The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 722 Who is the real emperor!

He became bloodthirsty and brutal, killing indiscriminately. He no longer valued human life; whether they were soldiers from an enemy country or civilians from his own, anyone who stood in his way would be mercilessly eliminated.

His atrocities aroused concern and dissatisfaction among the court officials. Li Shanchang repeatedly tried to remonstrate with him, but was rebuked each time.

"Li Shanchang, you've grown old and timid!" Zhu Xiong Ying sat on the dragon throne, his eyes icy cold. "How dare anyone question my empire!"

Li Shanchang sighed helplessly. He knew he could no longer stop this mad emperor.

One late night, Zhu Xiong Ying was cultivating in his palace when he suddenly felt a severe headache. He clutched his head in agony and rolled on the ground.

"Ah!" he screamed, feeling as if his body was being torn apart.

The mysterious voice rang in his ears once more: "Are you prepared for the price of power?"

Zhu Xiong Ying gritted his teeth, enduring the pain: "I... am not afraid!"

"Very well." The voice was full of sarcasm. "Then let me see how long you can hold out!"

Zhu Xiong Ying's body began to change; his skin turned pale, his nails became sharp, and his eyes turned blood red. He felt a powerful force surging within him, almost driving him to madness.

He suddenly stood up and smashed the wall with his fist.

"Hahahaha!" He laughed wildly, his voice filled with madness, "I... am invincible!"

He stormed out of his bedchamber and wreaked havoc throughout the palace. The maids and eunuchs fled in terror, only to be caught and brutally murdered by him.

Blood stained the walls of the palace, and the air was thick with the stench of blood.

Bai Suzhen hid in a corner of the palace, trembling with fear. She had witnessed Zhu Xiong Ying's madness firsthand, and her heart was filled with terror and despair.

"Brother Xiong Ying..." she sobbed softly, "What's wrong with you...?"

Suddenly, Zhu Xiong Ying appeared in front of her, his eyes bloodshot, like a wild beast.

"Who...are you?" he asked hoarsely, his voice filled with unfamiliarity.

Bai Suzhen was so frightened that she dared not speak, and could only shake her head desperately.

Zhu Xiong Ying grabbed her hair and lifted her up.

“Speak! Who are you!” he roared.

Bai Suzhen's eyes were filled with fear. She knew that the man in front of her was no longer the Xiong Ying brother she once deeply loved.

“I am… Suzhen…” she said, trembling.

Zhu Xiong Ying paused for a moment, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.

“Suzhen…” he murmured to himself, as if he had remembered something.

Suddenly, he threw Bai Suzhen to the ground, covered his head, and groaned in pain.

"Ouch! My head...it hurts so much!"

He rolled on the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Upon seeing this, Bai Suzhen quickly crawled over and helped him up.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"

Zhu Xiong Ying raised her head, her eyes filled with pain and struggle.

"Suzhen...save me..."

His voice was weak and filled with helplessness.

Bai Suzhen's heart trembled violently. She seemed to see her former brother Xiong Ying, the gentle, considerate, kind and upright brother Xiong Ying.

"Brother Xiong Ying..." She hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face. "I will save you... I will definitely save you..."

Just then, shouts of battle erupted outside the palace. "The rebels have stormed in!"

A eunuch rushed in, shouting loudly.

Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly raised his head, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

"Rebels?" He sneered. "Perfect, let me test my new power!"

He shoved Bai Suzhen aside, staggered to his feet, and walked outside.

"Brother Xiong Ying!" Bai Suzhen tried to stop him, but he pushed her to the ground.

"Don't stop me!" he roared. "I'll show them who the real emperor is!"

He rushed out of the palace and disappeared into the night.

Bai Suzhen collapsed to the ground, watching his retreating figure with despair, her heart filled with fear and unease. She knew that an even greater disaster was about to befall her…

Bai Suzhen watched helplessly as Zhu Xiong Ying disappeared into the night, her heart breaking. The rebels had stormed the palace, yet he was acting so mad; how could she not worry? She struggled to her feet and stumbled after him.

Chaos reigned in the palace, flames soared into the sky, and shouts of battle deafened the air. Bai Suzhen struggled to dodge the fleeing crowds and flying swords, her mind filled with only one thought: to find her brother Xiong Ying!

She finally found him in the Imperial Garden. He was standing on a rockery, covered in blood, looking like a madman, fighting a group of rebels. His strength was astonishing; every punch and kick carried an overwhelming force. The rebels were like ants before him, utterly powerless to fight back.

However, his eyes remained bloodshot, filled with madness and a bloodthirsty desire. He was no longer the gentle and considerate older brother, but a bloodthirsty demon.

Bai Suzhen's heart ached as if it were being torn apart. She rushed to him without hesitation, shouting, "Brother Xiong Ying! Stop! They are your people!"

Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly turned around, his blood-red eyes staring intently at her, as if he wanted to devour her.

"Your people?" He laughed wildly. "They're all traitors! They all deserve to die!"

He swung his palm at Bai Suzhen, who was unable to dodge in time and was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground and spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Suzhen!" Zhu Xiong Ying seemed to regain consciousness for a moment, a trace of pain and struggle flashing in her eyes.

But he quickly reverted to his frenzied state and continued to slaughter the rebels in front of him.

Bai Suzhen struggled to her feet, tears blurring her vision. She knew that if she didn't stop him, he would completely lose himself and become a true demon.

She gritted her teeth, rushed towards Zhu Xiong Ying again, and hugged him with all her might.

"Brother Xiong Ying! Wake up! It's me, Su Zhen!" she cried out, her voice hoarse.

Zhu Xiong Ying's body trembled slightly, and a trace of confusion flashed in her eyes.

“Suzhen…” he murmured to himself, his tone tinged with doubt.

Bai Suzhen held him tightly, feeling his body trembling, and a glimmer of hope ignited in her heart.

"Brother Xiong Ying, do you remember me? I am Su Zhen, your beloved Su Zhen!"

She repeated the phrase over and over again, hoping to awaken his dormant memories.

Suddenly, Zhu Xiong Ying's body began to tremble violently. He let out a painful roar, clutching his head with both hands as if he wanted to tear his skull apart.

"Ouch! My head...it hurts so much!"

He rolled on the ground in agony, his body convulsing.

Bai Suzhen held him tightly, not daring to let go. She knew this was a crucial moment for him to regain his senses, and she absolutely could not give up.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhu Xiong Ying's trembling gradually subsided, and his breathing became even.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze clear, no longer filled with the bloodlust and madness of before.

"Suzhen..." he called softly, his voice weak but full of tenderness.

(End of this chapter)