Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 183 Encirclement and Suppression by the Army

The auction is nearing its end.

On the stage, the Pavilion Master quietly breathed a sigh of relief and clapped with a smile, "The auction has now concluded. Thank you all for your support..."

Although there were some twists and turns along the way, fortunately, everything turned out alright and the trip ended successfully.

The voice just fell.

"Master, Miss Murong, something has happened..."

A servant rushed in from outside, anxiously saying, "The old Duke Shen has personally led 100,000 imperial guards to demand an explanation. He's threatening to hand over Young Master Li, or else..."

"Otherwise what?"

Seeing the servant hesitate and remain silent, Murong Qinglan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Then... raze the Imperial Treasure Pavilion to the ground."

The servant stammered, then added, "However, it wasn't the old Duke Shen who said this, but the fourth master of the Shen family, 'Shen Hong'."

"Raze the Imperial Treasure Pavilion to the ground, what arrogance!"

Murong Qinglan's starry eyes narrowed, and a hint of intimidating aura unconsciously emanated from her. "I'd like to see how he'll flatten..."

Her words trailed off as she suddenly realized something, frowning and whispering, "Wait, you said Old Duke Shen, the Shen family..."

The next moment, Murong Qinglan turned to look at Shen Ming and exclaimed in surprise, "Could the Shen family members outside be your relatives?"

"Uh...yeah."

Shen Ming nodded awkwardly and quickly explained, "I knew nothing about this matter. I didn't expect the Emperor to send my grandfather here..."

As he spoke, he carefully observed Li Wudao's expression, afraid of saying the wrong thing and incurring the other party's displeasure, thus ruining all his previous efforts.

Seeing this, Li Wudao found it somewhat amusing.

He knew that Shen Ming was intentionally explaining it to him.

"I see."

Unaware of the situation, Murong Qinglan suddenly realized what was happening. She then bowed apologetically and said, "I apologize, Young Master Shen. I misspoke just now. Please don't take offense."

If it were Shen Ming's clansmen causing trouble outside, she really wouldn't be able to retaliate.

The Xuantian Sect behind them is not to be trifled with.

"It's alright, Miss Murong, there's no need to worry."

Shen Ming waved his hand, inwardly groaning.

At this moment, Xiang Leping stepped forward and volunteered, "Miss Murong, let me handle this matter. Perhaps there is room for negotiation."

But Shen Ming shook his head. "Let me go. I still have a voice in front of Grandpa."

"Alright, then I'll trouble you, Young Master Shen."

Murong Qinglan pondered for a moment and nodded.

After Shen Ming left.

She turned to look at Li Wudao, her eyes sparkling, and smiled slightly: "Young Master Li, rest assured, I can fully represent Yu Bao Ge and stand with you through thick and thin."

With a glance, her smile was captivating, outshining even the most beautiful flowers.

Many men in their prime felt a surge of energy within them, staring blankly at the young woman before them, forgetting to think.

"So...so beautiful!"

"That one smile was enough to captivate all living beings and make men all over the world flock to her."

"She seemed to smile at me just now."

"Bullshit! He's clearly smiling at me!"

"........."

For some inexplicable reason, several young men who looked like playboys started arguing heatedly, their faces turning red and their necks bulging. They even ended up fighting, with blood streaming down their faces and their noses swollen and bruised.

"Miss Murong, you are very kind."

Li Wudao's eyes were clear and unwavering, his mind as clear as a mirror.

The reason the other party showed goodwill was simply because they valued his talent. What would happen in the future was uncertain, so he naturally wouldn't have any improper thoughts.

And then I saw this dramatic scene.

Li Nanzhi felt a little jealous and muttered unhappily, "Tch, is it really that exaggerated... It's just laughing, who can't do the same?"

Immediately, she couldn't help but grin, forcing out an almost overflowing smile.

She grabbed Li Wudao's arm, blinked, and asked through gritted teeth, "Cousin, do I look good when I smile?"

"So...beautiful."

Li Wudao remained silent for a moment.

You're my blood cousin, and you're standing there jealous and envious. What kind of behavior is that?

Aren't you afraid that if your aunt finds out, she'll chase you all over the yard with a 40-meter-long machete?

Is this the natural tendency of women, especially beautiful women, to compare themselves to each other?

"Let's go out and take a look."

A moment later, he shook off the jumbled thoughts in his mind and stepped outside.

Outside the Imperial Treasure Pavilion at this time.

It was already completely surrounded by 100,000 imperial guards.

The streets were teeming with soldiers clad in black scale armor. Each soldier had a fierce expression, a halberd planted in the ground, and a chilling killing intent emanated from them. They were clearly elite warriors skilled in battle.

"Even 100,000 Imperial Guards have been mobilized. This time, I, the Minister, would like to see if you can escape unscathed..."

Miao Mingda, who had been guarding the entrance of Yubaoge, felt increasingly confident as he saw the army approaching.

It should be noted that those who can enter the Imperial Guard are all elites, at least high-level True Essence Realm martial artists, and there are no fewer than a hundred Martial Grandmasters at the level of Junior Commander.

Using such a well-trained army of powerful individuals to capture and kill a mere teenager is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut—a waste of its potential.

"Lord Shen, that brat dared to kill the Second Prince and even cripple the Wang family head's cultivation. He is truly audacious. He must be brought to justice today!"

Miao Mingda stepped forward and condemned it with righteous indignation.

Before the dark, imposing army, Shen Huaimin, clad in silver-gray armor, sat high on his warhorse. Though old and frail, his eyes were sharp and piercing, giving off an imposing and dignified aura.

"Are you instructing the Prince on how to do things?"

On horseback, Shen Huaimin glanced down at him, his eyes like deep pools, their depths unfathomable.

"Don't dare."

With just one glance, even Miao Mingda, who held the position of Minister of War, could only lower his head and dare not look directly at his sharp edge.

This is the ruling power of a veteran of two dynasties, the military god of the Great Yu Dynasty, whose reputation was earned through real battles.

"I'm sorry you don't dare either."

Shen Huaimin snorted coldly.

"Father, the Imperial Treasure Pavilion still refuses to hand over the person. What should we do? Should we force our way in?"

Shen Hong, standing to the side, looked somewhat anxious.

If this matter is handled poorly, the emperor will inevitably take the opportunity to attack the Shen family and demand military power, which is naturally something he does not want.

"No rush. Since that person dared to kill a prince and seriously injure the head of the royal family, he must have some unknown trump card. Let's wait and see. We can only take action if things get really bad."

Shen Huaimin's eyes flickered with uncertainty; he too felt the situation was tricky.

"Grandpa, Fourth Uncle..."

Suddenly, a familiar voice reached my ears.

Under the astonished and uncertain gazes of the soldiers, Shen Ming walked out of the entrance of the Imperial Treasure Pavilion and quickly approached Shen Huaimin.

"Ming'er, what exactly is going on?"

Shen Huaimin frowned slightly, preparing to ask for the reason.

He believed that given Shen Ming's personality, he wouldn't do anything to betray the Shen family.

"Grandpa, this can't be explained in just a few words. In short, you should go back. You mustn't touch that boy."

Shen Ming spoke frankly.

"Oh? Give Grandpa a reason."

Shen Huaimin was taken aback, his eyes hardening, determined to give an answer.

Shen Ming glanced at the endless army, then at Miao Mingda not far away, and walked up to him, whispering in his ear:

"He is a true disciple of the Xuantian Sect, the only disciple of the head of the Misty Peak, and is highly valued by the sect leader, with an excellent relationship with the sect leader's personal disciples..."

Upon hearing "true disciple of the Xuantian Sect," Shen Huaimin's old face changed slightly; it turned out to be a fellow disciple.

However, when he heard the rest of the introduction, he was completely moved, his eyes flashing with surprise, and he could not calm down for a long time.

Seeing his grandfather's shocked and stunned expression, Shen Ming took a deep breath and solemnly whispered, "Therefore, you cannot touch Junior Brother Li. Even the Emperor of Great Yu... is not qualified."

Shen Huaimin nodded in agreement, "Ming'er, you did the right thing."

Such a background and identity are indeed not something that the mere Great Yu Dynasty can afford to provoke.

Immediately, he hesitated, his face showing difficulty, and said, "But your grandfather is also not free to do this now. If I just leave like this, not only will I lose face, but the entire Shen family will also be criticized."

After pondering for a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Then tomorrow, you can have that young master Li come down and pretend to exchange a few blows with me. At that time, I will pretend to be defeated and take the opportunity to retreat. I can fool him when I get back."

Shen Ming thought it was feasible after hearing it.

He nodded in agreement and turned to walk towards the Imperial Treasure Pavilion.

They had only taken a couple of steps when they looked up and saw a large group of people, led by Li Wudao, walking down the street.