IDWBE -Chapter 429 Going Too Far

“You’ve got some guts, damn it.”

After saying this, Jiao Zhong kicked at Tan Fei.

Unexpectedly, Tan Fei didn’t even dodge. He took the blow head-on, without even letting out a grunt.

Only then did Jiao Zhong remember—Tan Fei was already at the pinnacle of the ninth rank!

If they were to truly fight, he might not necessarily lose.

Tan Fei wasn’t the head guard just because of his martial skill—it was because he had earned the full trust of the Commander and the Prince.

“I wouldn’t dare,” Tan Fei brushed the dust off his clothes and said calmly, “I’m grateful that you, Commander, showed restraint. I appreciate it immensely.”

“I wouldn’t have held back either; it’s just that your skills are far beyond me, and I’m helpless against you,” Jiao Zhong sighed, “With talent like yours, the wide world awaits. Yet you stay here as a mere guard—it’s such a waste.”

By calculation, the He Mansion already had five guards at the peak of the ninth rank!

Placed in the martial world, each of them could found their own sect!

Especially Tan Fei—only twenty years old, and already at the ninth rank peak.

His future was limitless. He might one day become a legendary figure known across the ages.

Having these people remain in the mansion was clearly underutilizing their talents.

Moreover, they caused trouble for him, the head guard.

Since he had become the head guard, they had never truly respected him.

He could only command them because of the rules of the He Mansion.

After leading the army into Ankang City, Prince He had carefully explained the authority of the mansion guards:

For cases the local authorities cannot resolve, you handle them. For targets the secret guards dare not touch, you act. Matters the court dares not intervene in, you take charge. In short, only handle what others cannot. Anything you execute must follow the Prince’s will, protect his interests, and benefit his plans—you may act first and report later.

Clear enough?

Thus, the head guards were truly the Prince’s top enforcers. To anger a head guard was to anger the Prince himself.

If the Prince were angry, the consequences would be severe.

Ranks meant nothing—ninth or eighth—against people like Commander Hong, the Blind, or Ye Qiu; they were like ants.

Without the backing of these top guards, a mere head guard like him would be bullied without mercy.

“I’ve never sought vanity or indulgence,” Tan Fei shouted, “My dream is to serve the Great Liang Kingdom, to serve Sanhe, to die for Prince He!”

The louder he spoke, the more powerful his voice became!

It reverberated across the skies!

The birds in the forest scattered, flapping past the two of them.

Jiao Zhong’s mouth twitched several times.

Damn it! Are you afraid the Prince can’t hear you, or the other guards can’t?

Bastard!

Be honest—are you really staying at the mansion for the Prince? What nonsense.

Jiao Zhong actually understood some of these people’s motives.

A ninth-rank peak martial artist used to be extraordinary—able to found a sect, gather disciples across the world, control a region like a local warlord.

But since the Prince began his “Anti-Crime and Evil” campaign, all martial sects were labeled “evil forces.”

Anyone using martial skill for personal gain, breaking the law, or harming others was treated as a local tyrant.

The Prince commanded both military and local authorities to strike hard against them!

Those who resisted were dealt with severely, sometimes with top masters like Ye Qiu and the Blind sent to enforce the law.

The Prince might not favor Ye Qiu personally, but they were still great masters.

Even the century-old martial sects were like fallen leaves before such masters.

The current martial world was a storm of blood and chaos!

Even ninth-rank guards were nothing compared to the lawless chaos outside.

Now, these people were motivated by ambition.

They all hoped the Prince would ascend the throne!

Once he became emperor, their fortunes would rise, and they could command armies like Shen Chu, He Hong, and Bao Kui.

Leading thousands of troops, admired by all—it was far better than being a wandering rogue in the martial world.

“You’re loyal, indeed—well deserved of the Commander’s training,”

Tan Fei said he would die for Prince He. Jiao Zhong couldn’t afford to mock him here—there were too many ears around listening.

Tan Fei was still his subordinate; losing face here meant losing face for himself.

Even if he gritted his teeth in anger, he had to endure it.

“The Commander’s guidance, I will never forget,” Tan Fei’s lips curved slightly. He cleared his throat, “Besides, how many among us haven’t benefited from the Commander?”

Threaten him with the Commander? He wasn’t afraid.

“You’ve got guts,” Jiao Zhong snorted, lowering his voice, “The thing with me and Cao Xiaohuan—though some know, it’s not common knowledge. How did you find out?”

Tan Fei smiled, “Commander, forget it—we near the Prince; nothing stays secret.”

Jiao Zhong’s expression didn’t change.

Those by the Prince’s side could have no secrets.

Among guards, everyone must know each other’s background—otherwise, no one can trust anyone.

If one died from misplaced trust, it was nothing.

But endangering the Prince? That was a capital crime!

Therefore, no secrets could exist among them.

He could easily investigate each guard—especially someone like Tan Fei at the ninth-rank peak.
Learning about him was a breeze.

“Sir, great men forget things,” Tan Fei stepped forward, stretching his neck toward Jiao Zhong, “You, as head guard, have unlimited potential. Marrying a girl like this without thought—it’s a waste.”

Jiao Zhong snapped, “Do I need you to teach me what girl to marry?”

Tan Fei said, “Sir, bitter medicine, honest advice. You once guided Liu Kan and Jiang Zhen. Both benefited from He Jixiang’s favor; they might one day become high officials.”

Jiao Zhong paused, then sighed, “Truly, the onlooker sees clearly what the participant misses.”

He was the head guard!

Cao Xiaohuan was the Chief Constable of the Dali Court!

Their positions were extraordinary.

If they wanted to be together, only one solution existed—one must resign.

Cao Xiaohuan agree? Impossible!

She had endured too much, her ambitions high.

Even if she loved him, she would not give up her position for him!

As for him? Impossible.

The position of head guard of He Mansion was hard-earned. Cherishing it was barely enough, let alone giving it up for a woman, for “love”?

He was not that foolish.

And Chen Xinluo, a man drunk on fame and power, even less likely.

He had to admit—Chen Xinluo was far smarter than him.

Even if Cao Xiaohuan were a celestial fairy, with wealth and influence, what woman could he not have?

“Sir, if you understand this, it’s enough,” Tan Fei straightened, smiling, “I only speak for your benefit.”

“Thanks.”

Jiao Zhong turned and left.

Once he was gone, Tan Fei suddenly said, “Come out.”

“You’ve got a silver tongue—one sentence and Jiao Zhong’s thoughts are gone.”

Fang Pi fell from midair.

Tan Fei smiled, “What did you give Prince Yong’an to hand over this Turtle Breathing Technique? You’ve gotten smoother. Even I, at ninth-rank peak, wouldn’t detect you if I wasn’t careful.”

Fang Pi chuckled, “Prince had me get it. He said I had no martial talent and weak defense, better to learn life-saving skills. Prince gave me the manual directly. The Blind man said, if I don’t slack, in ten years I could surpass Prince Yong’an. Then even he wouldn’t find me. Turtle Breathing Technique could become the second best in the world.”

Prince Yong’an had little interest in it; Fang Pi practiced diligently, confident he could surpass even a talented Prince Yong’an.

Tan Fei asked, “Who’s number one?”

Fang Pi sighed, “Of course, the Blind. He grasped the method in just a few words. Simple as can be, and easily perfected. Infuriating, right? No wonder the Prince said human gaps surpass that between men and dogs.”

“Whether Blind or Monk, they’re prodigies,” Tan Fei said calmly, “Compared to them, any effort only makes life harder.”

“Now, tell me—why did you make me stir up trouble between Jiao Zhong and Cao Xiaohuan? If you don’t give me a reason today, you’re not leaving.”

He drew his long sword.

Fang Pi frowned, “Aren’t you afraid others will hear?”

“Speak, we can’t hear you.”

“Exactly, say it.”

“Spit it out, stop dawdling.”

Suddenly, voices from all around the forest spoke at once.

Fang Pi startled, “You’re eavesdropping? Come out! Cowards hiding half-exposed—what heroics are these?”

Tan Fei smiled, “Didn’t you listen carefully?”

“What?” Fang Pi asked.

Tan Fei said, “He Mansion guards have no secrets.”

“Those with secrets don’t last past midnight.”

Voices from the forest joined in.

“Who?” Fang Pi panicked. “All this time, playing ghosts—don’t scare me to death!”

“Who do you serve?”

The air turned heavy.

Fang Pi couldn’t speak, hands clutching his neck, eyes wide, quacking like a duck, staring at Tan Fei.

“All right,” Tan Fei slapped Fang Pi’s shoulder, “He’s not that skilled—you know that. Who could survive this?”

Fang Pi collapsed, gasping, wiping sweat, sobbing, “I’ve no grievance with you—why harm me so?”

Lei Kaishan snorted, “So what?”

“Mock the Court Guards?”

Fang Pi jumped up, face red.

It was going too far!

Just because he was weak, he could be humiliated?

He was a Court Guard Commander!
Surrounded by masters!
Used to having his way!
Never suffered such injustice!

Both Tan Fei and Lei Kaishan had gone too far!

They didn’t even acknowledge him, Fang Pi!