313: Nie royal family

Twenty years ago.

In the land of Qinghe, within the Xian Dynasty, the Nie Zheng Royal Family was renowned.

Back then, the power of the Nie Zheng Royal Family was comparable to an Immortal Country, or even stronger.

However, the Nie Zheng Royal Family vanished overnight, as if they had never existed.

The twentieth year of Wanli.

Nevernight City.

The cries of battle outside the city were deafening, and the imperial palace was in a state of chaos and ruin.

It was as if a great battle had destroyed everything within the imperial city.

The high throne within the imperial city.

An old man dressed in a goose-yellow brocade robe sat quietly on the high throne. He looked haggard, his hair in disarray; it seemed his spirit had suffered a significant blow.

This person was the world's number one, the Bai Xian Emperor. He possessed formidable strength and was also the Sect Master of the Nie family.

“Grandpa Emperor! The enemy has already broken in. You must leave quickly; I will see you out!” Nie Mingjue's face was grim, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Nie Mingjue was deeply worried. Now, the enemy was everywhere outside the city. If they didn't leave now, the enemy troops might storm in.

And when that time came...

...no one in the imperial city would be able to escape!

“Child, you go quickly. You don't need to worry about this place!” The Bai Xian Emperor said grimly as he slowly looked around.

The imperial city was now in ruins, long stripped of its former glory.

Looking at this scene, the Bai Xian Emperor felt a pang of bitterness in his heart, feeling even more helpless.

If the Nie family's power had been greater, such a coup wouldn't have happened. It was internal strife that had weakened the Dynasty's strength.

Otherwise, things wouldn't have come to this!

“Grandpa Emperor! I'm not leaving. I have the royal Bloodline; I should stay with Nevernight City. If I leave, what about you? What about the citizens of Nevernight City?” Nie Mingjue clenched his fists tightly, unwilling to accept this.

However, Nie Mingjue's strength was weak, and there was nothing he could do.

Thus, Nie Mingjue shook his head helplessly and let out a long sigh.

“Your father has already died on the battlefield defending against the traitors. You must leave; you absolutely cannot stay here!” The Bai Xian Emperor's face was grim, his pupils shrinking.

The Crown Prince was dead, and the Imperial Grandson, Nie Mingjue, would be the only direct Bloodline of the Nie family.

If anything happened to Nie Mingjue, the Nie family would truly be finished.

The Bai Xian Emperor understood in his heart that no matter what happened, Nie Mingjue had to survive. He was the hope of the Nie family.

Even if the Nie family didn't make a comeback, at least Nie Mingjue would live on, carrying the Bloodline of the Nie royal clan in his veins.

With Nie Mingjue around, it was as if the Nie Dynasty still existed.

“No! Grandpa Emperor, if we leave, we leave together. I won't leave you behind!” Nie Mingjue clenched his fists tightly, filled with indignation.

However, aside from such persuasion, Nie Mingjue had no other way.

“Child, now is not the time for you to be willful. You must leave Nevernight City, the further the better. Live well, and don't think about revenge! Do you understand?” The Bai Xian Emperor's face was grim as he reached out a trembling hand to gently stroke Nie Mingjue's face.

At this moment, the Bai Xian Emperor's eyes were red, and he choked up.

As the dignified Sect Master of the Nie family and the world's number one Bai Xian Emperor, he could lose, and he could afford to lose. But the only thing he couldn't let go of was his young grandson, Nie Mingjue.

“Mingjue, you must promise your grandfather one thing. Leave Nevernight City and go to the Northern Border. Your Royal Uncle is still there; perhaps he can help you!” The Bai Xian Emperor's eyes grew moist. “Child, do you remember?”

“Grandpa Emperor, I don't want to leave. I want to be with you. I've already lost my father; I don't want to lose you too, Grandfather!” Nie Mingjue was already in tears as he threw himself into the Bai Xian Emperor's embrace.

Then, Nie Mingjue reached out and hugged the Bai Xian Emperor tightly.

At this moment, Nie Mingjue understood very well that if he let go, he might never see him again for the rest of his life.

Nie Mingjue had already lost his father; he didn't want to lose his grandfather too!

Grandfather was Nie Mingjue's only remaining relative!

“A Zheng!” The Bai Xian Emperor murmured, then gently pushed Nie Mingjue away.

The Bai Xian Emperor was also unwilling, but facing such a situation, he had no other choice.

The rebels were already attacking the city. It was only a matter of time before the gates of Nevernight City were breached. If they delayed any longer...

...then I'm afraid no one will be able to leave!

The Bai Xian Emperor didn't want to leave Nie Mingjue here, and even less did he want the Nie family Bloodline to end like this!

The Nie family must have descendants!

“Emperor, your subordinate is here!” The Nie Family Commander, A Zheng, stepped forward and knelt on one knee, cupping his hands in a formal salute.

At this moment, A Zheng understood even better.

This grand salute might be the last time he ever paid his respects.

Nevernight City was about to be breached, and the Bai Xian Emperor would use his own life to protect the last of the Nie family Bloodline.

For this goal, the Bai Xian Emperor would give his life, proceeding without hesitation.

“Take the Dragon Guards and the Imperial Grandson and leave. Remember, as long as you are alive, you must protect the Imperial Grandson. If anything happens to him, you don't need to come back to see me; simply take your own life.” The Bai Xian Emperor's face was grim, his expression solemn.

In truth, the Bai Xian Emperor had already made up his mind. If the rebels breached the city gates...

...then the Bai Xian Emperor naturally wouldn't live on in dishonor. He would lead the Nie family Disciples to fight until the last moment, preserving the Nie Family's prestige even in death.

The people of the Nie family only die in battle; they are not deserters!

“Yes, Emperor! If my protection is inadequate, A Zheng will slit his own throat!” A Zheng said seriously, not appearing to be joking.

The Nie family Dragon Guards were the final force protecting the Nie family Disciples.

And since the Bai Xian Emperor had already deployed this force, it indicated one thing.

The Nie family had truly encountered a life-or-death crisis; otherwise, the Bai Xian Emperor would never have used this force.

“Good, go now!” The Bai Xian Emperor slowly stood up, letting go of Nie Mingjue.

When the Bai Xian Emperor slowly picked up his Sword, he was destined to walk this path.

The Bai Xian Emperor had no other choice; only by fighting to the death could he preserve the Nie family's reputation.

Seeing this.

A Zheng didn't waste any words and went straight to Nie Mingjue's side.

“Imperial Grandson, let's go. Don't stay here any longer.” A Zheng's face was grim as he reached out to pull Nie Mingjue up.

“Let me go! I'm not leaving! I want to stay with Grandpa Emperor!” Nie Mingjue struggled to break free, but he couldn't muster any strength.

“Nonsense! How can you not understand? If you stay here, there is only death for you!” The Bai Xian Emperor was furious, his scolding accompanied by a very solemn expression.

Hearing this, Nie Mingjue felt helpless. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

A Zheng held onto Nie Mingjue tightly, refusing to let go or allow him to leave.

Then, A Zheng raised his hand and made a knife-hand motion.

“Young Master, forgive me.” A Zheng had already made up his mind; even if he had to use unconventional means, he would take Nie Mingjue away.

“A Zheng, go!” The Bai Xian Emperor's eyes were red as he looked back at A Zheng.

Their eyes met.

A Zheng and the Bai Xian Emperor locked eyes, and then A Zheng nodded firmly, understanding the Emperor's meaning.

“Grandpa Emperor!” Nie Mingjue cried out, not wanting to give up like this.

Nie Mingjue only had his Grandpa Emperor left. If even his Grandpa Emperor died here...

...then Nie Mingjue would have no relatives left. In this vast world, he would be all alone.

His remaining life would be filled with only loneliness and endless helplessness.

“Forgive me!” A Zheng reached out and struck Nie Mingjue's neck with a sharp knife-hand blow.

Nie Mingjue immediately lost consciousness and fell into a deep sleep.

Seeing this, A Zheng's face was grim and his expression solemn.

If possible, A Zheng wouldn't have wanted to do this, but he truly had no other choice.

“Emperor, if there is a next life, A Zheng will still be your Dragon Guard!” A Zheng was naturally a man of few words.

In A Zheng's eyes, there was only the mission; nothing was ever more important than the mission. To others, A Zheng was a cold and icy person.

A Zheng was an eccentric; he seemed to have no emotions, no joys or sorrows, and didn't understand how to enjoy life.

For twenty consecutive years, A Zheng had guarded the southern gate of the imperial city, never leaving for a single step.

A Zheng was waiting for an order, an order that would allow him to pick up his Sword once again.

And today, the Bai Xian Emperor gave A Zheng this chance to hold his Sword forever, but it would be the last time he saw the Emperor.

“Emperor!” A Zheng kowtowed heavily; before leaving, he performed the highest form of etiquette.

“A Zheng, it's been twenty years since Xuanwu Pass and you haven't held a Sword. Do you blame me?” the Bai Xian Emperor suddenly asked.

After saying this, the Bai Xian Emperor lowered his head, his thoughts unknown.

However, A Zheng remained silent, his expression turning strained.

“Emperor, you had me seal my Sword because I lost my Sword Heart. I no longer knew for whom my Sword should be swung.” A Zheng suddenly looked up, his bright eyes staring at the Bai Xian Emperor.

“Now I know why I hold the Sword.”

“And only now am I qualified to pick up the Longyuan Sword!”

A Zheng bowed three times before slowly standing up and picking up the Longyuan Sword.

At this moment, A Zheng still hadn't unsealed the Sword, merely holding the scabbard.

“Then what are you holding the Sword for now?” the Bai Xian Emperor asked again.

Anyone who possessed the Longyuan Sword would eventually be consumed by it if they didn't have Sword Intent in their heart.

Without a Sword Heart, one would not be qualified to use the Longyuan Sword.

And A Zheng had already lost his Sword Heart; he didn't know why he should pick it up, much less his purpose for doing so.

A Zheng could not master the Longyuan Sword, nor could he master his own Sword Intent.

Under such circumstances, the Bai Xian Emperor had forced A Zheng to seal his Sword.