Chapter 725: Chapter 725

These were a pair of hands symbolizing the greatest power in Ming Country.

At this moment, these two hands clenched into fists on the table and then slowly stretched open.

As these hands slowly unfolded, the tense hearts of everyone around seemed to relax as well; it was as if when the hands were clenched, they held everyone’s hearts in their grasp.

The owner of these hands,

was naturally the current Ming Emperor.

With his large ears, broad nose, and wide mouth, sitting there, he seemed to occupy the most central position in the entire hall, commanding the attention of everyone, who had no choice but to face him, even if they dared not raise their heads to look at him.

Perhaps the only person in the room who could still look up at him,

was Rain Covering Sword Lang Fan Yun.

However, the Ming Emperor didn’t mind Lang Fan Yun’s direct gaze. As his hands unfolded slowly, the letter in his hand turned to ash. He looked straight at Lang Fan Yun and said,

"Mr. Lang, what do you think about Xiong Ba of the World Association?"

Lang Fan Yun replied calmly, "This humble citizen is but a mere commoner of the Martial World, not a man of the court; Your Majesty need not address me with such respect.

Regarding Xiong Ba of the World Association.

Forgive my forthrightness, but after all, this man originally came from the Holy Dynasty and later switched to Divine Martial Country. His father’s origins are shrouded in mystery, and almost all the Martial World’s power in Divine Martial Country has fallen into his hands, save for Unrivaled City which can still contend with him.

Should his World Association conquer Unrivaled City, he will inevitably become the new Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch of Divine Martial Country.

Yet the Divine Martial Country’s court does nothing to suppress or strike against him; this indeed invites contemplation."

The Ming Emperor pondered and nodded slowly, saying, "If it truly was his people who rescued Zhu Wushi, what do you think their intention is? And what will be his next move?"

Hearing this, Lang Fan Yun understood what the Emperor wanted to inquire.

Since Emperor Tong of the Heavenly Pool Twelve Evil had been the one to rescue Xiong Ba, wasn’t it obvious whose idea it was?

But at this moment, the Ming Emperor knowingly asked nonetheless, clearly with an implication.

Lang Fan Yun did not respond directly, saying calmly, "Your Majesty, if even you are unclear about this matter, how could this humble citizen know? I dare not make rash judgments."

The Ming Emperor let out a light snort, aware that Lang Fan Yun, from the Martial World, had much disdain for him.

Had it not been for Yan Jing’an of Cihang Jingzhai intervening, it’s unlikely that Lang Fan Yun would have been easily mobilized.

During ordinary times, he certainly wouldn’t care about a Lang Fan Yun.

But now, with nearly all the experts around him dead or wounded, with only Ghost King Xu Ruowu and the followers of the Pure Thought Zen Sect remaining, there were indeed too few top-tier experts available to him.

And remembering the death of Yan Jing’an, he felt a wave of weariness, propped his forehead with his hand, and waved dismissively, "Enough, you may go. For your efforts and those of Cihang Jingzhai this time, I will not forget."

"Many thanks, Your Majesty!"

Lang Fan Yun was not ungrateful, he left a modicum of respect, saluted with folded fists, then turned and departed.

This time he truly felt disillusioned and dispirited; the death of his wife Xi Xi years ago had caused him immense pain, and now his friend Yan Jing’an had also died. His Rain Covering Sword had been broken by the hands of the Black Wind Village Chief.

Lang Fan Yun felt that in this Martial World, with his Rain Covering Sword renowned throughout, despite all his battles, in the end, he could not overcome the simple words "life and death"!

The hearts of those alive were already dead.

The hearts of those dead could no longer be revived.

Wasn’t this a fate worse than death itself?

"Your Majesty, Lang Fan Yun has always been self-willed and was quite disrespectful to you. Even though he has made contributions, he should not be treated so dismissively. Why did you not reprimand him?"

Just then, a shadow flickered in the palace, and a ghostly, tall, and gaunt figure stepped forward with a slow gait.

He was dressed in ordinary clothes, his face long and thin, with sunken eye sockets that made the prominent hawk nose stand out even more, leaving a firm and steady deep impression, along with his focused demeanor, radiating an indescribable air of mystery and allure.

The Ming Emperor was not at all surprised by this person’s appearance. In fact, since the incident with the Southern King, it wasn’t the old eunuchs who were protecting him.

It was the shadow eunuchs, feigned by monks from the Pure Thought Zen Sect, along with Ghost King Xu Ruowu.

He scrutinized Xu Ruowu and shook his head, saying, "Everyone should learn to reprimand themselves first before blaming others. Otherwise, they are just an immature child.

From the Southern King’s rebellion to now, I had anticipated it to be Zhu Wushi’s doing, and had already made precautions, yet in the end, I overlooked the Black Wind Village Chief.

This man is also a hero. Originally, there was still a chance for me and Zhu Wushi to reconcile and slowly strategize, with a greater chance for me to emerge victorious.

Unfortunately... he made certain matters public in front of everyone, forcing me to start war with Zhu Wushi prematurely...

Now that Zhu Wushi is not dead, my real troubles have arrived.

Xu Ruowu, can you share my concerns?"

Xu Ruowu revealed a slight smile, then spoke with great emotion, "Fate is predestined, Your Majesty must remember, all my actions are to protect the Zhu family’s world, to ensure the people of Ming Country can enjoy long-lasting peace."

The Ming Emperor shivered and stared at Xu Ruowu, "What do you plan to do?"

Xu Ruowu’s gaze pierced with sharp brilliance, "The one who rescued Zhu Wushi aims for your position, Zhu Wushi’s target is also your position, and the Black Wind Village Chief’s target is both Zhu Wushi and you.

Everything revolves around you. Do you dare to use yourself as bait?"

In the most spacious and luxurious building on Hero Island, a banquet was set for two.

Jiang Dali and Wang Yuyan sat at the table watching as the Laba Porridge was served.