Qian Menghu's pupils contracted, and he clenched his fists... Turning back to the prince's frowning messenger, he cupped his fists and said, "Honored envoy, I fear this birthday banquet, where I wash my hands in a golden basin and retire, will be stained with blood! Still... if I can use this life to serve His Highness and the Imperial Court, it will have been worth it! But... my disciples and family are innocent. Should anything happen to me, I beg you to intervene and spare their lives!"
With that, the old Martial Warrior bowed to the ground, his expression desolate and the corners of his eyes moist.
The others at the table all turned toward the Fifth-Realm Cultivator, the prince's special envoy seated in the place of honor. He immediately felt as though he were sitting on needles... Inwardly, he cursed the old fellow for retreating to advance. This was forcing him to step forward and protect him!
The Cultivator stood, walked over to Qian Menghu, and reached out to help him up. "No matter. At worst, I will show myself directly! For some matters, even the Immortal Sects won't have evidence or grounds to convict people at will. If nothing else works, handing over a few outsiders of no consequence to satisfy them is also an option... Do you understand?"
Tears streamed down Qian Menghu's aged face as he nodded in thanks. "Thank you, honored envoy! Thank you for risking yourself to save me! For the rest of my life, I will spill my liver and brains upon the ground in His Highness's service..."
The spacious courtyard had no ornamental rockeries, pavilions, little bridges, or flowing streams. Nearly a hundred banquet tables filled the blue-brick grounds, the covered walkways, and the guest rooms.
The dishes were not particularly refined,