False Imperial Edict

At that moment, a figure appeared from behind a tree.

Li Yuanfang was greatly startled and shouted, "Who are you?"

The figure slowly approached. When he came into view, he was dressed in a green robe and wore a black mask. Most striking of all was his hat, which had two things on it shaped like ox horns.

The masked man in green replied, "Just call me Viper."

Li Yuanfang asked, "Were you waiting for us?"

Viper said, "Yes."

Li Yuanfang called out to Shibi Khan behind him, "Go!"

As if waking from a dream, Shibi Khan clutched the bundle in his arms and immediately rushed out of the castle.

Viper paid no attention to Shibi Khan's escape and merely stared at Li Yuanfang.

Shibi Khan hurried out of the castle. Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats came from behind him. He turned around in panic and saw a lone rider charging after him. Then, with a shing, Shibi Khan's head flew off. The bundle in his arms fell to the ground with a smack, and something rolled out of it—the glittering Many-Treasure Pearl.

Viper silently watched Li Yuanfang. Suddenly, he took a white Huzhou silk handkerchief embroidered with a small snake from his sleeve, gently wiped his hands, and casually tossed it to the ground.

Viper slowly drew his treasured sword from the scabbard at his waist, while Li Yuanfang stood empty-handed, silently watching him.

Viper said slowly, "Make your move!"

Li Yuanfang still did not move.

Suddenly, a cold flash streaked through the air. Li Yuanfang finally moved. A light steel blade appeared in his hand, and with a rip, he sliced open part of Viper's sleeve.

Rather than becoming angry, Viper was delighted. "After all these years, I have never encountered an opponent. I am very pleased to