The three protectors didn't understand why Lin Haoming was staring at them with such an odd expression. Fearing for their lives, they quickly lowered their heads. "Senior Brother, we were only ordered to protect the Emperor of Southern Liang. Since he was killed due to a family matter, we know how to handle ourselves!"
They were essentially saying they wouldn't report the incident to save their own skins. Li Shuntian, still an outer disciple at heart, didn't have the nerve to push them further. Instead, he turned his cold gaze toward the assembled civil and military officials.
"Liu Yang, point out everyone who was close to my second brother!" Li Shuntian commanded.
The officials trembled under Liu Yang's predatory gaze. Just as the eunuch was about to speak, Lin Haoming intervened. "Junior Brother Li, as I said, do not involve too many people. They are merely subjects; killing them won't help your mother."
Since Li Shuntian had sworn a blood vow of loyalty to Lin, he couldn't refuse. Though confused, he nodded. "Senior Brother Lin is right."
The officials let out a collective sigh of relief, some collapsing to the floor in puddles of cold sweat. Lin Haoming, however, looked incredibly frustrated.
He had just saved dozens of lives—people who were visibly grateful—yet his Merit Bead hadn't reacted at all. Not even a spark.
Is it because they are mortals? Lin wondered gloomily. If mortals couldn't provide merit, his entire plan to use Li Shuntian's royal status to play hero was a total bust.
---
The Purge of the Palace
"Liu Yang, arrest everyone within three generations of Li Yitian's family!" Li Shuntian barked. Since he couldn't kill the ministers, he would vent his rage on his brother's kin.
Liu Yang scurried off to obey, but returned moments later with a worried face. "Ninth Highness, Princess Yongfu has been taken in as a disciple by the Celestial Master. Should we arrest her too?"
Li Shuntian hesitated and glanced at Lin Haoming. Seeing Lin give a slight nod, he commanded, "Arrest her!"
"But... the Princess has learned some immortal arts. I fear my men cannot catch her," Liu Yang said.
"Then I'll see what my niece is capable of!" Li Shuntian, riding the high of his new magic tool, followed Liu Yang out, leaving the confused court behind.
The inner palace, usually a place of quiet serenity, was plunged into chaos. Screams and pleas for mercy echoed through the halls. When they reached the Princess's palace, the gates were barred. Li Shuntian simply blew them open with a fireball.
His men rushed in, but Princess Yongfu was gone. Under interrogation, a maid revealed that the Princess had a tracking talisman on the Emperor. The moment he died, she had fled to find her master.
---
A Bitter Realization
Li Shuntian's mood soured. He ordered the capture of the Emperor's concubines and maids instead. Seeing the crowd of beautiful women weeping and begging, Li Shuntian coldly ordered, "Kill them all!"
"Wait!" Lin Haoming called out again. "Junior Brother, your grudge is with your brother. These maids are innocent."
Li Shuntian was baffled. Is Senior Brother Lin a saint? Or does he just want these women for himself? Despite his confusion, he obeyed.
Lin Haoming was even more miserable than before. He watched the maids bow to him in tearful gratitude, yet the Merit Bead remained dead silent. It was official: The Merit Bead only responded to the gratitude of cultivators.
Lin felt a twinge of genuine compassion for the women, but his strategic mind was already racing to pivot. His charitable streak was interrupted by a streak of light in the sky.
A handsome scholar in white robes descended on a green flying sword, a beautiful young woman—Princess Yongfu—clinging to his arm. This was Senior Brother Qian, the late-stage Qi Refining inner disciple stationed in Southern Liang. And he did not look happy.