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

Chapter 866 Turning Everything to Ashes

Zhu Xiong Ying glanced at the way he was supporting the woman and couldn't help but chuckle: "So he's a protector of flowers. But..." He paused, turned slightly to the side, and his aura suddenly changed, like an emperor surveying the world from the heavens, "Do you think I need a reason? She touched my sword, so she should pay the price for the consequences of that sword."

After saying that, he turned his gaze to the woman on the ground: "Kneel down."

This was the second time he had declared "kneel down," but this time, the surrounding world seemed to murmur along with his voice. The woman, who was already unable to withstand the invisible pressure emanating from Zhu Xiong Ying, trembled all over at this moment. Finally, she could no longer hold on and knelt down, her pale face filled with humiliation and resentment.

"I don't like to explain. Once I've taken action, I have to admit it." Zhu Xiong Ying looked at the woman, his voice calm as water, yet it subtly revealed an unassailable domineering aura. "Speak, who sent you? I'm not the only one who had a conflict with your master yesterday."

The woman remained silent, as if determined to die rather than submit. The tall man, however, panicked and quickly shielded her from Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze: "Your Majesty, she is not an assassin! She...she misunderstood your intentions! My young lady only wanted to protect her family, not kill you!"

Zhu Xiong Ying raised an eyebrow slightly, remaining noncommittal, clearly uninterested in delving into whether the other party had "misunderstanding." His gaze revealed more of a playful disdain and a faint chill. He remained standing with his hands behind his back, pacing casually, his tone as relaxed as if he were reprimanding a child who had made a mistake: "Oh? So, were you kneeling to heaven and earth, or to the broken rules of this secret realm? No one has ever dared to insist on such rudeness before me, yet today someone has insisted on playing along."

The hall was deathly silent. The accompanying civil and military officials held their breath, some with complex expressions. Why was His Majesty so attached to this strange woman who clearly had a hidden story? This was a matter of historical secrets being tested and righted during the trials. The masters, equally preoccupied, stared solemnly at the ever-changing image above them, resembling a war god.

The tall man was about to argue further, but Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand impatiently, interrupting him. He slowly walked to the woman kneeling on the ground, looking down at her with a playful smile on his lips: "I'll give you two choices. One, reveal the mastermind, and I'll spare your life. Two, continue to be stubborn, and I'll make you wish you were dead."

He paused, then his tone suddenly turned icy cold: "My patience is limited, don't challenge me."

The woman bit her lip tightly, her face deathly pale, and large beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. She glanced up at the man supporting her, a flicker of struggle in her eyes, but ultimately lowered her head and remained silent.

"Very well." Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, a ruthless glint in his eyes. "Since you refuse to listen to reason and are forced to drink the penalty cup, then don't blame me for being impolite."

He raised his right hand, his index and middle fingers joined together, a golden light condensing at their tips, pointing directly at the woman's brow. The light was dazzling, containing terrifying energy, as if it could turn everything to ashes.

"Your Majesty! Stop!" Upon seeing this, the tall man's expression changed drastically. He quickly stepped in front of the woman and shouted hoarsely, "Your Majesty, please have mercy! The young lady was just confused for a moment and did not intend to offend Your Majesty!"

Zhu Xiong Ying paused slightly, looking at him with a half-smile: "Oh? You're going to take this blow for her?"

"I am willing to give my life for Miss's safety!" the tall man replied without hesitation, his tone firm.

"Commendable courage." Zhu Xiong Ying chuckled, withdrawing the golden light from his fingertips. "However, do you really think I would kill her?"

He turned his back, stood with his hands behind his back, and said indifferently, "I am the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty. How could I lower myself to the level of an ant? However, she may be spared the death penalty, but she will not escape punishment. Guards, drag her away and give her fifty lashes!"

Two guards rushed forward and dragged the woman away. The tall man, seeing this, immediately knelt and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy!"

"Get up," Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand. "Remember, my mercy is not boundless. If this happens again, I will not let you off lightly!" "Yes! Your subordinate will remember!" the tall man replied hastily.

Having dealt with this minor incident, Zhu Xiong Ying seemed to be in a much better mood. He looked around, his gaze settling on the various expressions of the masters, and a playful smile appeared on his lips: "Masters, are you satisfied with my actions just now?"

The masters exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to respond. Although they had heard of Zhu Xiong Ying's methods, witnessing it firsthand still left them somewhat shocked. This young emperor was not only powerful but also ruthless, decisive, and utterly cunning.

"Your Majesty is wise and mighty, deterring the villains. We admire you to the extreme." An elderly man with white hair and beard spoke first, breaking the silence.

“Yes, His Majesty is majestic and awe-inspiring,” the other masters echoed.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled but said nothing more. He knew these people were only flattering him out of respect for his status and power. However, he didn't care about such insincere praise. What he wanted was genuine awe, for everyone to dare not disobey his will!
"Alright, let's move on." Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand and took the lead into the depths of the secret realm.

Everyone hurriedly followed, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

As they ventured deeper, the scenery within the secret realm became increasingly bizarre. Towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, exotic flowers and rare herbs bloomed everywhere, and all sorts of strange and rare beasts roamed among them, leaving them dazzled by the sights.

"Your Majesty, look!" a minister exclaimed, pointing to a giant tree not far ahead.

Zhu Xiong Ying followed his finger and saw that the trunk of the giant tree was covered with golden fruits that emitted an enticing fragrance.

"This is... the Golden Spirit Fruit?" A master recognized the fruit, his tone filled with surprise.

The Golden Spirit Fruit is an extremely precious spiritual fruit that can enhance a martial artist's cultivation, strengthen their physique, and prolong their lifespan. For martial artists, the Golden Spirit Fruit is undoubtedly a coveted treasure.

"Haha, it seems we're in luck." Zhu Xiong Ying laughed loudly, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes.

He flashed and instantly arrived in front of the giant tree, reached out and picked a golden spirit fruit, and put it in his mouth.

A surge of rich spiritual energy instantly flowed into his body, making him feel refreshed and full of energy.

"These are indeed fine things!" Zhu Xiong Ying exclaimed. "I will take all these Golden Spirit Fruits back with me!"

At this moment, a sudden change occurred!
The giant tree suddenly began to shake violently, and cracks appeared on its trunk, from which countless black vines surged forth, sweeping towards Zhu Xiong Ying!

(End of this chapter)