The man lying on the bed was naturally Li Liangzuo, the newly enthroned Emperor of Western Xia. Anyone familiar with him would have been shocked to see his current appearance. His body was gaunt, his eyes dull—there was none of his former high-spirited vigor.
"Bastard!" Li Liangzuo, who had been lying on the bed like a living corpse, suddenly became agitated upon hearing those words, his despairing expression instantly changing.
The man in splendid robes said with a smile, "I know you are quite dissatisfied with losing to me. You think it was only because I ambushed you."
Li Liangzuo glared at him hatefully. "Wasn't it?"
The man in splendid robes did not mind. He smiled faintly. "Your martial arts are indeed impressive, but even in a direct fight, you would not have been my match. I merely could not be bothered to duel you head-on in order to avoid unnecessary trouble."
Li Liangzuo snorted. "Things have come to this. Say whatever you want."
"The victor becomes king, the loser becomes a bandit—such is the eternal truth of this world," the man in splendid robes said calmly. "But I happen to be in a good mood these past few days, so I can make sure you lose beyond all doubt."
"Even if I die, I will never be convinced," Li Liangzuo said, nearly biting his gums bloody.
"Is that so?" A strange smile appeared on the man's face. "A man's greatest failure is not merely being defeated by another, but watching even his own woman submit to his enemy. I will let you experience the true taste of defeat."
Li Liangzuo felt a rush of heat rise to his head, followed by a chill spreading across his back. "Your martial arts are powerful now, so Miss Mu naturally cannot resist