The Rat

The Crimson Blood Lotus, just by its name, sounded extraordinary, especially considering it was an SS-ranked unrestricted mission. Ye Han suspected that this item was far from ordinary, and he doubted that strength alone would be enough to obtain it.

"The Crimson Blood Lotus is said to be a plant infused with immense fire elemental energy. It only appeared once, 3,000 years ago, and was obtained by a peak-level fire-element Saint at that time. It helped him reach the God-level," Ziluo explained as she looked at Ye Han.

"Why is it called the Crimson Blood Lotus?"

"Legend has it that it grows by being nourished with blood, hence the name Crimson Blood Lotus."

"Interesting. So, shall we..." Ye Han became intrigued by the idea of a Crimson Blood Lotus nurtured with blood.

"My sister and I would like to, but without a mercenary group, we can't accept the mission," Ye Han and his group continued moving forward. Blanqi joyfully ran and jumped around on the Kran Prairie.

"Why not register for one?"

As they traveled, Ye Han and his group attracted the attention of many on the Kran Prairie, not for anything else, but for their attire.

Three days passed uneventfully as the group continued to make their way forward. Ivelin and Kapulos' attitude towards Ye Han made Ziluo once again doubt his identity, and she felt a bit worried. Ziluo looked at her innocent sister, who didn't seem reserved at all in her conversations with Ye Han, and Ziluo felt a bit perplexed.

"Kapulos, go take care of those rats," Ye Han spoke up, breaking his usual silence. He didn't say much, except for the occasional chat with Blanqi.

"Yes, Young Master," Kapulos replied, then swiftly moved backward. Ziluo watched Kapulos as he left with a puzzled expression.

"Don't worry; they're just some annoying rats," Ye Han played with the short sword in his hand and said casually. But Ziluo couldn't help feeling a shiver down her spine. In three days, this young man in front of her, and his two subordinates, had killed countless people.

The Kran Prairie was a favorite haunt for bandits. Countless merchant caravans from both countries passed through every day, and the number of people robbed and killed was countless. Yet, Ziluo hadn't seen Ye Han intervene to save anyone. He simply watched everything silently.

"Weaklings deserve this," was Ye Han's only answer when Ziluo asked him about it.

"Young Master, it's done," Kapulos returned to Ye Han's side in less than half a minute.

"Mm," Ye Han replied indifferently and continued walking forward.

"This is the sixth time," Ziluo said to herself in her heart. Three days, six times.

In the imperial capital of the Wind and Frost Empire, Fengyue City, Ming and Jiayila slowly walked through the city gates. Ming smiled faintly as he gazed at the bustling capital. "May I ask if you are Ming?" A royal guard approached respectfully, his gaze filled with curiosity. This young man appeared to be in his twenties at most, but the princess seemed to hold him in high regard.

"Yes," Ming replied.

"I've been sent by Her Highness the Princess to welcome you," the guard said respectfully, though he couldn't help but feel puzzled. This young man appeared to be in his early twenties at most, but the princess seemed to hold him in high regard.

"Let's go."

Under the guard's guidance, Ming and Jiayila quickly arrived at a luxurious mansion. Without prior notification, the two of them entered directly.

Princess Panise, dressed in royal attire, sat in the hall. As Ming and Jiayila entered the hall, she quickly stood up, showing deep respect for Ming.

"You may leave," Princess Panise ordered the guards and several maids.

"Greetings, Your Grace," with everyone else gone, only Panise, Ming, and Jiayila remained in the hall. Panise spoke respectfully to Ming.

"Mm. Has His Majesty informed you of my purpose for coming this time?" Ming asked as he sat in the highest seat.

"Yes, my lord. His Majesty has already informed me," Panise replied with respect. 

"How is the situation in the capital now?" 

"My lord, on the surface, the capital seems calm, but secretly, the competition is fierce. My three brothers have already perished," Panise said slowly.

In the competition for the throne, it was always brutal, and only the incompetent prince had a chance of survival. Otherwise, those who participated in the struggle often met a tragic end.

"How is the Emperor?"

"His Majesty's condition is not good. After several setbacks, he's become short of breath. Right now, he's being protected by three Saint-level experts."

"In the midst of the struggle, which candidates have the most advantage?"

"There are three contenders: the Crown Prince, supported by the Prime Minister and the backing of the three major aristocratic families in the capital, as well as the support of the Bright Church; the Third Prince, backed by the Left Prime Minister and in control of half of the Imperial Guard; and the Seventh Prince, supported by his mother's side, who is the Minister of Finance of the empire, and with his uncle as the Left General." Panise listed the most promising princes, each with the support of key figures within the empire.

"Hehe, and now there's one more of you," Ming sipped his tea, his eyes fixed on Panise. Nobody knew what Ming was thinking at that moment. The hall fell into silence. However, just then, a nearly perfect illusion blended seamlessly with the surroundings and slowly merged with Ming's feet.

"We must remain inactive in the shadows. The King has said that we cannot make significant moves without his orders, or until the Emperor is no longer alive," Ming put down his teacup and stood up slowly.

"Yes."

"In the future, you will still be your princess, and Jiayila and I will be your protectors. Everything will be as it was before."

"I understand." After the brief exchange, Panise led Ming and Jiayila to a luxurious guest room. She announced to the people in the mansion that Ming was the protector she had invited. No one questioned her decision.

Having been in close contact with the royal family for years, they knew that during such critical times, princesses would often invite strong individuals to ensure their safety. In the struggle for the throne, princesses were far from safe, especially those as beautiful as Panise.

"Young Master, it's done," Ivelin, dressed in white, returned to Ye Han's side, free of any bloodstains.

Ziluo had stopped questioning these events long ago. In five days, twelve incidents had occurred. She had grown used to it. Undeniably, there were many bandits on the Kran Prairie, and many of them were fearless of death.

Ye Han and his five-member group climbed over a small hill. Blanqi, still cheerful, chatted and laughed with Ye Han despite his usual cold demeanor. She remained carefree.

"Young Master, a large group of people is approaching from the front, heading in our direction," Kapulos hurriedly reported to Ye Han.

"How strong are they?"

"Twenty-three individuals above the ninth rank, the rest are all below the ninth rank," Kapulos quickly conveyed the strength of the approaching group.

"The big rats are finally here," Ye Han calmly stood still, while Ziluo's face turned pale. Twenty-three individuals above the ninth rank, and there were only...

Blanqi also looked worried as she tightly grabbed Ziluo's arm. Ye Han's lips curled up slightly, revealing a cold smile.

"Don't worry; they're just some well-built rats," Ye Han said casually. Ziluo swallowed hard after hearing this. Twenty-three individuals above the ninth rank, and in the eyes of this young man named Blood, they were just well-built rats. Ziluo's suspicions about Ye Han's identity deepened.

Soon, a dense group of people, led by twenty-three individuals above the ninth rank, appeared in Ye Han's view. Ziluo's face grew even paler. She understood the situation well. In front of these experts, they were like ants.

A burly ninth-rank swordsman, holding a large sword, approached and asked, "Kid, are you the one?"

"Kill them all," as soon as the burly man started speaking, Ye Han calmly instructed Ivelin and Kapulos.

"If you don't want to witness a bloody scene, close your eyes," Ye Han turned to Blanqi. Following Ye Han's orders, Ivelin and Kapulos turned into streaks of light, and agonizing screams filled the air as they swiftly struck.