I Will Protect My People
Li Huang strode out of the palace gates, accompanied by 100 soldiers from the Black Dragon Cavalry, each mounted on mighty steeds with the blood of black dragons coursing through them. Their presence commanded awe and respect from the citizens. The cavalry carried large supplies of food with them. When the people saw Li Huang, their faces lit up with excitement and gratitude, but upon seeing his bandaged body, their hearts ached. They immediately bowed in respect to Emperor Li Huang.
Li Huang gently raised his hand and spoke in a kind but regal tone, "From now on, I will begin distributing food to all those affected by the Yin-Yang Demon Sect's attack, and to anyone in need. You may come forward without fear or hesitation."
His words warmed the hearts of the townspeople. Many smiled in relief and appreciation as they lined up in an orderly fashion to receive the food being handed out by the Black Dragon Cavalry. Li Huang himself joined in serving the people, personally offering food to some of them. His gentle smile brought a sense of comfort and reassurance, showing the citizens that their emperor was compassionate and caring.
Among the crowd was a young girl who, after receiving a bowl of porridge from Li Huang, hurried back to her home to share it with her mother and younger brother. Her face beamed with happiness as she ran, but suddenly, she collided with a man, causing her small frame to tumble, and the porridge spilled onto the dirt-covered ground.
She looked at the spilled porridge, tears streaming down her cheeks. Frantically, she tried to scoop the porridge back into the bowl, her sobs quiet and heartbroken, as the image of bringing food home to her family shattered before her eyes.
The man she had bumped into sneered, his voice cold and condescending. "So, this is the capital of the Heavenly Flame Dynasty? It's filled with lowly beggars. And you dare dirty my clothes?"
The girl said nothing, continuing to gather the dirty porridge while her tears flowed. The man grew angrier, drawing his sword and speaking cruelly, "To repay me for soiling my clothes, you can die!"
He swung his sword mercilessly, aiming to kill the little girl as she gathered the fallen food.
Amid the shocked gasps of the nearby crowd, Li Huang leaped forward, catching the sword in his bare hand with ease. His gentle smile vanished, replaced by a cold gaze as he stared down the man who dared to cause trouble in his capital.
"Do you really think the Heavenly Sword Sect is so powerful?" Li Huang's voice was filled with icy authority, and the man paled, his body trembling uncontrollably.
"I don't care how important you think you are," Li Huang said, his voice firm and unwavering. "But anyone who tries to harm my people will die." He kicked the man, sending him flying across the street. The man scrambled to his feet and fled in terror.
The crowd, stunned into silence by what they had witnessed, watched as Li Huang turned his attention to the young girl, who was still crying with tears streaming down her cheeks. He knelt beside her, lifting her gently and comforting her. "Don't cry. I'll get you a new bowl of porridge."
The girl sobbed and shook her head, "No… It's fine… Your Majesty… I can still eat it."
Li Huang smiled and replied, "That food is dirty now. If you eat it, you might get sick."
The girl looked at Li Huang through her tears, her voice barely audible. "But... but... it was..."
Without hesitation, Li Huang sat down and ate the spilled porridge himself. The girl tried to stop him, but it was too late. He smiled again and said, "Such a shame, little one. I finished that porridge already. Don't worry, I'll get you a new bowl."
The people watching were stunned by the emperor's actions, and the girl, now sobbing even harder, let out a muffled, tearful voice, "Your Majesty… you…"
Li Huang carried the girl in his arms to get her a fresh bowl of porridge. She looked up at him, full of gratitude, as he handed her the bowl. In a soft voice, she said, "Thank you... Your Majesty."
Li Huang smiled at her and said, "Your future will be bright, young one."
Name: Xiao Ling
Identity: Daughter of the Immortal Mist Emperor
Cultivation Level: -
Body Constitution: Chaos Sword Body
Skills: -
Blushing, the girl bowed to Li Huang and quickly ran back to her mother and brother. The citizens, having witnessed the emperor's kindness, smiled with admiration, feeling fortunate to have such a compassionate and caring ruler.
Amid the peaceful atmosphere, Li Huang stood among the people when his communication stone vibrated. He pulled it out and spoke quietly before announcing, "It seems there's a small issue that needs my attention. Continue distributing the food, and when you're done, return to the palace."
The Black Dragon Cavalry shouted their acknowledgment, and the citizens nearby bowed in respect to their emperor once more. Li Huang waved to them briefly before leaving to handle the new situation.