chapter 1

“His Majesty has so many favored guests-I wonder if he still remembers me?”

Before the words had even faded, another head rolled to the floor.

I had heard many such unpleasant words today.

Wiping the blood from my blade, I pressed my lips together and looked up at Xiao Qi, seated high above.

He was wrapped in a raven-black cloak, his expression cold as snow.

“Tired of beheading?”

Our eyes met; his face remained calm.

As if he were not the one being insulted.

I waved my hand dismissively.

The next to be dragged into the Golden Luan Hall was the deposed emperor.

He was once Xiao Qi’s most beloved younger brother.

Yet he betrayed him, humiliated him, and trampled him underfoot.

Xiao Zhe was forced to his knees, looking up with a cheerful smile.

“Imperial Brother, you make such a grand spectacle of these executions.”

“No doubt, by tomorrow, your illustrious reputation will be known throughout Shangjing.”

I pressed my blade to his throat.

“Shut up!”

Xiao Zhe burst out laughing, his eyes brimming with undisguised malice.

“The master hasn’t spoken, so why is his dog so eager?”

“What, are you also one of His Majesty’s favored guests?”

A vein throbbed at my temple.

Raising my hand, I was about to gouge out his malicious eyes first.

A hand patted my shoulder.

At some point, Xiao Qi had descended from the dais.

He lifted his eyelids, his tone icy.

“I will personally see you cut to pieces.”

Xiao Zhe licked his lips as if savoring the taste.

“Imperial Brother, you truly wield a beauty’s blade-every cut takes my life.”

“But, compared to Imperial Brother, I still prefer to call you ‘Feng Ling.'”

I stared at him, enunciating each word.

“Before that, I’ll cut out your tongue.”