Having many children brings many blessings; the struggle for power begins with marriage.

Chapter 253 My Woman

Wang Jiantao and his men were not there to assassinate Lu Chen, so they did not immediately launch an arrow attack on Lu Chen's carriage. Instead, they came out and surrounded Lu Chen's carriage and the guards of the Prince's Mansion.

Bai Qingqing then asked expressionlessly, "Who are you people?!"

Wang Jiantao and the others were wearing cloaks and their faces were covered with cloth, so their faces could not be seen. However, Bai Qingqing obviously knew who these people were, and she was just asking casually.

She grew up in the place where the shadow guards were trained, and she was also one of Wang Jiantao's students. She was very clear about the martial arts aura emanating from Wang Jiantao. As soon as Wang Jiantao came out, Bai Qingqing knew that he had arrived.

At this moment, Wang Jiantao said coldly, "Commander Bai has been very busy lately, so busy that he has even forgotten his own duties."

Hearing the commotion outside, Lu Chen lifted the carriage curtain and said with a smile to Bai Qingqing beside the carriage, "Xiao Bai, do you know them?"

Bai Qingqing replied expressionlessly, "Your Highness, I don't know him!"

Upon hearing Bai Qingqing's words, Wang Jiantao snorted coldly, "Commander Bai really has a bad memory; she doesn't even recognize her own adoptive father."

"Since you chose to betray the organization, I believe you were already prepared to die."

As he spoke, Wang Jiantao drew the knife from his waist.

Without hesitation, Bai Qingqing drew her sword and said to the guards of the Prince's residence, "Protect the Prince!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Bai Qingqing headed straight for Wang Jiantao, who was not far away.

Apart from Wang Jiantao, the other shadow guards did not follow suit. They continued to surround the guards and carriages of the Prince's Mansion, seemingly having no intention of harming Lu Chen.

They came here only to eliminate Bai Qingqing, the traitor. Although the Northern King was also a headache for Emperor Xia, Emperor Xia did not order them to take action against him, so they had no choice but to separate the Northern King and Bai Qingqing.

At this moment, Lu Chen got out of the carriage and sat down next to the coachman, watching Bai Qingqing and Wang Jiantao fight.

Listening to the conversation between Wang Jiantao and Bai Qingqing, Lu Chen realized that Wang Jiantao was probably the one who trained Bai Qingqing to be a shadow guard. To train a shadow guard without emotions, Bai Qingqing must have suffered a lot of torment when she was a child. Therefore, Lu Chen wanted Bai Qingqing to try to take revenge for herself.

Lu Chen would only intervene if Bai Qingqing was truly no match for Wang Jiantao. As a Grandmaster, he was aware of every rustle and movement around him. If Bai Qingqing was in danger, he would be able to save her immediately.

Just as Bai Qingqing was about to approach Wang Jiantao, Wang Jiantao pushed off with both legs and easily jumped up. Then he pushed off with both legs against the tree next to him and flew directly towards Bai Qingqing. He slashed with his sword, and the invisible sword energy went straight for Bai Qingqing.

Bai Qingqing, riding on her horse, did not panic. She immediately jumped off the horse and swung her sword at Wang Jiantao. The sword energy she unleashed collided with the saber energy, and the surrounding trees were cut in half by invisible ripples.

After only a brief exchange, Wang Jiantao sensed something was wrong; he discovered that Bai Qingqing's strength seemed to surpass his own.

How is that possible?

When Bai Qingqing left the capital, she had only recently broken through to the Grandmaster level, so her strength shouldn't be stronger than mine.

Just now, when they exchanged blows, Wang Jiantao could clearly feel that Bai Qingqing's realm had reached the pinnacle of the Grandmaster level, which was very different from that of ordinary Grandmasters.

Wang Jiantao landed from mid-air and then said with a smile, "It seems that Commander Bai's strength has improved rapidly during his time at the Northern King's Mansion. I wonder what benefits the Northern King gave you that made you betray the organization."

Bai Qingqing ignored Wang Jiantao's words. Her body transformed into a blur as she rushed towards Wang Jiantao. The next moment, a cold sword light was aimed directly at Wang Jiantao's neck.

However, Wang Jiantao did not panic. Instead, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and in the blink of an eye, Wang Jiantao's figure disappeared from the spot.

Seeing this, Lu Chen was stunned. His gaze had been fixed on Wang Jiantao and Bai Qingqing. He hadn't expected that Wang Jiantao could disappear so suddenly right under his nose.

However, Lu Chen was a Grandmaster after all, and soon he sensed Wang Jiantao's presence. Wang Jiantao had already appeared behind Bai Qingqing.

A blade flashed directly towards Bai Qingqing's waist. Just as Lu Chen was about to strike, Bai Qingqing reacted and leaned back, easily dodging the knife in Wang Jiantao's hand.

Bai Qingqing then swung her sword backhand, but this attack still did not cause any damage to Wang Jiantao, and Wang Jiantao's figure disappeared again.

Subsequently, Wang Jiantao continued to attack using his movement techniques, while Bai Qingqing was forced into a passive defense. Lu Chen realized that Wang Jiantao's movement techniques were very strange, very similar to his Shadow Shift technique, which allowed him to easily evade the enemy's swords and blades.

Although Bai Qingqing was on the defensive, she was already a Grandmaster of the Extreme Realm, and her reaction speed was fast enough. It was not easy for Wang Jiantao to use his movement technique to ambush her, as she was able to react every time.

At this moment, Lu Chen looked at the cloaked shadow guards who had surrounded the royal guards and carriage, and said sarcastically, "Aren't you going to attack together? What are you doing surrounding my carriage?"

Upon hearing this, the shadow guards remained silent, standing still around the prince's carriage.

Just then, Wang Jiantao realized that no matter how he attacked, he couldn't kill Bai Qingqing; Bai Qingqing always reacted immediately.

He had taught Bai Qingqing her swordsmanship himself and was already very familiar with it. He originally thought he could easily get rid of Bai Qingqing, this traitor, but he didn't expect that Bai Qingqing would break through to the Grandmaster level in such a short time, which put him in a very passive position.

No, we can't keep dragging this out any longer. If the Grandmaster from the Prince's Mansion arrives later, his mission might fail.

He was the only Shadow Guard commander who had never failed in his mission, because all the Shadow Guard commanders who had failed had been dealt with by the Xia Emperor.

If he fails to complete the mission this time, death will be his only fate.

At this moment, Wang Jiantao took out a pill from his sleeve and put it directly into his mouth.

Seeing that Wang Jiantao had taken his medicine, Bai Qingqing raised her eyebrows slightly.

As the deputy commander of the Shadow Guards, Bai Qingqing also knew that the Shadow Guards possessed a Blood Explosion Pill. Once a martial artist consumed this pill, their power would increase dramatically in a short period of time, just like a martial artist entering a blood-burning state.

However, the side effects of using the Blood Explosion Pill are very minor, and the user recovers in at most one or two months.

It is obvious that Wang Jiantao just used the Blood Explosion Pill.

The next moment, Wang Jiantao's swordsmanship suddenly became sharp and powerful. Just now, Wang Jiantao had been using his movement techniques to try to launch sneak attacks, but now he was directly confronting Bai Qingqing head-on.

Swords clashed, sparks flew, and trees fell one after another, causing quite a commotion.

At this moment, Bai Qingqing also felt somewhat powerless. Her swordsmanship was originally taught by Wang Jiantao, who was very familiar with her swordsmanship. Just now, she was able to barely block Wang Jiantao's attack by relying on her cultivation level.

However, as Wang Jiantao's internal energy increased, Bai Qingqing was completely unable to resist and could only keep retreating.

At this moment, Wang Jiantao swung his sword, and a huge blade of energy instantly sent Bai Qingqing flying. Although Bai Qingqing blocked part of the attack with her sword, she was still knocked back more than ten meters and spat out a mouthful of blood, clearly suffering from internal injuries.

Seeing that Bai Qingqing was no match for Wang Jiantao, Lu Chen decided not to continue watching the show and jumped off the carriage.

Seeing Lu Chen walk towards Bai Qingqing, the shadow guards wielding knives immediately surrounded him. At this moment, a ninth-rank shadow guard said, "Northern King, if you step forward again, don't blame us for attacking you!"

Hearing the shadow guard's threat, Lu Chen sneered, "You are the first person in the past year to dare to threaten me."

As soon as Lu Chen finished speaking, the shadow guard's body flew towards Lu Chen. He tried to struggle free, but found it was no use.

Soon, Lu Chen grabbed the shadow guard by the neck, and the next moment, he felt his internal energy rapidly draining away.

Upon witnessing this, the other shadow guards sensed something was amiss; they had clearly underestimated the Northern King's strength. One of the shadow guards immediately shouted, "Attack!"

Although they had not received orders to kill the Northern King, if the Northern King tried to stop them from completing their mission, they would not hesitate to act ruthlessly.

At this moment, Wang Jiantao, who was not far away, also noticed what was happening at the carriage. He saw the shadow guards suddenly rush towards Lu Chen and immediately frowned.

Just then, Lu Chen suddenly unleashed his power, and a surge of spiritual energy emanated from his body, directly knocking all the shadow guards to the ground.

Sensing the terrifying aura emanating from Lu Chen, all the shadow guards were stunned, and even Wang Jiantao, who was in the distance, was taken aback.

"Grand...Grandmaster!!!"

How is this possible?!

The Northern King has only been in the North for less than four years, how could he possibly have become a Grandmaster?!

No wonder the Northern King only brought so few people with him this time. He's already a Grandmaster, how could he possibly be afraid of being assassinated?

Wang Jiantao instantly realized what was happening and thought to himself, "This is bad."

They've been tricked!

This is clearly a trap set by the Northern King, designed to lure out these shadow guards who want to get rid of Bai Qingqing. This is troublesome.

They were not capable of fighting a Grandmaster.

At this moment, Wang Jiantao glanced at Bai Qingqing, who was already injured in the distance.

Is this all we can do today?

No!

If he fails to complete the mission, he'll die when he gets back!

Thinking of this, Wang Jiantao gripped the knife tightly and rushed towards Bai Qingqing. He planned to kill Bai Qingqing before Lu Chen could react and then use his movement technique to escape.

Although Lu Chen is a Grandmaster, he is still so young. Wang Jiantao is very confident in his movement skills, and even a Grandmaster would not be able to catch him.

Soon, Wang Jiantao appeared in front of Bai Qingqing, and then he swung his knife at her.

Seeing this, Lu Chen snorted coldly. They actually wanted to kill someone in front of him.

The next moment, Lu Chen used the Shadow Shift technique, and his body appeared next to Bai Qingqing without warning, directly pinching Wang Jiantao's knife between two fingers.

Wang Jiantao was shocked. "Such speed!"

Lu Chen broke the knife in Wang Jiantao's hand with his fingers, and Wang Jiantao quickly jumped back a few steps.

At this moment, Lu Chen said, "Wang Jiantao, how dare you kill my woman right in front of me!"

At this point, Lu Chen immediately embraced the injured Bai Qingqing and used his healing hands to treat her.

Upon hearing Lu Chen's words, a blush appeared on Bai Qingqing's pale face, especially when Lu Chen said "my woman," which made Bai Qingqing's heart pound wildly.

Seeing that Lu Chen had directly stated his name, Wang Jiantao said, "Your Highness, since you know my name, Bai Qingqing must have already told you everything. If Your Highness does not want to get into trouble, it would be best to hand over Bai Qingqing."

Lu Chen said calmly, "Those who threaten me usually don't have a good ending."

At this point, Lu Chen's martial aura instantly increased significantly, and Wang Jiantao, who was in the distance, felt a tremendous pressure, making it difficult for him to breathe.

Wang Jiantao thought to himself that today's assassination attempt had definitely failed. He could only think of another way to assassinate Bai Qingqing. He couldn't let it drag on any longer, or he might not be able to leave.

Thinking this, Wang Jiantao's body vanished instantly, and he fled.

Seeing that Wang Jiantao was trying to escape, Lu Chen smiled, then released Bai Qingqing. In a flash, he punched a spot, and the next moment Wang Jiantao appeared, his body flying backward and crashing into more than ten trees.

Wang Jiantao coughed up a mouthful of blood, lay on the ground, and stared at Lu Chen in the distance in disbelief.

"How...how could you have discovered my whereabouts!"

Wang Jiantao was always quite confident in his agility. In his opinion, unless it was a grandmaster like Zhuge Zhongguang who was about to break through to the Celestial Realm, it would be impossible to catch him.

Lu Chen was still young, and even though he had broken through to the Grandmaster realm, his strength shouldn't be too great. However, he was able to find his location in an instant, which made Wang Jiantao feel extremely panicked.

As Lu Chen walked towards Wang Jiantao, he said, "Commander Wang, you hit my woman and think you can leave without paying a price? Don't you think too highly of me?"

As Lu Chen drew closer, Wang Jiantao immediately said, "Prince of the North, I am His Majesty's man, and he sent me here. If you dare to lay a hand on me, His Majesty will surely accuse you of rebellion once he finds out!"

Lu Chen said nonchalantly, "Rebellion? As long as you're dead, no one will know that I did all this, right?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Chen raised his hand. Seeing that Lu Chen was really going to make a move, Wang Jiantao immediately mobilized all his strength and used the Blood Burning Technique before fleeing again.

Wang Jiantao knew his own limitations. Even with the Blood Burning Technique, he didn't think he would be a match for a Grandmaster. The key was that Lu Chen was a Grandmaster who could find his trail.

What Wang Jiantao feared most was a Grandmaster who could discover his location and keep up with his speed, and Lu Chen happened to be that kind of person.

Seeing that Wang Jiantao had escaped again, Lu Chen did not hesitate and used the Shifting Shadow technique once more.

At this moment, Wang Jiantao turned his head and saw that Lu Chen and the others were no longer in sight. He breathed a sigh of relief, but the next second, a hand suddenly grabbed Wang Jiantao's neck.

Wang Jiantao was completely stunned.

How is that possible!

At this moment, Wang Jiantao realized that Lu Chen's technique was very similar to his own, both allowing him to enter a stealth state and make his body disappear on the spot.

However, Lu Chen was obviously faster. After all, Lu Chen was already a Grandmaster, and no matter how he tried to escape, he could not escape Lu Chen's grasp.

Just as Wang Jiantao was about to beg for mercy, he suddenly felt his internal energy flowing continuously towards Lu Chen.

Wang Jiantao suddenly became even more terrified.

What kind of martial art is this?!

Why had he never heard of any martial arts in the martial arts world that could absorb a person's internal energy before?

Wang Jiantao pleaded desperately, saying, "Spare...spare my life..."

After absorbing half of Wang Jiantao's internal energy, Lu Chen threw Wang Jiantao to the ground. Wang Jiantao immediately knelt down and begged for mercy, saying, "Your Highness, spare my life! I was only sent by His Majesty to eliminate Bai Qingqing; I had no intention of harming Your Highness!"

Lu Chen snorted coldly and said, "Xiao Bai is my woman. To lay a hand on her is to lay a hand on me!"

Wang Jiantao continued, "Your Highness, spare my life! I know some secrets about His Majesty. If you don't kill me, I'll tell you all these secrets!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen said thoughtfully, "Oh? You know my father's secret?"

The reason Lu Chen didn't kill Wang Jiantao directly was because he felt that Wang Jiantao still had value. Wang Jiantao was the commander of the Shadow Guards and a person close to Emperor Xia. He had done a lot of dirty work for Emperor Xia, so he was the one who knew the most secrets of Emperor Xia.

Fearing that Lu Chen wouldn't believe him, Wang Jiantao quickly said, "Your Highness, the death of your mother was orchestrated by His Majesty. His Majesty has always believed that you are not his biological son, which is why he has always neglected you and even enfeoffed you in such a poor place as Beijun."

Lu Chen was stunned for a moment after hearing Wang Jiantao's words.

He knew, of course, that his mother's death was most likely caused by Emperor Xia, but he did not expect that Emperor Xia would think that he was not his biological son.

What's going on?

Could it be that her own mother cheated on the Xia Emperor?

Lu Chen frowned, then asked, "Why does my father believe I'm not his biological son?"

Wang Jiantao quickly replied, "Because every time His Majesty goes to Consort Yue's place, he always feels dizzy and disoriented when he wakes up the next day, and he can't remember what happened the night before."

"His Majesty believes that Consort Yue has a lover outside the marriage, and you are that man's child. Over the years, His Majesty has been having the Shadow Guards investigate who your biological father is. All the young men who had dealings with Consort Yue have been secretly eliminated by the Shadow Guards."

(End of this chapter)