Resolution

What was even more terrifying was that he was the only one capable of doing what he had done, while those truly heinous people received no punishment at all.

No one dared to punish them either. To them, the empire's laws were little more than scraps of paper. It was better for him to use his own immense influence to pressure them.

But there was only one of him. How many commoners had been harmed like this, yet were left helpless? Hell was empty; the devils walked among men.

Thus, Ning Fengzhi began to truly pay attention to such matters. He also hoped that the Heaven Dou Empire would one day welcome a genuinely good emperor. Whether his methods were iron-blooded or not, he truly did not want the common people to live such bitter lives, forever trapped in misery.

If what he could see was already so unbearable, then what about what he could not see?

That was the greatest realization this incident brought Ning Fengzhi—the greatest realization of a father.

Mu Chen also apologized to Ning Fengzhi. However, if Uncle Ning's attitude toward the nobility changed after this incident, that would be a good thing as well. In the future, it might become strong evidence to persuade Uncle Ning.

After some time, Ning Fengzhi and the others arrived at the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.

To preserve Ning Rongrong's personal reputation, as well as the reputation of the empire's nobility, both sides agreed not to make the matter public and to resolve it privately.

As they looked at the young men lying dead before them, there was not the slightest pity on the faces of Ning Fengzhi, Sword Bone Douluo, or Xue Qinghe.

Mu Chen looked at the corpses and felt only that they had deserved their deaths. Some people living allowed others to live better lives.

But if these people lived, far too many others would never be able to live well—or even live at all.

"This matter ends here. I hope no similar news will spread through Heaven Dou City in the future," Ning Fengzhi said calmly.

He then left. This attitude made the middle-aged men watching from the shadows grit their teeth and begin to hate Ning Fengzhi.

He had killed their sons, then said such things right in front of them, yet they did not even dare utter a single word.

As for what their sons had done, they naturally chose to ignore it.

If Ning Fengzhi's influence had not been so immense, why would they have ended up like this?

Afterward, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe went to meet Xue Ye.

Mu Chen and Ning Rongrong went to have fun in Heaven Dou City, while Sword Bone Douluo secretly protected them. After what had happened last time, they were now extremely vigilant.

Once bitten by a snake, one feared ropes for ten years.

Only someone as carefree as Ning Rongrong would return here to play again after so little time had passed.

However, compared to before, the number and frequency of Heaven Dou Empire soldiers patrolling the streets had increased considerably. Even the Spirit Temple in Heaven Dou City had strengthened its forces.

"Brother Chen, didn't I tell you these things were delicious?" Ning Rongrong asked, her mouth greasy as she looked at Mu Chen. She still held a skewer of grilled chicken wings in her hand, while crayfish sat before her.

Mu Chen peeled the crayfish in his hand and took a bite himself. It tasted quite good.

"Mm, it is delicious. But Rongrong, why did you suddenly start liking this kind of food?" Mu Chen asked.

"Ugh, those supposedly well-balanced meals in the sect taste awful. And those things meant to improve your physique are even worse.

Father won't let me eat these things in the sect, but they really are delicious," Ning Rongrong muttered, her speech somewhat unclear as she ate.

"Then eat. I think they're pretty tasty too. It's fine to have some now and then."

Mu Chen smiled at Ning Rongrong. This young miss could be quite down-to-earth at times—at least when she was with him.

"Brother Chen, open your mouth!" Ning Rongrong suddenly leaned closer as she spoke. Mu Chen could smell the grease on her breath, and she was holding a skewer of beef in her hand.

"That won't be necessary, Rongrong. I can eat it myse—" Mu Chen did not even finish speaking.

Under Ning Rongrong's expectant gaze, Mu Chen took a bite of the beef skewer before taking it from her.

"Hehe~ Brother Chen, this time you saved me and kept Rongrong from being violated by someone else. So in a few years, can Rongrong be your girlfriend?" Ning Rongrong asked while eating, though it was unclear whether she was serious or merely speaking casually.

Mu Chen rubbed Ning Rongrong's head but did not answer directly. This girl was still so young, yet she was already thinking about such things.

But he himself had overlooked the fact that he and Ning Rongrong were the same age. Hadn't he pursued Qian Renxue just as fiercely?

"Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, come eat too~" Seeing that Mu Chen had not answered her, Ning Rongrong called out loudly, though she did not actually know where Sword Douluo was.

Before long, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo appeared before the two of them with somewhat helpless expressions. Seeing Ning Rongrong's greasy appearance, Sword Douluo smiled helplessly, yet readily accepted the food from her hand.

Before Ning Rongrong and Mu Chen, he showed none of the bearing of a peerless expert. Instead, he was more like an elder who cared for and doted on his juniors. For a time, the four of them were enjoying themselves happily.

Although there were only four people here compared with the other stalls, all four were wealthy patrons.

After the three of them finished eating, they casually tossed down a bag of Gold Soul Coins, making the stall owner thank them repeatedly.

Meanwhile, a different scene was unfolding in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace. Ning Fengzhi, Bone Douluo, Xue Qinghe, and Xue Ye had gathered together, though the atmosphere remained rather oppressive.

"Sect Master Ning, regarding your daughter's matter..." Xue Ye took the initiative to speak.

But Ning Fengzhi raised a hand and said, "Your Majesty, there is no need to mention this matter again. It will benefit neither side."

It would have been better not to bring it up. The moment it was mentioned, Bone Douluo felt like killing someone, and his expression toward the other party was far from pleasant.

"Then, regarding Qinghe studying in your sect for half a year?" Xue Ye asked tentatively.

"That is naturally acceptable. Qinghe can cultivate alongside Mu Chen of my sect and learn from each other."

Ning Fengzhi looked at Xue Qinghe and nodded. He might not have been so willing to accept other members of the royal family. Out of consideration for Xue Ye's dignity, he would certainly have agreed, but he would not have truly put his heart into it.

But Xue Qinghe was completely different. He was already Ning Fengzhi's disciple in name, as well as the empire's heir apparent. It was entirely worthwhile to build a relationship with the future emperor in advance.

"Then I will have to trouble Sect Master Ning," Xue Ye said with relief.

He hoped Ning Fengzhi could truly let it go. As emperor, he could not directly admit fault.

Xue Qinghe, meanwhile, was secretly delighted. She had proposed this plan herself, and now it had come true. Little Chen, we can spend half a year together.