In just a few days, the Yan Kingdom lost two emperors.

The news of Yan Shaoheng's death caused a huge uproar in the Yan Kingdom, and the entire country was filled with anxiety.

Many people also had doubts about the emperor's death.

They also had doubts about the imperial edict left by Yan Shaoheng before his death.

With the political situation in the court in turmoil, many officials are eager to take advantage of the situation and gain a share of the spoils.

Even worse, some people have developed inappropriate thoughts about that position.

That night, Prime Minister Chu Yifeng, along with his trusted confidants, stormed into the palace with the intention of plotting a rebellion.

Unfortunately, Cheng Ying was prepared, and Chu Yifeng and his entourage were captured the moment they stepped into the palace gates.

To make an example of someone, blood was spilled on the spot.

Out of fear of 'Shadow's' power, none of them dared to entertain the idea of ​​rebellion anymore.

Cheng Ying stood on the city wall, looking at the corpses below, her heart unmoved.

He turned and walked into the palace, came to the dragon throne, knelt down, and bowed his head without saying a word.

After a moment, he raised his head and said with a firm look in his eyes, "Your Majesty, I have brought the head of the traitor. Please take a look."

On the throne sat a young man, the new emperor of Yan, Yan Zhixiao.

Yan Zhixiao nodded slightly, "Well done, Cheng Ying. You deserve much credit for quelling this rebellion."

After expressing his gratitude, Cheng Ying stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have a letter that the late Emperor asked me to give to you before his death."

"A letter?" Yan Zhixiao took the letter, which read "To Xiao'er" on it.

The calligraphy was powerful and clear, clearly his father's handwriting.

He opened the envelope.

My son, I'm sorry.

That year, I was sent as an envoy to the Moon Kingdom and met your mother.

With just one glance, I knew that your mother and I were the same kind of people.

Despite societal constraints, nothing could stop me from falling in love with your mother.

Later, I had no choice but to return to the State of Yan.

Father died, legs were crippled, enemy succeeded to the throne...

I am not reconciled, I hate it so much.

With your mother's help, I founded 'Shadow,' an assassin organization.

My influence is expanding step by step.

That's not enough.

Undeniably, Yan Chuancheng is a good-for-nothing, but his mother's family's influence should not be underestimated.

I want to get rid of them, to get rid of the Moon Kingdom.

I want to unify the four kingdoms and bring you and your mother back.

But then, the Moon Emperor discovered our relationship.

Therefore, the Moon Emperor died.

Unfortunately, you were not the one who succeeded to the throne.

It's okay, I'm here for you.

I have been planning this for over twenty years, and I have finally met you and your son.

You can't imagine how happy I was the day I saw you and your son.

I love you, Mother, always.

Therefore, the throne can only ever belong to you.

Now I'm giving it to you.

Xiao'er, I know you can do it. Your mother and I are watching from heaven as you unify the four kingdoms.

Yun Xi is a man who can be used, but should not be trusted too much.

Cheng Ying has been with me since childhood, you can believe that.

——

After reading the entire letter, Yan Zhixiao felt a mix of emotions.

He began to feel lost from the moment he first learned that his surname wasn't Yue.

I don't know what's real and what's fake.

It turns out that the man who had called him "Father" for over twenty years had long known that he was not his biological son.

Therefore, he is not the one who will inherit the throne.

He used to call other people's sons so affectionately, but now he only feels ironic.

And this father, who was about to be buried in the imperial mausoleum, actually knew all along that he wanted to kill him.

Yan Zhixiao gripped the letter tightly in his hand, lost his balance, and fell onto the dragon throne.

It took a long time to recover.

All those dreams about my mother, all that fear—it's all fake.

These were all just excuses he used to intensify Yan Shaoheng's guilt.

As the letter burned away bit by bit, it said, "Mother, remember to wait for Father. Father will come to find you soon."

——

Inside a cave outside the city.

The entrance to the cave isn't very large; it's a bit narrow at first, but it gets wider as you go further in.

At its deepest point, it could only be described as magnificent.

High ceilings are adorned with exquisite wood carvings and paintings, while walls are draped with luxurious silk curtains and floors are covered with precious marble, smooth as a mirror.

In the center of the palace stood a huge sandalwood table, laden with delicacies and rare treasures.

The table was surrounded by a ring of exquisitely carved chairs, their backs inlaid with gems and pearls, radiating a dazzling light.

A woman dressed in red lay on the couch, lying there quietly, like a sleeping fairy.

Her red dress, as vibrant and eye-catching as flames, accentuated her fair skin, making her appear even more alluring.

Her hair cascaded down to the pillow like a waterfall, emitting a faint fragrance.

Beneath her tightly closed eyes, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she were lost in endless thoughts even in her dreams.

"Yao'er, go in peace. Your master will make the whole world pay for your death." Yun Xi gently stroked Yun Yao's face, his eyes filled with undisguised resentment.

He had already returned long ago, and all he needed to do was remove the venomous insect from her body.

Although the process will be painful.

But at least he won't die.

Yan Zhixiao must have done something.

Yun Xi was unaware that the person he wanted to tear to pieces was already dead.

"Pfft!" A mouthful of black blood gushed out, staining Yun Yao's fair skin black.

Countless Gu worms surged back and forth in the black blood.

"How could this happen?" Yun Xi clutched her chest, her eyes filled with disbelief.

At this moment, Yun Xi could clearly feel the Gu worms gradually eroding his flesh and blood.

Each bite caused him excruciating pain, as if a million ants were burrowing into his heart.

He rolled on the ground in agony, his trembling legs kicking and thrashing wildly in the mud, getting covered in dirt. With his spasming hands, he desperately tore at his clothes, leaving conspicuous streaks of blood on his bare, pale skin, his bloodied fingers trembling uncontrollably.

"Yan An!" Yun Xi's face was contorted with rage, his features twisted as he thought of the little girl who had caused him to stumble.

Even though he had studied Gu worms for decades, he had never been in such a sorry state.

He trembled as he struggled to climb to the table, but his raised hand could not reach the medicine.

Thump! The medicine fell off the table, and the pills rolled all over the floor.

Yun Xi didn't care about anything else and hastily swallowed it while lying on the ground.

He lay on the ground, panting heavily.

But the worms inside his body seemed to have been starving for a long time, and they ate even faster.

Several venomous insects relentlessly gnawed at his organs: his liver, kidneys...

Until he couldn't say a word anymore.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, only two skeletons remained in the cave, along with countless swarms of Gu worms...