Chapter 356: Imperial Guard Commander
Outside the creek forest, many young figures paced back and forth, impatience evident in their eyes.
"Still not out. Yan Yuping left so long ago, and he still hasn't crawled out," one person muttered angrily, clearly very irritated. Yan Yuping had said the princess would definitely want to see him, and it seemed that was true—he was inside, alone with her.
"Does anyone know who he is?" someone asked. The youths gathered here were all from the imperial palace—descendants of high officials or sons of princes. Not one was of ordinary status.
And Princess Duan Xinye was the ideal wife in many people's minds. Whether in terms of status, position, or beauty, Duan Xinye was the most suitable choice. They had all pursued her for some time, but were always blocked outside, not allowed entry.
"He's definitely not from the palace," someone replied. The crowd nodded in agreement. If he were from the palace, they would surely recognize him.
"Since he's not from the palace, we'll teach him a lesson when he comes out."
A cold voice rang out, and the crowd echoed the sentiment. They couldn't even take a single step inside, yet Lin Feng was alone with the princess inside, who knew what was happening. How could they not be furious?
At that moment, two figures approached from the distance. Seeing the one in front, the crowd immediately fell silent. It was him. He had come again.
The leader was also a young man, with a cold, stern expression that gave a mature impression. Behind him was another youth, sharp and blade-like in his demeanor.
"Is the princess here?" the leading youth asked as he approached, his tone flat but carrying a hint of authority.
"The princess is here, but I advise Commander She not to disturb her," one person said, causing the youth's gaze to sharpen as he looked coldly at the speaker. "What do you mean by that?"
The speaker felt the authority in the other's eyes and trembled slightly, a trace of fear rising within him. As one of the nine youngest Imperial Guard Commanders in the palace, She Qiong certainly carried a certain weight.
"A man went in earlier, and it's been a while. I'm afraid if Commander She enters, you might interrupt the princess," the person said again, making She Qiong's gaze harden, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.
Stepping forward, She Qiong headed straight into the depths of the creek forest, but was still blocked.
"Move aside," She Qiong said, his voice low but filled with authoritative anger.
Seeing this, the crowd smiled. She Qiong was of distinguished status and strong talent, having become the youngest Imperial Guard Commander in the palace, leading a unit of guards. He was superior to all of them, and he also liked the princess. Unfortunately, Duan Xinye still looked down on him, which gave them some comfort.
But they were still displeased that Princess Duan Xinye had been alone with Lin Feng for so long. Now that She Qiong was leading the way, they could also sneak in.
"The princess said she doesn't want to be disturbed," the maid blocking the way said coldly, refusing to yield.
"If you don't move, don't blame me for forcing my way in," She Qiong said coldly.
"Do you dare?"
"What wouldn't I dare? Second Prince Duan Wudao himself said I could come here freely," She Qiong said flatly.
"She Qiong, you have some nerve!" At that moment, a sharp shout came from inside. The crowd looked inward, and their eyes narrowed.
Duan Xinye's graceful figure appeared there, but behind her was another person—the same Lin Feng who had gone in earlier.
Lin Feng stood there, looking at She Qiong. This youth was strong, his aura completely restrained, yet it still felt oppressive.
And he had just said Duan Wudao allowed him to come freely? That sentence made a strange light flicker in Lin Feng's eyes.
"Xinye," She Qiong called out to Duan Xinye, his gaze softening slightly. But when he turned to Lin Feng, a fierce authority surged forward, his eyes cold as he demanded, "Who are you?"
Lin Feng didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze shifted slightly, landing on the youth behind She Qiong. His eyes narrowed. It was him.
"His name is Lin Feng," the youth said, looking back at Lin Feng with eyes as sharp and cold as blades.
"Lin Feng." The crowd's eyes narrowed. Although they had never met Lin Feng, they had certainly heard of his name.
"So you're Lin Feng," She Qiong said coldly, his gaze sweeping over Lin Feng with a chill. "But you're just a mere Crimson Blood Marquis. What right do you have to stand beside the princess?"
Lin Feng still didn't look at She Qiong. He kept his eyes on the youth behind him, his mind racing. This youth was none other than Blade Master Leng Yue. He had appeared in the imperial capital, following behind She Qiong. That meant the person who had rescued Leng Yue from Tianluo Ancient City that day was likely someone from the imperial capital.
But Blade Master Leng Yue was a disciple of the Bright Moon Sect. When had he established ties with the imperial capital?
"She Qiong, shut up!" Duan Xinye snapped coldly when she heard She Qiong insulting Lin Feng. "I said no one is allowed to step foot here without my permission, and you dare to force your way in?"
"Xinye, you know my feelings," She Qiong replied, then turned his cold gaze back to Lin Feng. "Xinye, he's just a Crimson Blood Marquis. Though his talent isn't weak and he has some reputation, he's ultimately a commoner. How could you let him into your residence and tarnish your reputation?"
"That's none of your business!" Duan Xinye's face darkened as she shouted angrily.
"Are you just going to hide behind a woman?" She Qiong said, his cold gaze boring into Lin Feng when he saw the latter remained silent.
Lin Feng frowned. He had known that with Yan Yuping gone, he wouldn't have peace. This was the imperial palace, after all. These youths were all nobles of the court, sons of princes and high officials, with lofty statuses. And they all admired Duan Xinye. Of course they would make things difficult for him.
"So what do you want?" Lin Feng stepped forward, his eyes suddenly sharp as they clashed with She Qiong's in the air.
"My name is She Qiong, Imperial Guard Commander of the palace. Xinye is a princess. Everyone here holds a marquis title, or is a descendant of high officials, or the son of a prince. You, a mere Crimson Blood Marquis, standing here—aren't you ashamed? And what right do you have to be with Xinye? What do you have to compare with these people?"
She Qiong spoke with authority. Besides being an Imperial Guard Commander, he had another identity—one that even Duan Wudao treated with caution and respect. He had always believed that he was the one most suited for Duan Xinye. What was Lin Feng?
"Is that so?" Lin Feng sneered. "You have noble status, very impressive. But there's one thing where you fall short of me."
"Name it," She Qiong said coldly.
"If Xinye says she's willing to be with any of you, I'll leave immediately," Lin Feng said flatly.
The moment the words fell, She Qiong's gaze hardened. At the same time, Duan Xinye walked over to Lin Feng and actually linked her arm with his. This sight made everyone's pupils contract, and they were filled with rage.
That one thing Lin Feng mentioned was Duan Xinye's heart. Duan Xinye's heart was set on Lin Feng—that was something none of them could ever have.
"Xinye, don't be fooled by a petty man's sweet talk. A commoner like him will stop at nothing to cling to power and influence. He can give you nothing," She Qiong said, trying to persuade Duan Xinye. "But I, She Qiong, am different. If you like it, I can give you everything you want."
"Is that so?" Duan Xinye asked She Qiong.
"Of course," She Qiong nodded affirmatively.
"Then what I want is for you to disappear from my sight right now. Get lost!" Duan Xinye said coldly, making She Qiong's expression freeze. Finally, his gaze shifted away from her and landed on Lin Feng. If he couldn't change Duan Xinye's mind, then he would destroy Lin Feng.
"Lin Feng, I'll give you one more chance. Leave Xinye on your own, and I won't pursue this," She Qiong said, his voice carrying a threatening chill.
Lin Feng's expression also turned cold. "Xinye already told you to get lost. How do you still have the face to stand here?"
"You're asking for death," She Qiong said icily.
"Is that so? I don't think so," Lin Feng said, his brows rising with a hint of pride. Their gazes clashed in the air.
"You don't think so? Then, Lin Feng, do you dare to take one punch from me?" She Qiong said coldly.
The crowd sneered inwardly. They all knew what kind of person She Qiong was—ruthless in his attacks. If Lin Feng dared to take one punch, he would either die or be crippled.
[End of Chapter]