Whoever Dared Make a Move Today Was Showing Daoist Master No Respect

A group of personal guards also stepped forward with weapons in hand, forming a tight circle around the husband and wife. They looked ready to fight to the death, utterly fearless.

Seeing that this side intended to defy the decree and resist, the men charging over hesitated and looked back, asking with their eyes whether Shang Yongzhong and the others intended to force the issue.

A mocking sneer spread across Shang Yongzhong's face, as though he were ridiculing these people for trying to stop a chariot with mantis arms. Was there any point in resisting at a time like this?

Shang Chaozong instead turned to look at Huang Lie and the others from Great Zen Mountain. His expression held neither grief nor joy. Then he shouted in a deep voice, "Stand down!"

Huang Lie's gaze met Shang Chaozong's, and he guiltily looked away. He truly felt ashamed. There was a streak of heroism in him as well, but he could not act on impulse. He could not knowingly send the people of Great Zen Mountain to their deaths when the enemy so greatly outnumbered them and their strength was worlds apart.

"Prince!" Feng Ruonan and the personal guards all turned back with startled cries. If they withdrew, would they not be leaving the Prince to be captured without resistance?

Shang Yongzhong had been about to order them to seize him by force, but upon hearing Shang Chaozong's words, he swallowed the command that had reached his lips and waited.

Those above wanted him alive. He did not want some mishap to befall Shang Chaozong and cause further trouble.

Shang Chaozong met Feng Ruonan's gaze. His eyes were unspeakably complicated. Slowly, he reached out and seized her wrist, pressing down the sword in her hand. "Ruo Nan, all these years... I've