Hu Xiaotian stared coldly at Quan Dean. In this matter, Quan Dean had undoubtedly broken the promise he had just made. He had claimed that as long as Qiqi was cured, he could spare Xi Yan and give her a way to survive. Now it seemed that had been nothing but nonsense meant to placate him.
Quan Dean also looked rather helpless. Some things were beyond his control. Even he could tell there had to be something suspicious about this affair, and Xi Yan might not be the poisoner. But now that the emperor had been alerted, it was no longer his decision to make.
Hu Xiaotian walked slowly up to Murong Zhan and blocked his path.
Murong Zhan fixed his silver eyes coldly on Hu Xiaotian. "Do you intend to stop me, Lord Hu?"
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Everything must follow proper procedure. Since Commander Murong says he has come on the emperor's orders, may I ask whether you have an Imperial Decree?"
A cold sneer touched Murong Zhan's lips. "If you do not believe me, Lord Hu, you are welcome to come before the emperor with me and verify it."
Hu Xiaotian stood proudly where he was, showing no intention of retreating. Fierce killing intent flashed from his bright eyes. "It is not the emperor I distrust. It is you. If I hand the prisoner over to you, I fear she will not live to see His Majesty."
Murong Zhan's hand slowly settled on his sword hilt. "Lord Hu, I am acting on the emperor's orders. Please do not make things difficult for me."
Hu Xiaotian chuckled. "This concerns the princess's safety. I must investigate it thoroughly myself. Until I uncover the true culprit behind this, I will not hand the prisoner over to anyone."
Murong Zhan's pale hand