved with delicate steps, passing near the black dog but maintaining a respectful distance, as if unwilling to get too close. The black dog briefly watched her but soon lost interest.
Currently, it was under constraint.
Though the Abyssal Demon Emperor’s manifestation sensed something, it was unlikely to recognize the dog.
Even if recognized, the dog shouldn’t expect a rescue.
The relations between Demon Emperors were akin to those among earthly emperors—neither friendly nor hostile but always ready to strike at opportunity.
Still, the dog did not care much for this manifestation.
Curled on the ground, the dog felt a pang of bitterness.
Alas, what a miserable dog life.
How did it end up in the mortal world so suddenly?
And inexplicably, it chose a weak human as master.
What to do now?
Even as its strength recovered, it had no face to show itself.
If the Abyssal Demon Emperor recognized it, the shame would be unbearable.
The dog was thoroughly emo.
Meanwhile, at the tea table, the princess diverted her attention from the dog.
Seated by the stone table in the pavilion, her beauty was both elegant and dignified, radiating noble grace. Her eyes were clear and deep as autumn waters.
Qing Luan poured steaming tea, fragrant wisps curling from the cups, the leaves drifting and swirling gently.
The princess had no intention of drinking but fixed her autumn-like gaze on Cheng Guang, speaking softly, “Nephew, I came today for two matters.”
Cheng Guang nodded slightly, distracted, sipping his tea. “Go ahead.”
Her gaze shifted to Qing Luan, who silently arranged some fruit and pastries and then withdrew.
With no one else around, the princess continued, “Firstly, about what you proposed yesterday—although we have agreed, we still cannot fully trust you. We need you to do something for us.”
Cheng Guang’s expression changed subtly.
The matter she referred to was clearly his visit to the princess’s mansion yesterday, claiming he wished to ally with the Southern Ming Prince.
He merely said so to complete a system task and claim the reward; right after pledging allegiance, he already planned to kill the prince.
And now she came to ask him to do favors?
Cheng Guang almost laughed.
Neither the princess nor Crown Prince Huai Nian knew about his system or his true intentions. They truly believed he sought to join them.
Otherwise, why would the son of a duke risk traveling alone to the princess’s mansion, profess admiration for Huai Nian, and express a desire to ally with them?
Cheng Guang restrained his smile, keeping his face calm and polite, eyes resting on the princess’s noble features as he asked lightly,
“Aunt, what would you have me do?”
The princess’s expression remained unchanged, her refined autumn eyes fixed on him. “I need you to help us place several people within the Torchlight Division.”
“I know you already serve there. Recently, Cheng Zhihai raised your position a bit. I don’t know your exact rank as an officer, but given your status, you surely hold some official post. Helping a few people enter the Torchlight Division should be effortless for you.”
Cheng Guang raised an eyebrow.
“You want me to help insert them into the Torchlight Division?”
The princess nodded.
Cheng Guang sipped his tea, pondering why Huai Nian or the princess wanted these people inside the Torchlight Division.
The Torchlight Division was no leisure department; it wielded great power and was immensely busy. Few could manipulate its affairs.
He asked, “How many people? Any rank requirements?”
The princess shifted slightly, “That’s the second matter.”
“As many as you can place. The higher the rank, the better. If they lack official posts and are merely low-tier black lantern officers or even auxiliaries, that’s acceptable.”
“They only need to participate in the royal ceremony one month from now.”
Cheng Guang was mildly surprised.
So that was the goal of the princess and Huai Nian.
The Royal Ceremony was one of the few events directly linked to the imperial family in the entire Great Zhou dynasty.
Not only would royal descendants, court officials, and powerful families attend, but also envoys from various states and kings from nearby vassal kingdoms.
Such an important occasion would be secured with strict measures, guarded by the Torchlight Division and the Great Zhou Imperial Army.
Having Huai Nian’s men inside the Torchlight Division was only the first step.
The second step was crucial.
They intended to use these planted agents to manage security at the royal ceremony and likely execute some scheme.
It was a clear unveiling of their true intentions.
“Can you do it?”
The princess’s autumn eyes fixed intently on Cheng Guang. Any hesitation or doubt would make her question his sincerity and might cause her to leave immediately.
After all, he had just said he wished to join them but now delayed and hesitated to assist.
That made his words hard to trust.
Cheng Guang’s expression remained calm as he smiled faintly and nodded.
Better to accept now and trap them than refuse outright.
He knew the princess and Huai Nian had no idea of his real plan, which he already saw clearly.
They believed that even if he did their bidding, he wouldn’t suspect their true intentions regarding the royal ceremony.
Because the emperor would personally attend, and the Great Zhou dynasty took it extremely seriously, no one dared plot against the ceremony.
The princess was confident that even if he declined, their plan wouldn’t be affected.
So she boldly came to ask him for help.
Moreover, they didn’t think he would harm their assassins unless he truly broke with them.
But that contradicted his earlier claim of admiration and desire to join them.
Seeing Cheng Guang agree, the princess nodded with satisfaction.
“Just handle this, nothing else concerns you.”
Cheng Guang drank his tea absentmindedly, then shifted the topic, probing casually.
“What kind of strength do those you want me to place have? The Torchlight Division requires a certain level of ability. It’s difficult even for me to insert too many weaklings.”
The princess smiled without hiding anything, perhaps pleased he accepted her first request.
“They are all strong, recently trained assassins of Crown Prince Huai Nian. So don’t worry.”
Cheng Guang raised his eyebrows again, “How do their abilities compare to yours?”
The princess rolled her eyes with a hint of disdain.
“Few can compare to me. Assassins can’t reach my level.”
Hearing this, Cheng Guang understood.
Those to be placed likely ranked mostly below sixth grade, mid-tier within the Torchlight Division.
They probably formed the backbone of Huai Nian’s forces.
Training assassins cost considerable resources. Even with Huai Nian’s position as Southern Ming Prince, able to seize wealth and resources, those were limited.
If Cheng Guang captured all these assassins, Huai Nian’s reaction would surely be amusing.
As the princess rose to leave, she glanced back with a smile.
“Nephew, those you need to place will come to your mansion later.”
“Also, don’t blame me for being blunt. The sooner these moves happen, the less suspicion they draw.”
“If inserted right before the ceremony, even if placed in the guard teams, they won’t be close to the center.”
“That wouldn’t be good.”
“Be careful.”
With that, she glided away.
Cheng Guang watched her elegant figure, casually admiring her curves.
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“Aunt, your figure is impeccable. You might look even better in black silk,” Cheng Guang murmured with a smile.
The princess seemed to hear this; she staggered slightly, barely keeping from falling.
Her originally dignified steps grew hurried.
Biting her lip, she left quickly with her maids.
Though she didn’t understand what “black silk” meant, she sensed it was something improper, likely filthy.
She had thought after yesterday’s incident Cheng Guang might have changed, especially since he admired Crown Prince Huai Nian, and she was the prince’s official wife, the princess.
He should have shown her some respect.
But no change at all.
If Cheng Guang had refused her request, she wouldn’t have shown him any kindness during his scrutiny.
But now that he had agreed, she had to use him for their purposes, no longer showing the violent temper she had before.
Even if she desperately wanted to kill him now, she had to wait until he completed their task.
She rose from the jade sedan chair and returned to her mansion.
Lifting the curtain, she cast a glance at the Duke’s residence, then lowered it, her expression noble and indifferent.
“Even if I don’t kill you, once you’ve placed our people in the Torchlight Division and the royal ceremony passes, your fate won’t be pretty.”
“If the Great Zhou Emperor dies that day, we’ll overturn the dynasty overnight. Even a Heavenly Realm Duke like you won’t stop it. Your power will vanish instantly, and I can toy with you at will.”
“If the emperor survives and the plot is exposed, even if you aren’t executed, you’ll face his wrath, and your end will still be grim.”
The princess reflected that this was a test for Cheng Guang.
If he helped, he was useful and wouldn’t be killed immediately, though his end would be bleak.
If not, she could plan his death early.
Either way, she gained.
With the matter settled, her mood lightened.
Yet, an even more important task awaited.
Placing assassins in the Torchlight Division to guard the ceremony wasn’t enough.
She needed top-tier demon clan warriors, even demon emperors, to replace certain court ministers and attend the ceremony under disguise.
To stab the Great Zhou Emperor in the back.
The demon emperors were the real key to handling this Heavenly Realm emperor.
Last time, the Nine-Tails Fox demon emperor was detected and repelled back to the eightfold demon realm.
To return would take more effort.
But that was no longer her concern.
She only needed to handle the replacements.
Though her power as a mere Abyssal Demon Emperor manifestation was limited, she was confident in this specialty.
She could flawlessly impersonate Huai Nian as the Southern Ming Prince, fooling the Great Zhou Emperor, and replace ministers with demon clan elites at the ceremony.
This ability was why she, a mere manifestation, could cooperate with the demon clan and control Huai Nian’s faction for shared benefit.
“Ah, so tiring…”
“I’m really not good at human political scheming. If only the true self could come, none of this would be necessary…”
She yawned and stretched her alluring figure, her curves more obvious in the movement.
Her supple, soft skin was palpable even to the eye.
…
The princess departed.
Cheng Guang sat idly by the stone table, sipping tea and pondering.
Qing Luan returned, glancing back repeatedly as if searching for the princess.
Approaching, she asked curiously, “Young master, why did the princess come alone today without informing madam?”
Cheng Guang smiled, swirling his tea lazily. “She probably took a liking to me.”
Qing Luan pouted playfully, rubbing his shoulder as if scolding him.
“How can you say such things? The princess is your elder; ‘taking a liking’ is hardly the word…”
Her face flushed, as if imagining something improper.
Cheng Guang laughed and paid no mind.
The princess’s visit was awkward to explain, so he joked his way through.
Qing Luan was distracted, just about to speak when she noticed something outside and turned her gaze toward the door.
After a moment, the steward Wang appeared at the gate.
“Young master,” Wang bowed respectfully. “There are guests… quite a few.”
“I don’t know if you know them, so I haven’t turned them away. I came to ask if you wish to see them.”
“Guests? Quite a few?”
Qing Luan was puzzled.
Usually, one or two guests visiting the Duke’s residence was remarkable.
How could there suddenly be so many?
Wang nodded, “About fifty.”
“Fifty?” Qing Luan covered her lips in surprise, looking at Cheng Guang.
She thought Cheng Guang might not even have fifty friends.
Where did these people come from, and why did they specifically want to see him?
Could they be con artists?
Annoyed, she was about to refuse them for Cheng Guang when he stopped her with a smile.
“Let’s go see them.”
Cheng Guang was surprised by the princess’s efficiency.
She said she’d send people, and now they had arrived, even in time for lunch.
He sighed inwardly at their urgency.
Wang hurriedly agreed and led Cheng Guang outside.
Qing Luan followed, puzzled why Cheng Guang seemed so unsurprised.
Cheng Guang finished his tea, gently kicked the sulking black dog, and stood with Wang.
In about fifteen minutes, they arrived outside.
On the broad jade-white stone avenue stood over fifty men in black uniforms, all stern-faced.
Their expressions and auras oddly resembled the martial academy students who had once competed between the Wei and Zhou kingdoms.
Perhaps they were the same people.
As Cheng Guang approached, the Southern Ming Prince’s assassins saluted, “Young Master.”
Though somewhat uncoordinated, their gesture was imposing, voices loud enough to startle birds in the trees.
Wang looked cautiously at Cheng Guang. “Young master, do you recognize these men? If not, shall I send them away?”
Fifty men was too many to be casual acquaintances.
Yet they looked genuine, not pretenders.
And even if they were con artists, they wouldn’t muster so many or appear so cold and grim.
Nor would they risk the Duke’s residence with such boldness.
So Wang was perplexed.
Cheng Guang ignored Wang’s question and instead asked, “Where is my father?”
Wang replied respectfully, “He left early for the Torchlight Division and won’t return until evening.”
Cheng Guang nodded slightly, then smiled brightly at the assassins and said warmly,
“Bring them in. Treat them well.”
Wang dared not ask why Cheng Guang would welcome these men so cordially and quickly went to make arrangements.
The leader of the assassins bowed calmly, “Young master, no need for such hospitality. The princess has explained our purpose.”
“We hope you can provide us a place to stay while waiting for your instructions.”
“If possible, some quality cultivation resources, spiritual food, and pills would be appreciated.”
Cheng Guang’s bright smile did not waver.
These men were quite direct.
Perhaps emboldened by the princess or simply lacking social grace, they showed little respect to him.
Their manner was perfunctory, with unhidden arrogance.
Cheng Guang thought, “Good heavens. These are assassins — fearless or just sure I won’t harm them?”
He pondered but kept his expression unchanged, still smiling, and invited them inside.
“Don’t stand outside in the wind.”
The assassins complied and entered the Duke’s mansion.
Wang led them to a courtyard and prepared to order the chef to make spiritual food, but Cheng Guang waved him over.
“Don’t prepare anything.”
Wang was startled. “Young master, why?”
Moments ago, Cheng Guang had acted familiar and friendly. Why the sudden change?
Wang suspected something special about these men.
Cheng Guang cast a glance at Wang without explanation.
“Have the guards kill them all. Not one spared.”
Wang’s heart shuddered. “Kill them all?”
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Cheng Guang nodded and looked at Wang.
“Not confident?”
“Confident, young master. I’ll arrange it.”
Wang hurriedly nodded. “Young master, please rest at Wanxiang Garden. Leave these men to me.”
Without waiting for a reply, he quickly summoned servants to carry out the order.
Cheng Guang paid little heed to the assassins’ fate.
From the moment they entered the mansion, their end was sealed.
He returned to Wanxiang Garden with Qing Luan, who looked unusually worried.
These strangers came unannounced, demanding to see the young master. Their purpose and backing were unknown.
More surprising was that Cheng Guang seemed to expect their arrival calmly and welcomed them inside.
Qing Luan did not understand.
As Cheng Guang stepped back into the garden, a burst of energy exploded in the distance.
Though loud, it quickly subsided.
Cheng Guang sat calmly in the pavilion, sipping tea and watching the distant energy ripple.
Now, the rift with the princess was complete.
Even if she was foolish, the death of her assassins by his hand would make her realize he never truly intended to join.
She might even attempt some assassination in return.
Cheng Guang was unbothered.
If they could kill him in the capital, he would admire them.
Did they really think his guards and Cheng Zhihai were mere decorations?
He calmly watched the energy disturbances like fireworks.
The commotion drew attention from outside the mansion.
“What's happening? Someone broke into the Duke’s residence?”
“Looking for death, those over fifty men are strong but reckless.”
Voices murmured.
Inside, Wu Yue Mei, embroidering in the sun by the gate, was startled.
Her maid hurried to investigate.
Upon learning the cause, Wu Yue Mei was stunned.
She couldn’t comprehend the situation.
First, over fifty men requested to meet Guang’er, apparently acquaintances.
Then Guang’er warmly welcomed them inside.
Then…
He had the guards kill them all?
Over fifty men—were they all assassins?
Wu Yue Mei was baffled, staring at the energy ripple above, losing all interest in embroidery.
She planned to ask Cheng Guang about it later.
…
The energy disturbance lasted barely fifteen minutes before being suppressed.
Inside Wanxiang Garden, Qing Luan whispered, “Young master, it seems resolved.”
Cheng Guang nodded slightly and set down his cup, eyes turning to the courtyard.
Wang appeared at the gate, sweating but calm.
Clearly, ordering guards to attack several fifth- and sixth-grade cultivators in the mansion was stressful.
Luckily, these men were no match for the guards.
Caught off guard while feasting, many were swiftly slain by cold blades.
Those who reacted were finished off afterward.
Wang reported, “Young master, it’s done.”
Cheng Guang nodded and said coldly, “Clean up the place. Nothing else to attend to.”
Wang answered carefully, wary of the young master’s mercurial nature—one moment smiling, the next capable of sending someone to the afterlife.
He hurried off.
Qing Luan glanced up at the sky; the clouds had cleared under the energy blast.
The sky was clear and peaceful, as if nothing had occurred.
She looked back at Cheng Guang, calm and sipping tea.
She wanted to ask about those men but hesitated.
She sensed complexity and remained silent, quietly refilling his cup when needed.
In a courtyard corner, the usually unnoticed Lin Cheng watched quietly, envying Qing Luan.
For some unknown reason, since Qing Luan had become close to the young master, his own standing had diminished.
He rarely had the chance to speak to him anymore.
Recently, a new sycophant had appeared by the young master’s side.
Sigh.
What to do now?
At this rate, I’ll be less than a dog.
Lin Cheng’s anxious expression betrayed his desire for favor.
—Lin Cheng, desperately craving attention.jpg
…
Back to the Princess of Southern Ming.
At her mansion, she sat by the courtyard stone table, gently blowing on her teacup. Her autumn eyes were noble and clear.
Suddenly, she sensed something and looked toward the Duke’s residence, frowning slightly.
Setting down the cup, she intended to ask her maid Lan Ping about what had happened at the Duke’s place.
Lan Ping hurried out and soon returned, panting.
“Princess, rumor has it over fifty assassins entered the Duke’s mansion!”
“But they were foolish—bold enough to attempt assassination of the Duke’s son, and in broad daylight, no less.”
Lan Ping looked puzzled as she spoke.
The princess’s beautiful brows furrowed deeply.
“What? Over fifty assassins at the Duke’s mansion?”
She was stunned and asked again, unwilling to believe.
Lan Ping nodded.
She wondered why her mistress reacted so strongly.
Perhaps the princess could not believe anyone would dare enter the Duke’s mansion in daylight to assassinate the son.
Yes, that must be it.
Lan Ping comforted herself with this thought.
The princess trembled slightly, her autumn eyes burning with fierce anger.
Her hand clenched tightly, nails digging into her palm.
Though she tried to remain composed, her shock and fury were unmistakable.
The Duke’s son.
So be it.
Playing this game, huh?
Claiming admiration for Huai Nian, pretending to join them, only to kill the men she sent.
All a sham?
What was the point?
Even double-dealing rarely happened so quickly!
Did they take her for a fool?
Her complexion darkened, her aura unraveled.
The courtyard grew heavy and oppressive; even the sunlight dimmed.
The princess sat silently, thoughts churning.
She recalled the Duke’s son’s casual demeanor this morning.
And his earlier words about joining them.
Now she felt as though he were slapping her in the face repeatedly.
She, a mighty Abyssal Demon Emperor, had never suffered such humiliation.
Anger rose, and she vowed to erase the Duke’s son even if it cost her this manifestation.
She inhaled deeply, trying to calm down.
But it was impossible.
“How dare he toy with me!”
“Just agreed to help us, and before my seat was warm, all my men are killed!”
“Even betrayal can’t be so rushed!”
“Shameless!”
Her complexion, already porcelain-like beneath the sun, now appeared translucent and radiant in its paleness, oddly enhancing her beauty.
…
(End of Chapter)