Han Fei's Proposal

"Prince..." Arriving downstairs, Zi Nu bowed to Han Fei.

"Miss Zi Nu, why are you being so formal today?" Han Fei asked, feeling somewhat uncomfortable at the sight of her.

Zi Nu smiled gracefully. "Because in a few days, I may be leaving Xinzheng City. Purple Orchid Pavilion will likely need your care in the future, Prince."

Hearing Zi Nu's words, Han Fei was somewhat surprised and immediately asked, "Miss Zi Nu, you're leaving Xinzheng City? Where are you going?"

Zi Nu said with a teasing smile, "Of course, I'm going to follow him. He'll be leaving soon."

"As expected, was Ji Wuye killed by him?" Han Fei's expression turned solemn. Though he had long suspected that Ji Wuye's death was connected to Zhao Zilong, he had not expected Zhao Zilong to leave after killing Ji Wuye. Nor had he expected Zi Nu to choose to follow him. Han Fei could not understand it. Why did Zi Nu insist on following him? Was it merely because his martial arts were strong and he was handsome?

Wei Zhuang and Zhang Liang, standing beside Han Fei, were also somewhat surprised. Wei Zhuang in particular had known Zi Nu the longest and understood what kind of woman she was. Her choice to follow him meant that she had seen greater value in him than in Han Fei.

"Prince, this way..." As she spoke, Zi Nu stepped aside and gestured toward the path.

Han Fei nodded lightly and headed for the second floor. Arriving outside Zhao Zilong's room, he knocked. When Yan Lingji came to open the door, he cupped his hands and said, "Miss Yan Lingji, Brother Zhao should be in, correct?"

Yan Lingji said seductively, "Of course. My master already guessed that you would come." As she spoke, she motioned for Han Fei and the others to enter.

Entering the room, Han Fei saw Zhao Zilong sitting cross-legged on the couch. He sat opposite him and said, "Brother Zhao, I wonder what you have decided regarding my proposal from yesterday."

"Shouldn't you be asking me about something like that?" Zhao Zilong replied calmly, then casually asked, "Yan Lingji, what do you think?"

Yan Lingji, kneeling beside Zhao Zilong, said seductively, "Of course I refuse."

Han Fei's brows furrowed slightly. He had not expected things to end this way. He had been full of confidence yesterday, but after learning of Ji Wuye's death, he had begun to worry. He remembered Zhao Zilong saying that his goal was to kill Ji Wuye. Ji Wuye had not died early or late, but shortly after Han Fei had finished speaking with Zhao Zilong yesterday. Han Fei had a very bad feeling about it.

Especially under these circumstances: Ji Wuye, the Korean Great General, had suddenly been assassinated while Qin envoys were visiting Korea. Once the Qin envoys carried this news back to Qin, the situation would become even more unfavorable for Korea.

A smile curled across Zhao Zilong's lips. "Since Yan Lingji has already refused, you'll have to figure something out yourself. There are two options now. First, find a way to capture Tian Ze. Second, find a way to capture Yan Lingji."

"Brother Zhao, I do not truly intend to hold Miss Yan Lingji accountable. I merely..."

"Enough. No more 'merely.'" Zhao Zilong waved a hand, cutting Han Fei off. "I'll be leaving Korea soon. Yan Lingji and Zi Nu will leave with me. I heard that you made a bold declaration that you would apprehend the murderer of the Qin envoys within five days. One day has already passed. You should think about how to capture Tian Ze instead."

At this point, Han Fei began to panic somewhat. The reason he had boldly declared that he would capture the culprit within five days was because he had long known that Yan Lingji of Baiyue was staying with Zhao Zilong. As long as he clearly explained the pros and cons to Zhao Zilong and promised that Yan Lingji would return unharmed, he had been certain he could persuade Zhao Zilong. Yet he had not expected Zhao Zilong to refuse to play along at all.

Han Fei tried earnestly to persuade him. "Brother Zhao, I know your martial arts are formidable, but you are alone. You are facing both Qin and Korea. Once you flee, you will face endless pursuit from both nations. I have encountered a powerful patron, and he has already promised me..."

"Enough..." Zhao Zilong did not want to listen to Han Fei's nonsense any longer and directly interrupted him. "I already said it. Either take Yan Lingji from my hands, or find a way to capture Tian Ze now. If you intend to make a move against me, you'd better consider whether you can bear my retaliation. I know your weaknesses."

"You..." Hearing Zhao Zilong's threat, Han Fei's expression darkened further. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Are you so certain I do not dare make a move against you? Korea is not as weak as you imagine."

Zhao Zilong smiled disdainfully and paid little attention to Han Fei's words. Ji Wuye was already dead, and his Asura God Exam had already been completed. He merely had to wait three days before leaving. "All right, you may leave now."

Han Fei's mind raced wildly. "Brother Zhao seems extremely confident in his martial arts. After all, even Ji Wuye died by your hand."

Zhao Zilong ignored Han Fei, but Han Fei continued, "However, there are two people who are somewhat unconvinced by Brother Zhao. If you can defeat both of them, I will no longer disturb you. But if the two of them win, I hope Brother Zhao will seriously consider my earlier proposal."

"Two people?" Zhao Zilong paused.

Han Fei smiled confidently. "Well? Do you agree to this proposal?"

Zhao Zilong looked at Wei Zhuang behind Han Fei and thought, Could they be the two from the Vertical and Horizontal Alliance?

Zi Nu had previously told Zhao Zilong that the other member of the Ghost Valley Sect had arrived in Xinzheng City. Zhao Zilong was also somewhat interested in the Ghost Valley Sect's Vertical and Horizontal Alliance sword arts, so he agreed. "Fine. I value strength above all else. As long as you can prove your strength, everything is negotiable."

"Good, then it's settled." Han Fei turned and left after saying that.

After leaving Purple Orchid Pavilion and arriving outside, Han Fei cupped his hands toward Wei Zhuang. "Brother Wei Zhuang, whether this matter can be accomplished will likely depend on you."

Wei Zhuang was somewhat excited as well. "Hmph, leave it to me!"