The Inner Court of the City Lord's Mansion had guards every three steps and sentries every five, its defenses airtight.
Jun Changxiao followed a burly general inside. Looking at the ranks of well-trained soldiers, he muttered inwardly, As expected of the imperial family. What a grand display.
When City Lord Wang had informed him that the imperial family of the empire was visiting, he had been rather surprised. He had only been in the Crimson Hell Realm for a few days, treating illnesses and saving lives—how had word reached the distant imperial capital so quickly?
Could there be patients there too?
Thinking of this rich man's disease, which became easier to contract the more Fire Stones one absorbed, Jun Changxiao immediately understood.
"Mr. Jun."
As they walked, the general reminded him, "Please do not spread word of this visit."
"Understood."
Jun Changxiao could tell that the martial artists in the city were living as usual, which meant the imperial family had arrived in secret.
"Step."
The general stopped outside a room and cupped his hands. "Young Master, Mr. Jun has arrived."
"Let him in."
A somewhat weak voice came from within.
Though Jun Changxiao did not understand the Medical Dao, he could still tell that the speaker was definitely ill.
"Please."
The general gestured.
Jun Changxiao pushed open the door without ceremony and saw that there was only one woman with delicate features inside.
She sat in a Grand Tutor's chair, her face pale and her eyes dull. She forced a smile at the corners of her lips, looking pitiful enough to stir one's heart.
This is someone from the Canglan Empire's imperial family? Jun Changxiao muttered inwardly.
"You came so suddenly."
The woman said, "I hope Mr. Jun will forgive the abruptness."
Though her voice was weak, every word