Unguarded Empire

When King Ru Ning arrived in front of the wooden gate at the border entrance of the Huang Empire, he felt the atmosphere of desolation. The sight somewhat felt off for an empire with a wide territory. He conveniently passed through with his troops following his lead behind. 

Nobody is guarding the empire!

Even Emperor He Mo was surprised seeing the abandoned fortress and barracks.

As the two rulers meet, King Ru Ning was the first to greet. "Emperor He Mo, there is only one path in our goal and that is the path of victory!" King Ru Ning said then, he gives a gentle tap on the young man's shoulder. The young emperor in return nods his head in understanding.

"How come this border is abandoned? When we enter, there are soldiers guarding their gate. Isn't this kind of tactic is strangely familiar, King Ru Ning?" Emperor He Mo pondered loudly and asked the man while his eyes scanned the area. Then his gaze landed to the numbers of soldiers standing a few meters away from them. 

He was skeptical of this scenario but still confident in the overall situation. As he stared longer at the troops, he noticed that these soldiers are focusing also on him. Or rather, the lady behind him.

He slyly glanced at his back and saw his two companions with contrasting expressions. Ye Shin has solemnly looked straight ahead while the other girl has an uncomfortable expression. Whether the latter was acting or not, he could not tell and he seems not to care. 

The soldiers' attention was indeed focused on Hao Fei. Her beauty did not fail to mesmerize them. Some had their saliva rolled down from their gaping mouth. Such an alluring face like her is impossible not to notice. This invading stares from the soldiers made her somewhat uncomfortable. It's only King Ru Ning who is eager to conquer the whole region and does not pay attention to her.

Hao Fei glared at the soldiers as she crossed her arms around her chest. This innocent gesture of her somewhat emphasized the voluptuous bosom that was trying to break free from her fit clothing. Making the eyes of the bystander on the surrounding place focused on the single location. Slowly an expression of ecstasy hung on their faces as if they were possessed by her destructive charm that can trample a country.

'Hmmph! In my world, nobody has dared to look at me in the eye! They are too scared to even glance at me! But these weaklings have actually had the guts to stare at me! If my future husband is not here, you weaklings are already good as dead! You are lucky that my husband is here.' Hao Fei protested in her thoughts.

This girl decided not to act brazenly so the young emperor will completely fall for her. The invasive stare of the humans in front of her had somehow given her a strange and unfamiliar feeling. 

"It is odd to see an unguarded empire but our situation is different. That Emperor Huang Le had exhausted his men during our battle. His guards had probably joined the reinforcement but I still manage to defeat them. Now, that emperor is surely hiding in his palace. Emperor He Mo, let's not waste our time and conquer this empire! " King Ru Ning responded eagerly.

"No, I cannot join you in this battle, King Ru Ning. I have personal affairs to deal with. But with your military experience, I am confident that you will be victorious, King Ru Ning. I plan to leave this region and wander on the outside world as soon as possible." 

"I see." King Ru Ning pause and looked at Ye Shin and Hao Fei before he continues, "This King will not stop you, for you are still young and the outside world has so much to offer for you. Go and enjoy your journey." King Ru Ning said and gave the young man in front of him a meaningful look.

"Then I shall take my leave." Emperor He Mo stated before he turned away. 

The two proceed to take their chosen road. One has moved forward and was determined to conquer the entire region while the other went to the path where a conquest even he also could not find a word to describe.

~

As King Ru Ning and his allies were on their way towards the Huang Palace, the Emperor of this Empire was silently sitting on his throne. 

Petals have been falling from a flowering tree outside and had attempted to enter the side window. This tree was a gift when he was proclaimed as the emperor of the Huang Empire. Now as if its leaves are giving him an ominous sign.

The countless realization came to him at once. 'Alas, I have been too greedy.' A depressing sigh escaped from Emperor Huang Le before he took a brush and a paper. He stared at the item on his fingers for so long until fragments of his childhood memories started to flash in his thoughts. 

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"Grandpa, this brush is beautiful." a young man happily sitting across his grandfather grabbed the object from the case. 

"Haha, grandpa will give that to you if you like it. This is a gift from my Daoist friend after being away for so long." the old man responded smiling at the young man. 

"Really, you will give this to me grandpa? Thank you! I like this brush. It is as if calling my name." the young man continued to speak animatedly to the old man.

"My grandson has good sight. This brush holds magic. It can write using the owner's emotions even without an ink!"

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Another sigh echoed on Emperor Huang Le before he started stroking the brush on the paper. The mixture of emotions that he felt was poured down on the paper. He did not stop writing until King Ru Ning arrived in front of him. They immediately surrounded him but the emperor seems unbothered.

The man just sat on the throne with his head held up high like a distinguished emperor full of pride.