Chapter 427: Arrogance and Overbearing
"The Great Han Dynasty? Which sect is that from? I’ve never heard of it in ancient times."
At this moment, the consciousnesses of several powerful individuals who had noticed the conflict at the city gates turned their attention here. Upon hearing the palace-robed man announce his origins, they couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"They seem to be Goryeo people. If I recall correctly, the ancient Goryeo people were a scattered mess without any notable factions. Where did this Great Han Dynasty come from?" someone speculated, observing the group atop the giant eagles before murmuring again.
"Aside from those inside the palace, the rest are ordinary people who haven’t been cultivating for more than three years. It seems this Great Han Dynasty was only recently established. Heh, trying to be the next Great Qin? A dynasty—what a domineering name. The Goryeo people’s habit of boasting hasn’t changed since ancient times."
"A bunch of Koreans, daring to act so insolently in our Yan Province? In ancient times, the Goryeo people were only fit to be slaves to our Yan Province’s human race. Who would’ve thought they’d become so audacious in this era!" someone sneered, their voice laced with anger.
"Whatever. In any case, this Great Han Dynasty is now picking a fight with Great Qin. Let’s see how Great Qin handles it—it’ll be a good chance to test what cards they have up their sleeves."
The consciousnesses of several powerful beings exchanged thoughts in secret. By now, half the imperial-level experts in the capital had turned their attention here, yet none made a move. Clearly, they wanted to see how Great Qin would deal with the situation.
At this moment, as the Great Qin soldiers guarding the gates prepared to attack the overbearing envoys of the Great Han Dynasty, a figure suddenly appeared on the city wall, halting everyone’s actions.
The newcomer was Dark Plum, who had been recuperating in a nearby military camp. Clad in black, her curvaceous figure and coldly elegant, exquisite face drew gasps of admiration from those secretly observing.
Female martial artists weren’t rare, but female imperial-level experts who were also stunningly beautiful were few and far between.
Especially since Dark Plum’s modern attire, though not revealing, perfectly accentuated her figure, making her stand out even more.
"Commander Dark!" the city guards greeted in unison.
Dark Plum gave a slight nod before coldly eyeing the five giant eagles opposite her. "Land. Great Qin prohibits all flying creatures, and absolutely no demonic beasts are allowed inside. No matter where you’re from, this is Great Qin. In Great Qin, you follow Great Qin’s rules!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the palace-robed man atop the lead eagle opened his mouth to retort, but upon meeting Dark Plum’s icy gaze, he instinctively shut his mouth, his face paling.
"Heh, Great Qin sure has a grand presence!"
At this moment, a voice rang out from the palace atop the lead eagle, followed by nine figures stepping out.
At the forefront was a young man in a yellow robe. Tall and slender, with looks that could make countless girls swoon, he exuded an air of noble elegance.
Behind him stood eight imperial-level experts, all dressed in ancient attire, their ages ranging from elderly to middle-aged. Every one of them glared at Dark Plum with anger in their eyes.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince! Why have you come out? This lowly one pays respects to Your Highness!"
The palace-robed man, who had been cowed by Dark Plum earlier, suddenly scrambled to kneel before the young man, his face filled with terror. The soldiers atop the other four eagles also knelt in unison.
"We pay respects to His Highness the Crown Prince!!!"
Their voices boomed like thunder, audible even from a great distance.
"How dare you!!! Upon seeing the Crown Prince of our dynasty, why do you not kneel and pay respects?! And you, woman—land at once and beg for His Highness’s forgiveness! With our Crown Prince personally here, hurry and summon your Qin King to welcome him!"
The palace-robed man, now emboldened by his master’s presence, berated them loudly. He was no longer afraid!
Dark Plum’s expression turned murderous, and the guards at the city gates burned with rage. To demand they kneel on Great Qin’s soil—this was beyond insulting!
Even the Qin King and the Dragon King never put on such airs. Moreover, Great Qin had abolished the outdated custom of kneeling a century ago.
But then, the Great Han Dynasty’s next move completely ignited Dark Plum’s fury.
The yellow-robed young man arrogantly scrutinized Dark Plum and the Great Qin guards, his gaze toward Dark Plum brimming with undisguised desire.
Pointing at her, he curled his lips into what he thought was a charming smile and declared, "You don’t need to kneel. Come to my side. From now on, you’ll follow me. After I discuss an alliance with your Qin King, you’ll return to Great Han with me. I’ll grant you a lifetime of riches and honor!"
"You’re seeking death!!!"
Dark Plum’s killing intent erupted. It had been so long since she’d heard such insulting words. Those who had dared to disrespect her in the past had all died by her hand.
"Boom!"
A terrifying aura burst from Dark Plum’s body. Though severely injured, she was still capable of fighting!
"Whoosh!"
Several streaks of dark light shot from her toward the yellow-robed youth, nearly striking him.
"Audacious wench!!!"
"How dare you!!!"
The eight imperial-level experts behind the youth roared in unison, their auras exploding forth. The closest elder waved a hand, effortlessly deflecting Dark Plum’s hidden weapons.
Two of the imperial experts then lunged at Dark Plum.
"Attempting to assassinate our Crown Prince? Wench, you’re dead!!!"
Both attackers were mid-level imperial experts. In her current state, Dark Plum stood no chance.
"Commander Dark!!!"
The Great Qin soldiers at the gates cried out in alarm. Eight Dragon God mechas took to the skies, attempting to intercept the two imperial experts.
At the same time, the city walls unleashed a barrage of bullets from thermal weapons, targeting both the attackers and the yellow-robed youth’s group atop the giant eagles.
"Hmph! Is this how Great Qin treats its guests?"
The remaining six imperial experts beside the youth stepped forward, their auras overwhelming. Among them was even a late-stage imperial expert.
"Boom!!!"
Two of them struck out, obliterating the incoming bullets. Three others charged toward the eight Dragon God mechas, while the last one targeted the city guards.
"Disrespecting our Crown Prince? You all—die!!!"
The imperial experts roared, and in an instant, battle erupted at the city gates.
Dark Plum struggled to hold her ground, while the Dragon God mechas trying to aid her were blocked. Among the city guards, five or six had already fallen, severely wounded.
"Pfft—"
Dark Plum spat blood. Her injuries flared up, slowing her movements. A palm strike from her opponent sent her aura plummeting.
"Don’t kill that wench. Keep her for me. As for the rest—hmph! Those who dare attack me shall all die!"
The yellow-robed youth spoke leisurely, his tone dripping with disdain.