Protect Our Patriarch

...

Prince An's proposal sounded extremely reasonable, even to Emperor Longchang, who was forced to watch from the sidelines. However, the emperor's heart was bleeding. The "Ancestor Panpan's Protection" was indeed a life-saving artifact on the battlefield, but it required immortal spirit energy to activate. The stored energy was only enough for one activation, lasting a day.

Once the energy was depleted, one would have to shamelessly beg the Immortal Dynasty for a recharge, leaving the artifact there until the immortals had the time to deal with it. Having experienced this humiliation a few times, the emperor had sealed away Panpan's Protection.

But this decision led to the downfall of the Great Qian's hope, Commandery Prince Hao, on the outer region battlefield. Therefore, when Prince An prepared to set out for the Southern Border, the emperor had equipped him with the protection decades ago, not expecting to wait so long.

At this moment, Emperor Longchang wished he could remove his helmet and reverse the situation with his imperial might, saving the precious immortal spirit energy. Yet, Wang Shouzhe's unhurried voice reached his ears: "Your Majesty, remember to wait for my signal when I smash the cup."

Damn "smash the cup as a signal"! I can't believe you!

Emperor Longchang was furious, cursing Wang Shouzhe and Prince An as wastrels. But bound by his own words, he could only swallow his grievances.

Fine, let's wait a bit longer and see what these two youngsters are plotting.

At this time, the three Purple Mansion Realm commanders of the Grand Marshal's personal guard focused their attention on Prince Dexin and Grand Marshal Xiao Limei. Evidence might not be public, but they had to convince Prince An, right? Otherwise, how was this different from rebellion?

Prince Dexin and Xiao Limei exchanged glances, finding the plan feasible. Prince Dexin coldly chuckled to himself. The "Ancestor Panpan's Protection" was indeed a battlefield guardian artifact, but it had a fatal flaw.

Once activated, the artifact isolated the protected space from the outside world, and one could only leave after the energy was depleted. In a closed space for a whole day, what couldn't happen? As a Divine Realm cultivator, Prince Dexin could easily overpower the two young men without the Grand Marshal's help.

Prince An's move was a path to self-destruction.

"In that case, let the Grand Marshal preside over justice. I will present the evidence in the protected space and confront Wang Shouzhe, giving Prince An an explanation," Prince Dexin declared righteously. "By then, Prince An will have no choice but to accept."

"Very well," the commanders and soldiers of the personal guard sighed in relief.

They trusted the Grand Marshal but didn't want to defy Prince An's orders without evidence. That would unsettle them.

But as long as Prince An and the Grand Marshal agreed, they would fearlessly face any challenge.

With both sides quickly reaching an agreement, Prince An casually revealed an ancient-looking jade artifact, resembling a jade bracelet. As soon as it appeared, a rich spiritual aura emanated from it, characteristic of immortal spirit energy. The surrounding space subtly distorted and rippled.

Sensing this aura, those around couldn't help but show a trace of longing, including Prince Dexin and Grand Marshal Xiao Limei.

This was the power of a True Immortal, incomparably strong.

Legends said that a True Immortal's lifespan could reach ten thousand years, capable of altering the heavens and earth with a mere gesture. Such a powerful existence was beyond their imagination. The "Immortal Dynasty" of the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty was named for having a peerless True Immortal within its borders, enough to deter most nations.

Prince An, having seen it often, remained calm.

He beckoned Wang Shouzhe, Prince Dexin, and the Grand Marshal to stand closer. Wang Shouzhe frowned, "reluctantly" moving closer, deliberately standing away from Prince Dexin. Prince Dexin snorted but didn't mind, moving closer as well. The Grand Marshal silently followed.

Once everyone was close enough, Prince An infused his profound energy into the "Ancestor Panpan's Protection," instantly activating the jade bracelet.

An indescribable force burst from the bracelet, enveloping the four in a nearly transparent energy.

In the next moment, the four vanished without a trace.

Not a single mark was left behind.

This was the power of Panpan's Protection. Once inside the protected space, it was as if they had completely disappeared. Even Emperor Lingxu would struggle to find them, unless a True Immortal skilled in spatial arts intervened. Otherwise, they were in absolute defense for a certain period.

However, this artifact was mainly for preventing unexpected incidents and wasn't without flaws.

The biggest issue was that the "Ancestor Panpan's Protection" consumed immortal spirit energy, but the protected individuals couldn't control it. Once inside, they couldn't move or leave voluntarily, only exiting when the energy ran out.

Without reinforcements, enemies could simply wait outside, eventually capturing them. If used in desperate times, it only prolonged the inevitable.

...

Meanwhile, inside the protected space.

This was a spherical floating space, devoid of sky, earth, sun, or moon, with no gravity or light.

The four floated in this silent, isolated space.

Prince An, prepared, took out a luminous pearl, casting a gentle glow around them. Wang Shouzhe's arm was wrapped with a verdant spirit plant, its branches and leaves emitting a firefly-like light.

Prince Dexin and Xiao Limei also brought out illuminating treasures, brightening the space.

In this eerie atmosphere, the four remained in a standoff for several breaths.

Prince An finally broke the silence, "Prince Dexin, can you present the evidence now?"

"Panpan's Protection?" Prince Dexin ignored him, surveying the surroundings with a cold smile. "This is one of our royal family's heirlooms. I once enjoyed it with Xiao Limei and old Deshun during the war with the Western Jin. Right, Grand Marshal, do you remember?"

Xiao Limei's expression darkened, remaining silent.

"Prince Dexin," Prince An said angrily, "present the evidence and stop evading."

"What's the rush? We have plenty of time. We can't leave until the spirit energy is depleted," Prince Dexin taunted. "Prince An, I didn't expect you to be so bold, staying with us in an isolated space where no one can see. Whatever happens here is up to the victor to decide."

"What do you mean, Prince Dexin?" Wang Shouzhe's expression "changed slightly." "The Grand Marshal is here; you can't act recklessly."

"The Grand Marshal?" Prince Dexin glanced at Xiao Limei disdainfully, then looked at the spirit plant on Wang Shouzhe. "Your spirit plant emits light to hide the Heavenly Recording Disk beneath its leaves, right? Planning to record everything and seek justice from the emperor?"

"Don't be naive. Do you think you and Prince An can leave this space alive today? Even if you record everything, it's useless, hahaha~"

After decades of suppression, Prince Dexin's emotions were on the brink of madness. Now, with absolute advantage, everything he desired was within reach, and he could no longer contain himself.

In this unrestrained space, where no one would know what happened, he released his pent-up emotions, laughing maniacally.

Seeing him like this, Wang Shouzhe felt relieved.

He had planned to provoke Prince Dexin further, but he was already losing his composure. This made things easier~

"Impossible. The Grand Marshal is loyal and patriotic; he wouldn't conspire with you," Wang Shouzhe said angrily, "He has no reason to betray the emperor and Prince An."

Meanwhile, at the altar of the Gu God Village, hundreds of personal guard soldiers formed a circle, having cleared the area of outsiders and secured all directions.

But now, these usually disciplined and composed soldiers were dumbfounded, their expressions a mix of confusion, shock, anger, and disbelief as they watched the scene on the viewing platform.

A peculiar spirit plant sapling had appeared on the platform, its tender branches holding a Heavenly Recording Disk, clearly displaying a scene.

In the scene, Prince Dexin's sinister face and arrogant words were crystal clear: "Do you think you and Prince An can leave this space alive today? Even if you record everything, it's useless, hahaha~"

"This, this, this! How can this be, how can this be?!"

Seeing this, Emperor Longchang could no longer contain himself.

To hell with "smash the cup as a signal"!

He erupted, removing his armor and helmet, revealing his true face. Emperor Lingxu's pressure swept out unchecked, shaking the surrounding space.

His aged face twisted, turning pale as he roared at the sapling, "Wang Lixian, tell me. What are Wang Shouzhe and Wu Mingyuan up to?"

"Your, Your, Your Majesty?!"

The soldiers of the Grand Marshal's personal guard, though not all familiar with the emperor, included several Purple Mansion Realm commanders and high-ranking elites of the Great Qian, who had seen Emperor Longchang before.

Now, they were all stunned, nearly falling from the sky as if struck by lightning.

The emperor was present?

Prince An's personal guard was equally shocked.

They couldn't have imagined that the mysterious expert was actually the emperor in disguise?

Today's series of events was truly shocking.

Both groups, especially the Grand Marshal's personal guard, were so frightened their legs weakened, instinctively wanting to salute.

"Enough, don't move, don't salute, just stay put and keep quiet," Emperor Longchang waved them off, intimidating both groups before continuing to question Wang Lixian's avatar, "Xian'er, what's going on?"

"The real Xian'er is inside, hidden in the Xi Rang Bracelet, ya ya," Lixian's avatar chirped, "Xian'er is special; the real and avatar can sense both sides, sharing everything. Father said this ability could be developed for remote video conferencing with the Heavenly Recording Disk."

"Father isn't entirely sure either. Sometimes he says it's some kind of wave communication, other times it's natural quantum communication, researching back and forth, so annoying."

Compared to before, Wang Lixian had matured slightly, speaking more fluently with fewer "ya ya" interjections, showing some progress. Her explanation clarified the situation.

In an instant, Emperor Longchang's expression darkened further: "Xian'er, are you saying the images on the Heavenly Recording Disk are the real-time events in the protected space?"

"Yes, ya," Wang Lixian replied succinctly.

Her earlier technical explanation had exhausted her, and as a slow-learning student, it was quite challenging.

"Can you distort or fabricate those images? Like creating fake scenes and voices of Dexin..." Emperor Longchang stopped mid-sentence.

He knew Wang Lixian's capabilities too well. Through decades of "diligent" tutoring, she barely managed basic arithmetic.

The idea that she could fabricate scenes was beyond belief for Emperor Longchang.

So, it seemed...

Emperor Longchang's expression grew increasingly grim. The upcoming images and voices made him want to rage and kill.

"Wang Shouzhe, Prince An, you have time to savor despair and fear. Experience what I've endured for decades. Because of you, Chengsi nearly died several times in the cannon fodder camp."

"Dexin, enough," the Grand Marshal's voice and image emerged, "Since you've won, resolve this quickly."

"Resolve it? Let me speak for you. Isn't it about killing Prince An and Wang Shouzhe, then framing everything on Wang Shouzhe, claiming this demon retaliated before dying and killed Prince An? In this private space, we can fabricate whatever we want."

"What if the emperor suspects? Without evidence, just like last time, even if he finds it suspicious, he'll still choose to trust you, Xiao Limei!"

"Dexin, shut up," the Grand Marshal's voice thundered.

"Xiao Limei, what are you afraid of?" Prince Dexin's voice was smug and arrogant, "In this protected space, unless a True Immortal descends, no one can save them. Xiao Limei, when did you become so timid? Nine hundred years ago, when you killed your wife, Princess Yushuang, weren't you bold?"

"You!" Xiao Limei roared in fury, "You promised never to mention that again."

"What?"

On the viewing platform, Prince Deshun was shocked and furious, eyes wide: "Back then, Yushuang was killed by Xiao Limei?"

Though he knew some of Wang Shouzhe and Prince An's plan, he only had a rough idea. This revelation was beyond his expectations!

Emperor Longchang's vision darkened, nearly collapsing.

In his long life, he had countless descendants, princes, and princesses, spanning many generations.

But those female descendants who left a deep impression on him numbered less than ten. Princess Yushuang was among them, holding a place in his heart akin to Wu Xue'ning and Wu Yiluo.

Traditionally, female descendants with potential to reach the Purple Mansion Realm were called "Little Princesses." Upon reaching the Purple Mansion Realm, they were officially titled "Princess" and given a title. If they had the chance to reach the Divine Realm, they were further honored as "Princess" with a title and land, treated as if they were his own.

In the Great Qian, princesses held high status, nearly equivalent to princes, except their offspring didn't bear the surname "Wu."

This tradition wasn't unique to the Great Qian; other empires following imperial systems had similar customs.

After all, the emperor's life was long, and his closest descendants had long passed. Naturally, he selected outstanding descendants to nurture. The rules for conferring "Prince" and "Princess" titles evolved accordingly.

Over hundreds or thousands of years, even with many generations between them, the emperor's relationship with these princes and princesses remained close, with frequent interactions.

Otherwise, living so long, the emperor would become isolated, losing humanity, possibly becoming a disaster. History had seen such cases.

It was this generational bond that kept the emperor emotionally rich and vibrant even in old age.

In this system, Emperor Longchang's affection for Princess Yushuang was deep, leading him to marry her to the outstanding young Xiao Limei from a military family.

At the time, Xiao Limei was young, handsome, with impressive military achievements and exceptional talent, a top choice for young noblewomen in the capital.

Moreover, such a marriage was beneficial for the empire's cohesion.

Because of Princess Yushuang, the military Xiao Clan's direct descendants also carried royal blood. This trust extended to the Xiao Clan and Xiao Limei.

But who would have thought that Princess Yushuang's death was at Xiao Limei's hands?

This revelation left Emperor Longchang both furious and heartbroken, his face turning pale.

"Your Majesty, you must stay strong," Prince Deshun hurriedly supported Emperor Longchang, setting aside his anger to comfort him, "Perhaps Dexin is lying."

Back then, Deshun, Dexin, and Xiao Limei were peers, close in age, having fought alongside the emperor, forming strong bonds. Princess Yushuang's death had driven a wedge between them, leading to estrangement.

"Ya ya," Lixian's avatar wrapped a branch around the emperor, infusing him with some life-giving immortal spirit energy.

Though the avatar had limited energy, it was a nourishing life force, somewhat alleviating the emperor's condition.

"Princess Yushuang's death did seem suspicious, but with Xiao Limei's testimony, it was..." Emperor Longchang, slightly recovered, took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with killing intent, "Xiao Limei, I trusted you, yet you dared to kill my Princess Yushuang!"

If he could locate the protected space, he might have killed Xiao Limei on the spot.

But just as he regained some composure, the images on the Heavenly Recording Disk continued.

Seeing Prince An and Wang Shouzhe's equally shocked and incredulous expressions, Prince Dexin grew even more smug: "Are you in despair now? Has the Grand Marshal's image completely collapsed in your eyes?"

"Dexin, what do you want?" Grand Marshal Xiao Limei demanded angrily.

"Don't rush~ I hate Wang Shouzhe and Wu Mingyuan to the core, especially Wang Shouzhe. I won't let him die easily. I want him to be destroyed in this hopeless space. I want him to kneel and beg me~~ hahaha~"

"So, Commandery Prince Hao's death, the Grand Marshal is also involved?" Wang Shouzhe's voice trembled, "I never expected the revered military god to be blackmailed for killing his wife, using his position to kill the Great Qian's future star, Commandery Prince Hao!"

"Wang Shouzhe, you only realized this now? You're not very smart. With me covering at the Ancestral House, the Grand Marshal could act cleanly, leaving no evidence," Dexin boasted arrogantly, "Today is the same. You two will die without leaving evidence. And you, Wang Shouzhe, will be cursed for eternity, implicating the Changning Wang's Clan."

"Scared? If you're scared, beg me. If you record yourself killing Prince An, I might give you a chance to be my dog, hahaha~"

A series of wild laughter echoed from the Heavenly Recording Disk.

"Dexin! You beast..."

The emperor roared in disbelief, but before he could finish, he spat blood, his face turning pale as he staggered.

He never imagined that after Xiao Limei's murder of his wife, Commandery Prince Hao's death would also be involved.

That was another beloved descendant, outstanding in character, strength, and ability, once holding great expectations. Yet, yet...

Dexin truly deserved death!

Emperor Longchang trembled with rage, unable to even curse Dexin, as that wretch was also his descendant, one he had trusted and valued.

"Your Majesty, stay strong," Prince Deshun urged, "Xian'er, save the ancestor."

"Ya ya, Xian'er is trying hard, but my life energy is almost gone," Wang Lixian said, feeling wronged.

Amidst overwhelming anger, Emperor Longchang felt deep sorrow.

He prided himself on his wisdom, yet he failed to teach his descendants properly.

Still, he couldn't bear to see Lixian suffer, shaking her branch away: "Xian'er, don't worry. I am the emperor; I won't die easily."

Aside from the emperor, the Grand Marshal's personal guard was most shocked.

As the Grand Marshal's personal guard, they held deep affection for him, many having grown up idolizing him.

Yet, they never imagined...

"Trouble!"

Among Prince An's guards, Wang An'nan suddenly jumped out, looking tense: "Though Prince An and my fourth great-grandfather revealed the truth, they're in the protected space. They can't possibly defeat Dexin and Xiao."

Emperor Longchang's heart tightened.

The protected space couldn't be opened until the spirit energy was depleted, even he was powerless.

"Don't worry, grandpa emperor," Wang Lixian reassured, "Father is prepared."

Phew!

The emperor sighed in relief, grateful the situation wasn't dire.

It made sense; Wang Shouzhe was always cautious, unlikely to trap himself.

Sure enough!

In the protected space.

Wang Shouzhe and Prince An exchanged glances, their expressions grim.

Though they were prepared, even setting this trap, hearing it all was still unsettling.

They hadn't known Princess Yushuang was killed by Xiao Limei.

They had long wondered why Xiao Limei conspired with Dexin. Now they understood, but it revealed another secret.

"It's about time," Wang Shouzhe sighed, "Xiao Limei has done much for the Great Qian and humanity. Let's leave him some dignity for the emperor to handle."

"Let's withdraw."

Prince An's expression was also somber and sad.

Though he hadn't met Princess Yushuang, she was a renowned princess, a role model for many royal women. Who would have thought such a heroine would die at her husband's hands?

"Withdraw? Where can you go?" Dexin sneered, "Are you so terrified you're losing your mind?"

"Dexin, you've lost everything for the throne," Wang Shouzhe sighed, "Desire can make or break a person. Enough, you're beyond reason."

"Xian'er, break the protected space."

"Okay, father~"

With Wang Lixian's cheerful response, her vibrant, life-filled form emerged from the Xi Rang Bracelet, landing in the protected space.

Though her size was compressed, her lush leaves, sturdy trunk, and the rich life energy and immortal spirit energy she exuded stunned Dexin and Xiao Limei.

Wang Shouzhe's contract with the Life Tree was a closely guarded secret, known only to a few in the Wang Clan and trusted allies like Emperor Longchang and Prince An.

Dexin and Xiao Limei, of course, had no idea. Caught off guard, they hesitated.

In that moment, Wang Lixian's strong roots pierced the protected space's barrier.

Instantly, the rich immortal spirit energy was rapidly absorbed into her.

Though not yet a True Immortal, Wang Lixian was a natural immortal plant with a powerful essence. Her unique nature allowed her to control and absorb the spirit energy others couldn't.

At least, she could drain the "Ancestor Panpan's Protection" of its spirit energy.

In a flash...Just as Prince Dexin's face changed dramatically and he roared, "How is this possible," the protective space vanished without a trace, like a soap bubble popping with a "pop."

Then, the four of them reappeared on the ceremonial bamboo platform as if nothing had happened.

"What is going on? How could that spirit plant be broken..." Prince Dexin murmured, seemingly in disbelief.

But before he could finish his sentence, he sensed something was wrong. He suddenly looked up, only to meet a pair of eyes beside him, eyes so furious they seemed ready to devour him.

Boom!

Prince Dexin felt his mind go blank, his legs so weak he nearly collapsed to the ground: "An-ancestor!"