Chapter 467: The Eccentricity Under Dan Liang Royal City (27)

Chapter 467: The Recklessness Beneath the Dan Liang Royal Capital (27)

*Splat…*

*Splat… splat…*

The rain finally poured down in torrents.

Having built up in the storm clouds for so long, after that first drop, it now split the thick clouds to cascade violently.

In an instant, the rainwater washed away the initial layer of blood staining the ground. The deep crimson hue, once thick and concentrated, gradually diluted, fading into a paler shade.

The rain soaked through black hair and clothing, pattering against the silverblack mask with a rhythmic *tap-tap*.

Like a curtain of rain, it obscured vision for a fleeting moment. Yet, Han Mochen’s gaze toward Minister Xun only grew darker, more murderous—like a frozen abyss.

After that glance, he removed his black cloak and pulled up the hood over Su Rao, shielding her from the storm behind them.

“Rao Rao, it’s raining—another storm. Back then, you shielded me from the storm. Today, I’ll shelter you from this one.”

His jade-like fingers gently wiped away the rain trailing down Su Rao’s face before lifting her left hand. He lightly traced the bruise now turning blue on her palm.

As if they were alone.

Even as Minister Xun ordered the Capital Prefecture Office guards and imperial soldiers to begin their assault, even as the hidden Shadow Army gathered in the shadows prepared to reveal themselves—Han Mochen still spoke softly to Su Rao.

Stay here. This won’t take long.

“However you handle it, I just want these eyes of yours to clear of bloodlust once it’s done.”

Through the silverblack mask, Su Rao brushed her fingers over where Han Mochen’s eyes would be, uttering only those words before suddenly rising on her toes. Her soft lips left a fleeting, cool touch against his jaw.

Within her peach blossom eyes was absolute trust—trust that Han Mochen could control himself now. Because he was Yun Ji, after all. Let the coming bloodshed soothe the darkness buried deep within him.

Han Mochen’s lips curved slightly. The softness at his jaw had already dispelled the bloodlust in his gaze.

“Alright.”

A faint murmur of agreement, and then—

The figure in black melted into the rain. Before anyone could discern his steps, he was already amidst spears and blades, unleashing carnage anew.

The Capital Prefecture Office guards and imperial soldiers charging forward were cut down before they could react, blood splattering around them, painting the rain crimson.

Behind Minister Xun, Pei Liang watched Han Mochen’s ruthless onslaught, his mind racing yet still unable to guess who this man truly was.

Meanwhile, Su Rao stood with arms crossed, her gaze locking with Minister Xun’s amidst the Capital Prefecture Office guards. In that brief exchange, a silent duel of wills had begun.

The battle had begun. Today, until the streets ran red, there would be no peace.

The atmosphere grew heavier, each breath laden with tension.

The iron stench of blood lingered in the air, undiluted even by the pouring rain. It mingled with the dampness, seeping into every breath.

The true civilians hiding in the shops shook in terror at the slaughter unfolding. They cowered in whatever hiding spots they could find, covering their eyes and ears, praying they wouldn’t be noticed.

Inside one of those shops, Xiao Mubai and his companions poised to strike, weapons drawn, eyes fixed on the chaos outside. At the first sign of danger to Han Mochen or Su Rao, they would rush out without hesitation.

Then, in that very instant— A Shadow Army assassin materialized without warning behind Su Rao, looming for the kill. As he prepared to strike, Ying Ying’s breath caught in dread.

She was just about to warn the young lady to get out of the way when... suddenly, a figure arrived first, beating Ying Ying to action.

The newcomer didn't just block the Shadow Army's sneak attack but also slit the assailant's throat before they could get close to Su Rao.

This abrupt development, however, wasn't the most shocking event at the moment. Soon after, a voice—deceptively gentle yet weighted with authority—cut through the clanging of weapons and the roar of the downpour, coming from outside the encirclement:

"All of you, halt—on my order!"

The sharpness of this voice, coupled with the self-proclaimed title of "Prince," identified the speaker unmistakably as a member of the Dan Liang Royal Family. The anger in the voice carried a rasp of age, indicating an Elder Prince.

In an instant, the clashing of weapons ceased.

The battle, which had seemed impossible to end peacefully, came to an abrupt halt—even Han Mochen, whose eyes were burning with bloodlust again, stopped.

Including Minister Xun, Pei Liang, and the surviving guards from the Capital Prefecture Office and the imperial army, all eyes turned toward the direction of the voice.

Only Su Rao didn't immediately look. She first looked at her rescuer—or rather, the person who had come to her aid and now stood before her, speaking with concern:

"Young lady, are you unharmed?"

Su Cui had saved Su Rao, having stayed behind at the hostel and not followed earlier. Meanwhile, Su Can was driving a carriage, and the aged voice had come from within it.

Grok, grok...

The wheels rolled over the road, parting the thin layer of flowing water that had gathered, allowing it to stream past on either side, now stained crimson, swirling together.

Plink, plink...

The sound of raindrops striking the carriage roof continued.

Through all this noise, the carriage door was pushed open.

The identity of the arriving Elder Prince made Minister Xun's eyes slit in shock, his face twisting in surprise.

Pei Liang's face likewise changed.

Even Han Mochen showed an abnormal reaction—though his entire demeanor darkened in an instant, as if thick ink was swirling around his consciousness, threatening to drown him and release Yun Ji once more.

No one noticed this anomaly. After Su Cui's sudden appearance, she too turned her gaze toward the carriage.

Her gaze wavered briefly.

"He's here... Why would he come? How could he possibly come?"

This murmured question escaped her lips. Behind the silver-black mask, her narrow phoenix eyes were obscured by the torrential rain, her sight growing hazy for a moment. Yet, she stared unwaveringly at the carriage, her breath quickening.

The carriage curtain was fully drawn aside, revealing the Elder Prince inside in his entirety.

His gaze traveled far, locking onto Han Mochen's own. Seeing that Han Mochen was unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief before instructing the servant accompanying him to speak.

"Minister Xun, our prince requests an explanation. What is the meaning of this? Our prince wishes to see your emperor."

From the servant's words, it became clear that this Elder Prince was not a member of the Dan Liang Royal Family.

Yet his appearance had caused Minister Xun and Pei Liang to pale, and even Han Mochen had reacted so intensely. Moreover, with the Su brother and sister leading the way, it was obvious—this Elder Prince was someone familiar.

From Su Rao's angle, she could only see a small portion of the carriage's interior, just enough to miss the figure inside. But she already knew who had arrived.

Her willow brows furrowed briefly.

Only then did her peach-blossom eyes turn to Han Mochen, finally noticing his odd state. Suddenly, Su Rao rushed over and seized his hand.

Her voice carried a trace of worry:

"A'Chen..."