The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 65

Chapter 65: The Protagonist Must Die

"He responded sweetly and promptly; Shi Chen immediately seized Nie Jia's jaw and kissed him passionately, holding him tightly in his arms, unable to wait any longer.

Nie Jia endured some self-inflicted pain on the bed, even his voice became hoarse from moaning. When he had no strength left in his body, unable to even open his eyes, he wouldn't refuse if Shi Chen wanted another round. Every time Shi Chen saw him exhausted and about to sleep, he felt pity and refrained from pushing him too much, instead opting to engage just once a day, sparing him for a shorter duration.

Inside the hall, the two were deeply engrossed, completely forgetting that the Crown Prince was still waiting outside.

Jun Changyue had never been coldly treated by his elder brother except when pleading for Sikong Han. He used to meet him without any prior notice, not needing permission to enter the Crimson Cloud Palace. Although this time, despite enduring the wait patiently in an attempt to reconcile with his brother, seeing that an incense stick's time had passed and no summons came, Jun Changyue became impatient.

He wanted the eunuch to announce his presence again, but the eunuch suggested it was late and advised him to return early.

Jun Changyue grew annoyed and, disregarding everything, moved forward to force his way through the doors. Nobody anticipated this action from the Crown Prince. Although the palace inhabitants hadn't expected it, considering the leniency his elder brother had shown him previously, there was no one to stop him momentarily.

As the doors were pushed open by Jun Changyue, the sleeping chamber of the Crimson Cloud Palace remained as empty as before, with only a majestic dragon bed.

The sight on the bed stunned Jun Changyue; he saw a man with crimson scratches on his back, a slender and powerful figure. A pale, delicate leg hung from the waist, emitting faint, feeble moans.

Jun Changyue barely glimpsed these details before the man on the bed coldly turned his sharp profile and icy wolf-like eyes towards him. With a swift motion, a gust full of killing intent slammed the door shut, driving a dazed Jun Changyue out.

His forehead throbbed from the door's impact, bringing him back to his senses. The image he had just witnessed made him panic; he couldn't fathom what he had seen.

The undisclosed secrets of the king, witnessed by himself... Jun Changyue felt increasingly anxious. Not only had he not reconciled with his brother, but even when his brother had indulged him in the past, Jun Changyue couldn't guarantee he wouldn't face punishment for this.

The more he thought, the more panicked he became. Despite kneeling in the cold breeze, he was drenched in sweat.

Shortly after, the doors opened again, and a pair of dark boots stepped in front of Jun Changyue, along with a bloodied blade. A voice as cold as frost poured down on him, 'What did you just see?'

Jun Changyue raised his head, meeting a pair of eyes filled with murderous intent, which scared him into a short, sharp scream. He fell down the steps, fearful and panting, glancing anxiously towards the demon-like figure down the hallway.

'What did you see?' Shi Chen's expression remained blank; with the blood blade in hand, he took a step forward, the blade dragging on the ground, sparking.

He was slightly angered, treating Jun Changyue as if he were a corpse. If Jun Changyue had seen Xiao Guojun's body and seductive demeanor, Shi Chen wouldn't hesitate to sever his head!

'I saw your... and the prince's leg... I didn't see anything else!' Jun Changyue had never experienced such imminent pressure of death; he couldn't dare to lie. Even though he was the highly esteemed Crown Prince, at that moment, facing a guard, he not only dared not raise his head but also felt his courage crumbling.

'Go.' Shi Chen sheathed the blade, and the suffocating killing intent dissipated. He turned and re-entered the chamber, gently closing the door behind him. Meanwhile, Jun Changyue, in disarray, heaved a sigh of relief, pushed away the eunuch trying to help him up, and hurriedly fled the Crimson Cloud Palace.

Inside, Nie Jia had already drifted into a deep sleep, his hand still roaming aimlessly. Shi Chen smiled and walked over, taking Nie Jia's hand. Finally, Nie Jia settled down, falling into a peaceful slumber.

Meanwhile, Jun Changyue rushed back to General Yunhui's residence. Sikong Han was lying on the bed, slightly tipsy, but he forced himself to focus and talk to Jun Changyue.

Jun Changyue recounted what he saw at the Crimson Cloud Palace to Sikong Han, his voice still tinged with fear, 'I may not have seen the leader of Xuanjia, but I can never mistake that demon blade. It must be him! I didn't expect him to be with the prince...'

He stopped in time, his heart pounding. Sikong Han listened, and a hint of mocking smile played on his lips, 'No wonder, each of the Xuanjia's twenty-one members is skilled, especially their leader. I've always been curious why such a figure would faithfully follow a weak ruler. Now I know.'

Sikong Han's face was indeed captivating, especially his pair of faintly golden eyes like dazzling stars, a rare sight in the world. Had he not been a ruler, he would've surely been a renowned artist by now.

'It seems even heroes succumb to the allure of beauty,' Sikong Han sneered contemptuously, pouring a cup of cold tea for Jun Changyue.

Upon receiving the unexpected blow from the weak ruler, Sikong Han momentarily felt surprised. Since his rebirth, he had been contemplating if he had underestimated the weak ruler all along. To be able to control Xuanjia's twenty-one, there must be more depth to him. Now, it appeared to be nothing more than exchanging power for the throne, a nauseating display of power and indulgence.

Jun Changyue sat beside him and spoke, 'He seemed afraid that I actually saw something. I thought he might kill me.'

'He wouldn't dare. You're the Crown Prince; if he killed you, the people of Yan Country wouldn't forgive him. He knows the consequences.' Sikong Han comforted him, holding his hand, 'But now, things have become easier. If we can make Xuanjia twenty-one loyal to me, Jun Changsheng's head will be as good as in my pocket.'

Sikong Han clenched his fist on his knee, exerting force until his knuckles turned white."

General Changyue, despite being the Silent King, knew very little about the twenty-one Xuanjia. It wasn't until after the Sikong family's incident that he learned about this inscrutable group standing beside the king. He couldn't provide useful information about them, unable to assist Sikong Han. Worried, he asked, "But do you hate the Xuanjia enough that if we could bring them under our command, give them a way out, would you be content?"

"Afterwards, I'll kill them," Sikong Han replied coldly, almost reflexively.

He paused, his neck stiffened, a faint sense of shame flooding his eyes. His implication moments ago intended to use the Xuanjia to slay the tyrant, then ruthlessly eliminate the Xuanjia later. It was a despicable act unbefitting of a gentleman... Sikong Han's face reddened slightly with embarrassment, but in his semi-drunken state, it wasn't apparent.

He blinked, trying to hide his embarrassment, glancing at Changyue, seemingly afraid of any negative judgment.

Changyue, however, didn't dwell on it. He simply nodded, his admiration and affection for Sikong Han unchanged, holding his hand affectionately. "The twenty-one Xuanjia aided tyranny; it should be done."

Sikong Han relaxed a bit, saying nonchalantly, "This matter requires careful consideration, no need to rush."

"I understand. It's a pity I couldn't see King Brother today; otherwise, I could have spoken about you to him earlier, instead of waiting for tomorrow's palace banquet to recommend you," Changyue remarked.

Sikong Han brushed it off, "It doesn't matter; he always indulges you. It makes no difference whenever it's said."

Changyue nodded without further comment, simply leaning quietly beside him.

That night, the palace bustled with activity as various departments worked tirelessly from dawn, preparing for the banquet the next day.

This banquet didn't hold much significance; it was arranged by the king to celebrate the great victory of the Northwest Army and to honor those who contributed. Nie Jia, looking fatigued from a restless night, appeared weary, almost dozing off while seated. As they entered the resplendent Nine Dragon Hall, courtiers, officials, consorts, guards, and servants kneeled in greeting.

Nie Jia waved his hand lazily, "Rise." Surveying the grand feast, he sensed an undercurrent of hostility; each person seemed to glare at him with contempt.

Shi Chen stood by Nie Jia's side today, not dressed as Xuanjia but in a black robe similar to the attire worn in the Small Kingdom's court. Embroidered with golden auspicious clouds at the cuffs and hem, exuding an aura as cold as a unsheathed sword, it sent shivers through the courtiers. Many generals were astonished, having never seen this person before.

Music played, and Nie Jia idly drank, finding the banquet rather dull. He pulled Shi Chen to drink together.

Meanwhile, the courtiers began whispering, speculating about the unidentified person beside the king. His attire didn't reveal his status, but his intense aura seemed ingrained in his blood! To have such a person in Yan Country, the courtiers were utterly clueless.

Only a few courtiers who had witnessed the spectacle during the triumphant return of the Southern Yi Iron Cavalry at Xuanwu Terrace recognized him.

Although his attire was completely different now, devoid of the menacing steel mask, those wolf-like eyes filled with a palpable killing intent were enough for the courtiers to recognize him.

He was the leader of the Xuanjia!

Seated beside the Cloud Banners General was Sikong Han, also drinking steadily, using the cup to mask his contemptuous smirk. He avoided looking at the figure on the throne, fearing he wouldn't be able to hide his intense hatred.

"Where is the Left Vanguard of the Northwest Army?" Nie Jia grew impatient, dismissing the tedious performances with a clear voice.

The courtiers fell silent. Sikong Han placed down his cup, adjusted his military robe, and stepped forward, kneeling in the hall, paying homage. "I, Du Yuxian, humbly greet Your Majesty."

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