Netherworld Mark

"Thirteen, you may withdraw," a voice, ancient and hoarse, suddenly rang out.

The black-robed figure retracted his greatsword, took a step back, and his "eggs" were freed from Qi Bei's sword tip. If his hood were lifted now, one would see fine beads of cold sweat on his forehead.

Qi Bei's expression showed no surprise. He flipped over and got up, baring his teeth as he twisted his sore waist and back, looking at the two people who had appeared at some unknown time.

One was the patriarch, Cody Nord, still looking frail and aged, and supporting him was Qi Bei's father, Raymond Nord.

"I say, dear grandpa and father, you can't do this, can you? As soon as you get back, you stage such a play. What if this fellow here made a mistake and sent you to mourn your son before your time?" Qi Bei complained with a bitter face, reaching out to brush off the dust from his body. He understood in his heart that the King Grade warrior hadn't used his full strength just now, otherwise, he wouldn't have had such an easy time.

"You brat, no manners. Just you wait, I'll skin you alive later," Raymond Nord said with a stern face, but the joy in his eyes couldn't be concealed.

"Enough," Cody Nord said in a deep voice. Didn't he know these two father and son were acting?

As soon as the old man spoke, Raymond Nord immediately became as quiet as a cicada in winter. However, Qi Bei, who used to be as timid as a mouse before a cat when facing the old man, now looked at him fearlessly.

Cody Nord's cloudy gaze swept over Qi Bei, revealing a hint of inexplicable emotion. He opened his mouth and said, "You father and son chat. Thirteen, help me back."

The old man watched a play, spoke only a few words, and then left. No one could guess what was truly on his mind.

"Kid, you're getting bolder and bolder. You even dare to be so disrespectful to the old man," Raymond Nord looked at his son, who seemed somewhat unfamiliar. He had protected him for fifteen years, yet now he found his son's changes so immense that he could hardly believe it.

"Respect isn't just shown in words. I absolutely respect the old man. He's the pillar of our Nord Family," Qi Bei said earnestly.

Raymond Nord sized up his son from head to toe, then suddenly smacked the back of his head.

"Dad, I told you not to hit the back of my head anymore. Don't you know it makes you stupid?" Qi Bei yelled without thinking.

Raymond Nord burst into laughter. The trace of unfamiliarity in his heart disappeared. This was still his son, wasn't he? No matter how much he changed, he was still his offspring. When he used to hit the back of his head, he would always yell like this.

"I'm your father, what's wrong with me hitting you?" Raymond Nord laughed.

Qi Bei rolled his eyes, speechless.

"You brat, get yourself ready. In half an hour, go see His Majesty with the old man," Raymond Nord said.

"I still have to go see him? Fine, I'll see him," Qi Bei felt somewhat reluctant. In his past memories, Emperor Hanmos was definitely someone who caused immense pressure, the kind who exuded an overwhelming aura.

"He's your future father-in-law. You have to see him whether you want to or not," Raymond Nord said with a smug smile, unsure if he was proud that his son had lucked out or if he was gloating.

Qi Bei frowned. No way, did Emperor Hanmos really intend to keep his promise?

"Huh, you brat, shouldn't you be dancing with joy when you hear this news?" Raymond Nord asked, surprised by Qi Bei's expression.

"Dad, your son has grown capable now. My horizons have naturally broadened. How can I be interested in ordinary, mediocre women?" Qi Bei said.

"You brat, you're getting the benefits and still complaining. Hurry up and get ready. The Nord Family is set on Princess Mingyue as our daughter-in-law," Raymond Nord smacked Qi Bei on the back of the head again.

The Golden Leaf Hall in the Imperial Palace was where the Emperor held court with his ministers.

And today, in the vast Golden Leaf Hall, there were only Emperor Hanmos, Cody Nord, and Qi Bei.

Emperor Hanmos sat high on his imperial throne, while Cody Nord, with his cloudy eyes half-closed, sat leisurely on the soft stool granted to him. Only Qi Bei stood behind Cody Nord like a pillar, holding a box.

The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive, like the low pressure before a storm at sea, making it difficult to breathe.

Qi Bei appeared calm on the surface, but the Divine Dragon Art inner force within him circulated wildly to resist this pressure that seemed to come from his soul.

It seemed the talk of an overwhelming aura wasn't just a rumor.

"Old Kedi, I heard that when that girl Ruixue sneaked out of the Imperial Palace, she went to your fierce tiger's place," Emperor Hanmos said, his words like a knife, piercing straight to the heart of the matter.

"This old minister has also heard rumors," Old Kedi nodded.

"It's common knowledge that Ruixue is infatuated with Huai'an. Now it seems Huai'an is not indifferent to Ruixue. Old Kedi, don't you think the wedding between the two should be expedited? If she were to become pregnant, it would be a disgrace to both my royal family and the Nord Family," Emperor Hanmos said, not looking at Qi Bei, as if he were determined to marry Huai'an and Princess Ruixue together.

"Your Majesty, there's a matter of first come, first served. Although this old minister also greatly admires Princess Ruixue, Huai'an is already betrothed to the eldest daughter of the Feng Family. It wouldn't be too late to marry Princess Ruixue after their wedding is held," Cody Nord's expression remained unchanged, and he spoke in a trembling voice.

"Old Kedi, are you suggesting that my royal princess should share a husband with another woman? And be ranked after that Feng girl?" Emperor Hanmos slammed the armrest of his imperial chair with a thud, his face filled with rage.

As the saying goes, an emperor's rage can cause bloodshed for a thousand miles. Qi Bei's heart leaped violently with the Emperor's slam.

However, Cody Nord seemed unaffected. He spoke, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Does Your Majesty know of a maidservant named Xiaoqing by Princess Ruixue's side?"

Emperor Hanmos was taken aback. He didn't know what Old Kedi was planning, but he knew this old fellow wouldn't ask such a question without reason. There must be something behind it.

"I know. Xiaoqing has been the personal maid who has accompanied Ruixue since she was young," Emperor Hanmos replied with a dark expression.

"Qi Bei, open that box," Cody Nord said.

Qi Bei placed the box on the ground, feeling a bit curious himself. He didn't know what was inside either. However, since the old man attached such importance to it, it must be something Emperor Hanmos feared.

Qi Bei pressed the hidden lock on the box, and the lid immediately sprang open.

A head! Inside the box was a human head – the head of Xiaoqing, the maidservant by Ruixue's side.

"Old Kedi, you..." Emperor Hanmos stood up abruptly, towering over Cody Nord and glaring at him.

"Your Majesty, please look," Cody Nord's cane extended and pointed at Xiaoqing's head. Instantly, a dark, eerie mark appeared between the eyebrows of the head.

"Netherworld Mark!" Emperor Hanmos exclaimed in shock. Only mages who practiced Dark Magic would have a Netherworld Mark on their forehead.

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