Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

On the day of the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, the morning sun shone on every corner of the capital, bathing the ancient city in a golden glow. The streets were lined with people, dressed in their finest attire, their faces beaming with anticipation, all witnessing this solemn moment.

The site of the sacrificial ceremony was solemn and dignified, with red ribbons fluttering in the wind and a huge altar standing in the center, surrounded by colorful flags. Fu Heng, dressed in court attire, solemnly inspected the site, checking every detail of the security.

"My lord, everything is ready, we are just waiting for His Majesty's arrival," a subordinate reported.

Fu Heng nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping through the crowd: "We must not let our guard down. The Shadow Cult could launch an attack at any moment, so we must remain highly vigilant."

Meanwhile, the Empress and Consort Ling accompanied Hongli as they slowly made their way to the site of the sacrificial ceremony. The procession was grand and imposing, with guards in full armor, long swords in hand, their expressions focused.

"Your Majesty, today is the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven. I hope you will be careful in everything you do," the Empress said softly, her eyes full of concern.

Hongli nodded slightly: "I understand. With Fuheng and others making careful preparations, I am confident that the ceremony will be successfully completed."

Consort Ling also said, "His Majesty is blessed with great fortune. This ceremony will surely be a complete success, and may he bless our dynasty with favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace and prosperity."

The procession arrived at the site of the sacrificial ceremony, and Hongli, surrounded by the crowd, slowly walked onto the altar. Below the altar, civil and military officials stood in neat rows, while the common people knelt down to pay their respects.

Just then, Fuheng noticed several figures in the crowd behaving strangely. Their eyes darted around, not focused on the Emperor like the others, but looking everywhere. Fuheng's heart tightened, and he immediately gave his men a look, signaling them to keep a close eye on these people.

Lord Sun stood among the officials, outwardly calm but inwardly extremely nervous. He kept glancing at the altar, waiting for the signal to act.

"Sir, those suspicious men seem to be waiting for something. Should we take action immediately?" one of his subordinates whispered to Fu Heng for instructions.

Fu Heng frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Wait a little longer and see what they're up to. Don't make any rash moves, lest you alert them."

Just then, the Emperor began the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven. Holding the sacrificial vessels, he solemnly prayed to Heaven and Earth. The entire hall was silent, with only Hongli's voice echoing in the air.

Suddenly, the suspicious-looking individuals in the crowd began to move. They swiftly drew weapons from their robes and charged towards the altar. At the same time, a group of men in black emerged from the surrounding area, engaging the guards in fierce combat.

"Protect the Emperor!" Fu Heng shouted, leading his men to charge at the men in black. In an instant, shouts of battle and the clash of weapons mingled together, plunging the once solemn ceremony into chaos.

"Your Majesty, let's go!" The Empress and Consort Ling hurriedly protected Hongli, and several guards quickly surrounded them and moved them to a safe place.

Seeing that the time was right, Lord Sun also drew his hidden dagger and mingled into the chaos, attempting to get close to the Emperor.

Fu Heng fought fiercely through the crowd. His martial arts skills were superb, and he quickly defeated several men in black. However, the number of men in black increased, and the situation became increasingly critical.

"These Shadow Cult scoundrels dared to assassinate the Emperor in broad daylight! Their crimes are unforgivable!" Fu Heng's eyes widened in anger, and he brandished his long sword with great force.

Just as Fuheng was engaged in fierce combat with the men in black, one of his subordinates noticed Lord Sun's unusual behavior and immediately shouted, "Sir, Lord Sun is up to no good! He's plotting against the Emperor!"

Fu Heng was startled and immediately rushed towards Lord Sun's direction. At this moment, Lord Sun had already approached the Emperor's guard circle. Seizing the opportunity, he suddenly pounced on Hongli.

"Don't harm the Emperor!" Fu Heng leaped up and thrust his sword at Lord Sun. Lord Sun dodged to the side, but Fu Heng circled around, seizing the opportunity, and suddenly pounced on Hongli.

"Don't harm the Emperor!" Fu Heng leaped up and thrust his sword at Lord Sun. Lord Sun dodged to the side, but Fu Heng's sword still grazed his arm.

"You traitor, today is your death day!" Fu Heng glared at Lord Sun, his eyes filled with rage.

Lord Sun gritted his teeth: "Fu Heng, you ruined my plans! Even if I die today, I will drag you down with me!" With that, he brandished his dagger and engaged in a fierce battle with Fu Heng.

Meanwhile, the Empress and Consort Ling, under the protection of their guards, had already been moved to a safe area. Looking at the chaotic scene, Hongli was furious: "These traitors, how dare they be so audacious! They must all be annihilated!"

"Your Majesty, rest assured, we will surely wipe out the traitors in one fell swoop!" the guards shouted in unison.

Under Fuheng and his guards' valiant resistance, the men in black gradually succumbed and fell one after another. Lord Sun, too, gradually became exhausted in his fight with Fuheng and was eventually subdued.

"Speak! What other schemes do you have? Where are the other members of the Shadow Cult?" Fu Heng pressed Lord Sun to the ground and asked sternly.

Lord Sun snorted coldly: "Hmph, you think capturing me is all that matters? The Shadow Cult is too powerful for you to ever destroy!"

A ruthless glint flashed in Fu Heng's eyes: "Even if you don't speak today, I will still uproot the Shadow Cult!"

With the last man in black subdued, the crisis at the sacrificial ceremony was temporarily averted. The grounds were a mess, stained with blood. But the people cheered when they saw that the emperor was unharmed.

Hongli stepped forward, looking at Fuheng and the guards, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Fuheng, you have made a great contribution again. If it weren't for your timely intervention, I'm afraid my life would be in danger today."

Fu Heng knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is blessed with boundless fortune. I have only done my duty. Although the Shadow Cult has suffered a heavy blow, it still has remnants. I will continue to investigate and will not let them escape justice."

Hongli nodded slightly: "Good, I believe you. Although there were some twists and turns in this sacrificial ceremony, it also allowed me to see the true face of the Shadow Cult. Issue my decree that the remnants of the Shadow Cult be hunted down throughout the country and brought to justice as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the crowd replied in unison.

After this harrowing crisis, the sacrificial ceremony finally resumed. Hongli straightened his clothes and, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, completed the ritual. Sunlight bathed him, seemingly bringing this eventful ceremony to a perfect close. This contest between good and evil further solidified people's belief that justice will ultimately triumph over evil.

This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.