Chapter 127: Liu Qingxu Comes to the Rescue

“It turns out you are Elder Liu of the Qitian Sect, what an honor! The others may be released, but Wu Tian is a wanted criminal and cannot be freed,” the commander of the city guard said, bowing slightly to Liu Qingxu.

“That’s right. Wu Tian killed a city guard in Xinye City, which is an act of rebellion against the royal family. He is a traitor to the Kuangwu Empire and must not be set free!” Wei Aoxiong nodded in agreement.

“From what I understand, it was Deputy City Lord Wei Shaocheng who mobilized the city guards to arrest Wu Tian. However, it seems he does not have the authority to do so. According to Kuangwu Empire law, unauthorized mobilization of the city guard is considered treason,” Liu Qingxu said with a faint smile.

Wei Aoxiong’s expression darkened as he defended, “Wu Tian caused trouble in Xinye City. As Deputy City Lord, it is my duty to arrest him. How could I possibly be guilty?”

“Commander, why not give the Qitian Sect some face and release Wu Tian? We will certainly report to the royal family in due course,” Liu Qingxu said, ignoring Wei Aoxiong and looking directly at the commander, the real decision-maker here.

“Well…” The commander hesitated, knowing the Qitian Sect had good relations with the royal family, but also that Wu Tian was a wanted man in Xinye City. Without official pardon from above, he had no authority to free Wu Tian.

“Commander, Wu Tian must not be released. Think about it—he killed a city guard, openly defying the royal family. If you free him, you are harboring a traitor and will surely be punished!” Wei Aoxiong urged as he saw the commander waver.

“Elder Liu, I am but a lowly servant of the royal family. Please do not trouble me. If I had orders from above to release Wu Tian, I would, but without such orders, I cannot decide on my own,” the commander said helplessly, shaking his head.

“Commander, your wisdom is admirable. I salute you,” Wei Aoxiong said smugly, bowing in flattery.

“In that case, does the personal written decree from the Eighth Prince count as official orders?” Liu Qingxu calmly unfurled a golden scroll and asked.

Everyone present changed expressions instantly.

“The… the Eighth Prince’s personal decree?” The city guard commander’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at the golden scroll. Upon seeing the distinctive royal seal, he immediately dropped to his knees. “It is the Eighth Prince’s decree. I will obey! Quickly, unbind Wu Tian and his companions!”

“The Eighth Prince’s decree? How is this possible?” Wei Aoxiong was nearly stunned. When did Wu Tian have any connection to the Eighth Prince?

“This is the Eighth Prince’s personal decree. Xinye City is his fiefdom. Naturally, he has the authority to lift Wu Tian’s bounty. Deputy City Lord Wei, what say you?” Liu Qingxu narrowed his eyes.

“Of… of course he does!” Wei Aoxiong stammered. Though reluctant, he knew the Eighth Prince was a royal and lord of Xinye City and thus had the right to release Wu Tian.

At that moment, Niu Wuji and the others stared at Wu Tian in surprise. Although they had traveled with him for a long time, none knew when he had come to know the Eighth Prince.

“Boss, you’re amazing! You actually have connections with the Eighth Prince. When did this happen?” Niu Wuji asked, astonished.

“Just by chance once. Counting this, the Eighth Prince has helped me twice. I should pay a visit to thank him properly sometime,” Wu Tian said thoughtfully.

Niu Wuji was speechless. His boss described it so casually that it was clear he didn’t take the matter seriously. Indeed, a boss like no other, unlike ordinary people.

By then, the city guards had removed the chains from Wu Tian and his companions.

“Commander, I apologize for the disturbance today. May I ask if Wu Tian and his group may now enter the city?” Liu Qingxu asked.

“Of course. Guests of the Eighth Prince are naturally welcome. Please, enter,” the commander replied.

Liu Qingxu smiled gently at Wu Tian. “Xiao Tian, welcome to the Imperial City!”

“Elder Liu, thank you for your help. Otherwise, I might have ended up in prison.”

“Since I personally selected you in Pingyang City, I must take responsibility. Let’s go; it’s getting late. We should enter the city,” Liu Qingxu said warmly.

Following Liu Qingxu, Wu Tian and the others entered the Imperial City.

They had traveled half a day from fifty miles outside the city before finally arriving at the true Imperial City.

Truly worthy of the Kuangwu Empire’s capital, its scale was tens of times larger than Tianmen Pass. From afar, the city walls seemed endless, and the magnificent vermilion gate radiated grandeur.

Passing through the vermilion gate, the bustling scene inside stunned Wu Tian and his companions. The dazzling buildings almost overwhelmed their eyes. It was evening, yet the city was ablaze with lights, the air filled with all manner of calls and shouts.

At the city’s center stood a towering golden palace stretching into the clouds.

“Xiao Tian, this is the Imperial City. That golden palace is the royal family’s residence. Our Qitian Sect headquarters lie to its east. You will rest at an inn tonight. Tomorrow morning, you and Niu Wuji will report to headquarters. I have other matters to attend to and must leave now,” Liu Qingxu said before taking his leave.

“No problem, Elder Liu.”

After Liu Qingxu hurried away, Niu Wuji was captivated by the dazzling sights before him. “Boss, this Imperial City is unbelievably prosperous. We’ve been traveling so long; let’s go all out and have some fun tonight!”

“Where do you want to go?” Wu Tian, also young, was naturally inclined to enjoy himself.

“Boss, how about we go there?” Niu Wuji looked at Wu Tian with a suggestive expression.

Every man understood that look, and Wu Tian was no exception. He returned the same knowing smile and then said to Xiaohui, “Xiaohui, we’re going out tonight. You and Qingqing must be tired from the long journey. Find an inn to rest, alright?”

“Master, I’m not tired. I’ll go with you. If you need anything, I can help,” Xiaohui said earnestly.

“Xiaohui, the place we’re going to isn’t really suitable for you and Qingqing. Do you understand?” Wu Tian scratched his head and asked.

“Um… Xiaohui doesn’t understand,” she blinked and shook her head.

“Alright, I’ll just be straightforward,” Wu Tian said with some helplessness, leaning close to whisper in Xiaohui’s ear, “Xiaohui, we’re going to a brothel. But don’t get the wrong idea—I’m just going to relax, nothing else.”

Hearing this, Xiaohui blushed deeply, her face flushing all the way to her ears.

“Since Master is going out to have fun, Xiaohui won’t disturb. I’ll find an inn first. Qingqing, let’s go!” Xiaohui said, still flushed as she took Qingqing’s hand and left.

“Sister Hui, where exactly is Master going? Why can’t we follow?” Qingqing asked, confused.

“You don’t need to ask. In any case, we’re going to rest,” Xiaohui replied.

At that moment, Old Li pointed at Qingqing and said, “Master, you guys go have fun. I won’t go. I’ll stay to protect Qingqing and Xiaohui.”

“Old Li, come on, come have fun with us!” Niu Wuji pulled at Old Li.

“Don’t drag me. You go by yourself,” Old Li shrugged off Niu Wuji and followed Qingqing to find an inn.

“Old Li is such a blockhead, he can’t even relax properly!” Niu Wuji waved his hand, speechless.