The Demon Lords

"Enjoy yourselves. Let Blind Bei come to my room."

Zheng Fan had Siniang. Although he had never managed to score, the unique pleasure of her 'needlework' was exquisite. Therefore, he couldn't just satisfy himself while his men remained hungry.

However, Xue Three shook his head and walked from the doorway to Zheng Fan. The second-floor floorboards were old, so they let out a "CREAK... CREAK..." sound as he crossed the corridor.

"My lord, did you hear that?" Xue Three asked in a low voice.

Zheng Fan had a flash of realization; he understood.

"Even when someone as short and small as your subordinate walks here, the floorboards creak. Yet, when that fat madam walked past just now, there wasn't a single sound."

"It seems someone has infiltrated the inn, intending to harm Hui Wenzu."

So I'm Hui Wenzu's savior then? I actually stumbled upon this.

It's quite funny when I think about it. Back then, outside the Earl of North Border's residence, Zheng Fan had wanted to assassinate Fatty Hui. For this, he had even mobilized the Left Valley King of the Barbarian Royal Court.

But as luck would have it, Fatty Hui had gotten off his carriage to relieve himself at that very moment.

He literally had a lucky escape.

But now, Fatty Hui is about to become my direct superior. And I, who originally wanted to kill him, now have to protect him.

At this moment, a junior official holding a lantern emerged from downstairs. He waved the lantern towards Zheng Fan, who was standing in the corridor above, and then departed.

This was to inform Zheng Fan that Hui Wenzu had returned; since he was staying in a courtyard, he wouldn't be using the main gate of the posthouse.

Just then, Blind Bei also emerged from his room, his eyes meeting Zheng Fan's.

"My lord, go quickly and warn Hui Wenzu. Tell him to be prepared."

Zheng Fan nodded and descended the stairs alone. Xue Three and Blind Bei did not accompany him; they were presumably to cover the perimeter and provide support.

The personal soldiers at the entrance of the Grade A Courtyard had changed. It was likely the guards who had accompanied Hui Wenzu on his visit to friends during the day; they had just come on duty. Those responsible for Hui Wenzu's safety when he went out visiting friends during the day would undoubtedly be his most elite personal soldiers. Moreover, these two actually recognized Zheng Fan. Upon seeing him appear here, both were startled, then their expressions immediately turned wary, and they placed their hands on their sword hilts.

"Zheng Colonel, is that you?" one of the personal soldiers asked.

"It is I, Zheng. Please trouble yourselves to inform Lord Mingzheng that I am here to see him."

If it had been someone else trying to curry favor, make an impression, or pull strings, the personal soldiers might have stopped them, thinking Hui Wenzu had just returned and was tired. But seeing it was Zheng Fan—an adversary their lord detested to the point of grinding his teeth—they dared not be negligent. One of the soldiers immediately went inside to announce him.

"Let him in! Quick, let him in!"

Hui Wenzu's voice came from inside, and he himself was also hurrying towards the entrance.

The personal soldiers at the door no longer blocked his way. Zheng Fan walked in and saw a colossal mountain of flesh bearing down on him.

Hui Wenzu had lost a significant amount of weight on his journey back from the Earl of North Border's residence. Now, however, it appeared he had completely regained it, perhaps even surpassing his former heft.

This was Yinlang County, not Beifeng Prefecture, and the surroundings were guarded by his trusted personal soldiers. Thus, Hui Wenzu was quite relaxed, chuckling heartily as he strode over to greet Zheng Fan.

Zheng Fan, however, had no time to exchange pleasantries with Hui Wenzu about the joy of their reunion.

He lowered his voice and said rapidly, "Sir, be careful! An assassin intending to kill you has infiltrated this posthouse. Your humble subordinate came to inform you immediately upon receiving the news."

"ARGH!"

"AAAH!"

Just then, two bloodcurdling screams erupted from beyond the courtyard's outer wall. Evidently, some of Hui Wenzu's personal soldiers had been shot dead.

What surprised me was that I had originally assumed the assassins would use poison, infiltrate, or try to get close to Hui Wenzu by offering some service. I truly hadn't expected them to just brazenly charge in.

Simultaneously, a furious, unified roar erupted from outside:

"Yan bastard Zheng Fan! A blood debt must be paid in blood! Surrender your life!!!"

"..." Hui Wenzu.

"..." Zheng Fan.