Chapter 9: Means (2)

“I—I was deceived by the people of Great Zheng, I was tricked! Your Highness, have mercy!” This time, Zhao Tiande had learned his lesson and immediately pleaded.

Yan Chuan stared at Zhao Tiande, a cold sneer curling his lips. “At this point, you still want to lie to me? Do you take me for a fool? Sever his arm!”

“Yes!” Huo Guang responded at once.

“No, don’t!” Zhao Tiande screamed.

A sharp crack followed.

Zhao Tiande’s right arm was broken by Huo Guang.

A blood-curdling scream tore from his throat.

“Speak!” Yan Chuan barked coldly.

There was no spite in Zhao Tiande’s eyes now—only terror. A devil, this Yan Chuan is a devil, a real devil!

“Speak!” Huo Guang shouted as well.

Zhao Tiande trembled all over. Still, he gritted his teeth and stammered, “Every word I told you is true, every word—!”

“Heh, I detest liars, especially people like you. Since you still refuse to tell the truth, Huo Guang, tear out his tongue,” Yan Chuan said coolly.

Tear out his tongue?

Zhao Tiande’s eyes went wide with horror. He kept telling himself, “He wouldn’t dare, he wouldn’t dare.”

But Huo Guang paid him no heed. He reached out, gripping Zhao Tiande’s jaw, and with his other hand, reached for Zhao Tiande’s tongue.

“I’ll talk! I’ll talk!” Zhao Tiande cried out in terror.

He realized Yan Chuan was deadly serious. If he lied again, his life would end here and now.

With a slight wave of Yan Chuan’s hand, Huo Guang stepped respectfully aside. Huo Guang’s eyes were bright with admiration. Once, being assigned to guard Yan Chuan here had left him frustrated; he’d thought his ambitions would end in this remote post. But Yan Chuan’s methods today filled him with hope.

What man does not wish to achieve greatness in his life?

“Speak,” Yan Chuan said indifferently.

“Yes. The Worship Group from Great Zheng entered this ‘Sealed Forest’ with their army. The family head decided to use this chance to ally with Great Zheng’s worshippers and kill you! I—I was only to lead the way,” Zhao Tiande stammered, trembling.

“Why?” Yan Chuan asked, puzzled.

“It was the family head’s decision—because you are the Peerless Prince, and of the Yan bloodline!” Zhao Tiande stuttered.

“The Yan bloodline? So, your Zhao family is plotting to usurp the throne?” Yan Chuan’s voice was calm.

With the mind of an emperor, Yan Chuan immediately saw the heart of the matter. If the Yan imperial bloodline were wiped out, the legitimate rule of Great Yan would fall to himself. Killing him now would sever Great Yan’s last hope, and framing Great Zheng would further confuse the Yan Emperor. Besides, his own death might be something the Yan Emperor secretly desired—his status was too unique.

“Usurp the throne?” The soldiers nearby gasped in horror.

“The Zhao family’s ambition knows no bounds!”

“No, no, it isn’t so!” Zhao Tiande stammered, shaking.

Yan Chuan was done listening to Zhao Tiande’s protests. Instead, he asked, “The Worship Group of Great Zheng—why would they come after me?”

“I—I really don’t know!” Zhao Tiande shook his head desperately.

“Oh?” Yan Chuan’s face darkened.

“I—I truly don’t know, but I heard that the Worshippers from our own Great Yan will soon be arriving here too. Not just the worshippers—even, even people from the Immortal Sects may come as well. That is all I know, I swear!” Zhao Tiande babbled, spilling everything he knew.

Yan Chuan looked at Zhao Tiande in silence, digesting the news.

“Prince Yan, I was only confused for a moment. I beg you to spare my life!” Zhao Tiande wailed.

“Your Highness, how shall this man be dealt with?” Huo Guang asked respectfully.