In the fifth year of Emperor Xuan of Han's reign, the autumn winds in Chang'an brought not only a chill, but also a deathly aura from the withered vegetation. The two vermilion gates of the General's Mansion, which had once commanded respect from all the heroes of the land, were now tightly shut. A strong medicinal smell emanated from the cracks in the gates, creating an atmosphere of despair.
Huo Guang had fallen ill. This old man, who had wielded power in the Han dynasty for twenty years, deposing and installing emperors at will, could ultimately not withstand the chilling autumn rain.
'Cough, cough...' Huo Guang lay on his sickbed, his face the colour of withered tree bark. His once sharp, hawk-like eyes were now clouded over. He gasped for breath; the rise and fall of his chest resembling the strain of a broken bellows. Before his bed, Huo Yu, Huo Shan and other members of the Huo family knelt. Although these pampered descendants shed tears, their eyes revealed a bewilderment and greed for future power; there was no genuine grief. 'His Majesty has arrived!' A high-pitched announcement was made as the doors were pushed open and a head of snow-white hair came into view. Liu Bingyi dismissed all the ceremonial guards and rushed in alone.
[System 4.0: Full-on Acting Mode – 'Utmost Sincerity and Filial Piety, Pinnacle of the Emperor' activated.
Current strategy: Before the old lion closes his eyes, completely destroy his last defences and finalise the 'legitimisation' transfer of power.
Psychological monitoring: Huo Guang's health is currently at 3%, and his suspicion level is at 5%.
'General!' Liu Bingyi collapsed at Huo Guang's bedside, his eyes red and tears streaming down his face. His white hair trembled in the dim candlelight and, disregarding his imperial dignity, his trembling hands grabbed a cool handkerchief from the basin and carefully wiped the cold sweat from Huo Guang's forehead.'Your Majesty... how... cough, cough... came in person.' Huo Guang struggled to get up and pay his respects, but Liu Bingyi held him firmly down.
'Zhang Gong! Li Gong! Look at you all!" Liu Bingyi roared at the old ministers who had followed him in, his voice hoarse. 'The Grand General is my adoptive father, the pillar of the Han dynasty! Anyone who dares discuss state affairs now will be executed on the spot!" He turned and grasped Huo Guang's withered, claw-like hands tightly, his sincere tone sending a chill down the shadow guard Jin's spine.
'Grand General, you must get better. The country is not yet pacified and the Western Regions have not yet recovered. I'm afraid to be alone! For the past three years, day and night, I've longed for you to take me to inspect Weiyang Palace again. I haven't fully grasped the principles you taught me.'
Huo Guang looked at Liu Bingyi, the 'incompetent ruler' he had observed for three years. In the final moments of his life, his dormant political intuition seemed to experience a final burst of energy.
'Your Majesty...' Huo Guang stared intently into Liu Bingyi's eyes, trying to find a crack in his façade within those unfathomable pupils. 'Is Chengjun... alright in the harem?'
'Chengjun is my empress, the one I love most.' Liu Bingyi didn't hesitate for a moment; his eyes were as clear as a spring and carried a hint of shyness and adoration at the mention of his beloved. 'I have already decreed that a "Zhaoxun Pavilion" be built behind Chang Le Palace for the Grand General, so that your merits and Chengjun's good name may be immortalised.'
[System notification: Huo Guang's suspicion level has decreased to 0.1%. The [Deathbed Entrustment] plot has been triggered.
Huo Guang's last bit of strength dissipated and he let out a long sigh. That sigh contained twenty years of scheming, as well as the relief he felt in that moment. He felt that Liu Bingyi loved Huo Chengjun deeply and that the past three years of splendour and prosperity had softened him. In that case, entrusting power and the Huo family to such a passionate, dependent emperor might be the best outcome.
'Yu'er... Shan'er, kneel down!' Huo Guang suddenly found a burst of strength in his final moments, gripping Liu Bingyi's hand tightly and pressing Huo Yu's and the others' hands together.
'Your Majesty, I am dying. From this day forward, the Huo family is Your Majesty's family. If these rebellious sons commit any wrongdoing, please, for the sake of me and the Empress, give them a chance." He pulled a badly worn tiger tally from under his pillow — the lifeline of the Huo family's private army and the last 30,000 elite soldiers he had deployed outside Chang'an.
'This is given to Your Majesty. From this day forward, the Han Dynasty is Your Majesty's alone. Han Dynasty.' Liu Bingyi accepted the cold bronze tiger tally, his head bowed so that no one could see the glacier-cracked smile that appeared on his lips.
"Father... Bingyi accepts the decree.' His voice still trembled with sobs, but the Tyrant System in his mind erupted in a deafening cheer.
[Ding! Successfully tricked the last of the Han Dynasty's powerful ministers' fortunes!" Liu Bingyi didn't hesitate for a moment; his eyes were as clear as a spring and carried a hint of shyness and adoration at the mention of his beloved. 'I have already decreed that a "Zhaoxun Pavilion" be built behind Chang Le Palace for the Grand General, so that your merits and Chengjun's good name may be immortalised.'
[System notification: Huo Guang's suspicion level has decreased to 0.1%. The [Deathbed Entrustment] plot has been triggered.
Huo Guang's last bit of strength dissipated and he let out a long sigh. That sigh contained twenty years of scheming and the relief of this moment. He felt that Liu Bingyi truly loved Huo Chengjun dearly, and that the past three years of splendour and prosperity had been wonderful.
A deafening cry erupted from the General's Mansion. Huo Yu and the others began plotting eagerly, under the guise of 'regency', how to completely sideline Liu Bingyi. Meanwhile, Liu Bingyi slowly stood up, ignoring the wails inside. He simply straightened his dishevelled dragon robe, then walked to the window and gazed at the setting sun. In the sunset, his white hair began to glow with an eerie, blood-red light. 'Father, may you rest in peace.' Liu Bingyi turned to look at Huo Yu, who was still feigning tears. The 'utmost sincerity and filial piety' in his eyes instantly crumbled, replaced by an unfathomable killing intent. 'Lei Zhen,' he called softly. In the shadows, Lei Zhen's towering figure emerged silently, his armour still damp with cold dew. 'Your subordinate is here!' Activate the sound-blocking barrier within a three-mile radius of the General's Mansion.' Liu Bingyi toyed with the tiger tally he had just acquired, his tone indifferent as if discussing the evening meal. 'The Huo family's crying was awful. Let them go to the underworld and sing a funeral dirge for the general.' Huo Yu looked up abruptly and met Liu Bingyi's gaze — not that of a foolish emperor indulging in his harem, but of the white-haired demon who had slaughtered three thousand Xiongnu cavalrymen on the Shuofang Blood Plain three years ago. 'Your Majesty, what... what do you mean by this?' Huo Yu stood up tremblingly, his hand already reaching for the sword at his waist. 'What do I mean?' Liu Bingyi smiled slightly, a smile colder than autumn rain. 'I'm acting.'
Even before Huo Guang's body had been placed in the coffin, the atmosphere in the Grand General's mourning hall had shifted from solemn to chilling; the pale candlelight flickered in the draught. Dressed in mourning clothes, Huo Yu knelt to the left of the coffin, wiping away tears; however, his bloodshot eyes burned with barely suppressed ambition. He turned his head and exchanged a sombre glance with Huo Shan, who was also dressed in mourning clothes. They couldn't wait any longer. With the old man dead, the Huo family had nominally lost its foundation. Although Liu Bingyi appeared deeply grieved and put on a show of 'consolation', the Huo family members, accustomed to the cut-throat world of power, knew that even a quarter of an hour in a power vacuum could be fatal.
'Your Majesty...' Huo Yu slowly rose and, before Liu Bingyi could speak, took a step forward in front of the astonished officials. The movement carried a subtle, oppressive air of coercion.
[System 4.0: Danger Perception — 'Wolf's Gaze' Captured]
Targets: Huo Yu, Huo Shan
Real-time psychology: Fear breeds madness. He is attempting to exploit the unrest at the funeral in order to forcibly reclaim military power.
Host Strategy Suggestion: Activate the 'Retreat to Advance' module to lure the enemy into a deadly trap.
'What instructions does the Grand Marshal have?' Liu Bingyi remained crouched in front of the brazier, his back to the crowd. His white hair was dishevelled and he was mechanically tossing joss paper into the fire. His voice was hoarse, like the rustling of dry leaves.
'Your Majesty!' Huo Yu's voice rang out in the empty mourning hall. 'My father entrusted his son to you on his deathbed. But now the Xiongnu are eyeing us covetously in the north and, upon hearing of the general's death, the Western Regions have already harboured rebellious intentions. We believe that, given Your Majesty's poor health, you are not fit to handle military affairs. We beg you to return the Northern Army's Tiger Tally to us for temporary safekeeping, to ease the General's spirit in heaven.' Upon hearing this, the mourning hall fell into a deathly silence — this was an obvious power grab. The old ministers, including Zhang Anshi, trembled with rage. However, upon seeing the densely packed Huo family private soldiers who had appeared around the hall, they abruptly fell silent. Liu Bingyi, who had been throwing down his papers, paused. He slowly turned around; his 'heartbroken' face appeared particularly desolate in the firelight. He looked at Huo Yu, then glanced at the private soldiers standing with their hands on their swords. A hint of extreme fear and helplessness flashed in his eyes. 'I... I just received the Tiger Tally; it hasn't even warmed up yet...' Liu Bingyi's voice trembled with emotion. Shakily, he pulled the bronze Tiger Tally, which represented supreme military power, from his robes as if it were a hot potato. "Grand Marshal, are you saying that I lack the virtue to protect this Tiger Tally?" 'Your subject dares not! Your subject is only acting for the sake of the Han Dynasty!' Although he said he dared not, his hand had already reached for the Tiger Tally. At that moment, Liu Bingyi surprised everyone by not only handing over the Tiger Tally, but also removing the imperial seal from his waist and pushing it forward to Huo Yu along with it.
'All right, I'll give it to you.' Liu Bingyi slumped to the ground, laughing dejectedly. 'The Great General is gone, and so is my soul. Since you want it, take this empire. All I want is to protect the Emperor and the Great General's memorial tablet, and to live a wealthy life. Is that too much to ask?"
[System 4.0 Monitoring: [Greed Value] Off the Charts
System Report: The threat assessment of Huo Yu and Huo Shan to the host has dropped to 0, triggering the special effect, 'Causal Separation'. Analysis: The host has voluntarily relinquished power at this moment, thus occupying an absolute high ground legally and ethically. Any subsequent counterattacks will be viewed as 'reclaiming lost territory' rather than 'harming meritorious officials'. Huo Yu laughed wildly as he grabbed the tiger tally, feeling an unprecedented thrill — the thrill of trampling a true dragon underfoot.
'Your Majesty is wise! We will certainly not betray your trust!' Huo Yu waved his hand and ordered, 'Seal off the entire city! During the Grand General's funeral, all mobilisation will be under my control. Those who disobey will be executed!'
While the Huo family members were busy dividing the spoils and vying for power, Liu Bingyi's consciousness was pulled by System 4.0 into a strange dimension — a system compensation mechanism triggered by his extreme 'emotional self-restraint'.
'Bingyi...' A gentle voice, like clear spring water, flowed through his parched heart. In that golden sea of consciousness, he saw a blurry, transparent outline. But with that gentle aura and the posture of mending clothes, it could only be Xu Pingjun.
[System prompt: The Wise Ruler System has sensed that the host protected the nation's destiny by retreating to advance, awakening Xu Pingjun's remnant soul by 0.1%.] In his sea of consciousness, Liu Bingyi knelt, reaching out to touch the illusory figure, but his fingertips merely pierced through it. 'Pingjun... wait for me. Soon... really soon.' His tears were real, but the moment they fell to the ground, they transformed into a raging sea of killing intent in his sea of consciousness: 'After I've killed all the beasts who forced you to your death and coveted this world, I'll bring you back.' Outside, Huo Yu thought he had fainted from crying before the spirit tablet. He was unaware that this man was undergoing the final demonisation of his soul. 'Your Majesty, it's getting late. Please move to the rear hall to rest.' Huo Shan approached with several soldiers. His tone was polite, but his actions were those of someone forcing their way in. Liu Bingyi slowly opened his eyes, his sorrow now replaced by a deathly stillness. He stood up obediently and, 'escorted' by soldiers, walked towards the side hall. As he passed Huo Chengjun, he cast her a pleading glance. Feeling sorry for him, Huo Chengjun wanted to help him up, but Huo Yu glared at her coldly. Huo Yu lowered his voice, his tone icy: 'Chengjun, accompany His Majesty. Keep an eye on him. After the funeral, if he signs the abdication agreement, he's yours; otherwise, don't blame your brother for being heartless.' Liu Bingyi entered the side hall and the door slammed shut behind him. In the darkness, the figure of the shadow guard, Jin, dripped like ink. 'Master, the sub-talisman in the Tiger Tally has been imbued with "directional explosive code", and the system has scanned the list of the 30,000 assassins. Every soldier that Huo Yu is mobilising right now is actually in our control." Liu Bingyi slowly removed his heavy mourning clothes, revealing the close-fitting black iron dragon armour underneath. He then took the blood-stained peace talisman out of his bosom and kissed it gently. 'Three years. Lei Zhen, inform the Imperial Guards that the execution ground for the Huo family will be ready once the funeral bells toll. The funeral must be red, as red as Pingjun's wedding dress that day.'
In the mourning hall of the Grand General's mansion, incense and candles burned dimly. Huo Guang's heavy coffin lay there, like a lurking beast. On either side of it, the undercurrents of power reshuffling within the Han Empire surged wildly under the cover of night. Huo Yu clutched the newly acquired Northern Army Tiger Tally tightly in his hand, feeling its cold bronze surface, his only sense of security. However, he didn't notice that, in the shadows of a side hall, Liu Bingyi was watching everything coldly through the window. 'Grand Marshal,' said Liu Bingyi, pushing open the door and entering. His once upright figure now appeared hunched, his snow-white hair dishevelled in the draught. Instead of a dragon robe, he wore only a plain white one, and his haggard expression made him look as if he might be carried away by the wind at any moment. 'Your Majesty, it's late. Why aren't you resting?' Huo Yu asked politely, but his hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword. 'Your Majesty, are you having trouble sleeping?' Liu Bingyi entered the hall and sat down on the steps, his eyes filled with confusion and dependence. 'I just dreamt of the general. He was covered in blood and pointing at me, saying that the Huo family is too conspicuous now. The old officials in the capital and the generals on the border are all eyeing the Huo family. He's worried that someone will harm the Huo family after I leave.'
[System 4.0: Martial Arts Module — 'Boiling Frog in Warm Water' activated]
Psychological game: The host uses the 'persecution complex' technique to empathise with Huo Yu, guiding his defensive mind towards a false hostile target.
Real-time monitoring: Huo Yu's vigilance has decreased by 30%, and his sense of immersion has increased by 50%.
'Does Your Majesty mean that someone wants to harm our Huo family?' Huo Yu's eyebrows shot up sharply. This was exactly what he had feared most. Although he had obtained the Tiger Tally, the Northern Army was divided into factions and veteran officials such as Zhang Anshi still partially controlled the Imperial Guards, which made him feel constantly threatened.
'Grand Marshal, I've thought it over,' said Liu Bingyi, suddenly grabbing Huo Yu's hand. His eyes were so sincere that they almost seemed to overflow with tears. 'Most of the current Imperial Guards are former protégés promoted by Zhang Anshi and Zhao Chongguo. I worry that, on the day of the funeral, they might use the excuse of 'purging the court of corrupt officials' to disrupt the general's coffin. I can't let that happen.' He lowered his voice, his tone taking on a ruthless edge. 'To protect the Huo family, I want to transfer all the imperial guards and the Tiger Legion responsible for defending the capital to Shanglin Garden on the outskirts of the city. I built the fortifications there during my three years of 'leisure'. They'll be stationed there, ostensibly to 'guard against Xiongnu spies.'" Huo Yu's heart pounded. 'Then who will be in charge of the capital's defences?'
'Give them to your private army, Grand Marshal!' Liu Bingyi exclaimed, slapping his thigh as if he had come up with a brilliant idea. 'Bring your 30,000 elite soldiers into the city. Dress them in the armour of the Imperial Guards and let them take over the patrols of the city gates and Weiyang Palace.' That way, Chang'an will be filled with your own men. Who would dare touch a hair on the Huo family's heads?" Huo Yu was first stunned, then overjoyed. He had been worrying about how to get his private army into the city, and this 'fool' Liu Bingyi had actually opened the gates!
Once the private army was inside and dressed in legitimate armour, the Han dynasty would truly be in the possession of the Huo family!'Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty, I will do it immediately!" Huo Yu hurriedly accepted the order, unaware of the mocking glint in Liu Bingyi's eyes, and bowed his head.
[System 4.0: Defence Exchange Command in Progress — [Cuckoo's Nest] Reversal Plan.
'Withdrawing the loyal and powerful Imperial Guards will allow them to avoid the chaos and form an encirclement on the periphery. Luring the Huo family's private soldiers into the city will concentrate the scattered enemy forces in a limited "city trap" that is easy to monitor. The day the Huo family's private soldiers enter Weiyang Palace will be the day the system's 'Blood Sacrifice' formation closes. Jin, pass the order to Chang Hui.' Liu Bingyi ordered coldly, 'Those Imperial Guards who withdrew must change their uniforms. In three hours, they must transform into 'Imperial Guard Demon Riders' and await orders on the outskirts of Shanglin Garden. Once the signal sounds in the city, cut off all channels for transmitting information outwards.' 'Master, what about the Huo family's private soldiers who entered the city?' 'Those who entered the city are not soldiers.' Liu Bingyi stroked his white hair and a cruel smile appeared on his face. 'Those are 30,000 portions of blood and flesh rations to sacrifice to Pingjun.' The rain poured down and the streets of Chang'an echoed with the rapid clatter of hooves. Squads of elite Imperial Guards silently withdrew from their posts, brushing past the furtive Huo family private soldiers. These soldiers believed they were ascending to the pinnacle of power; their faces beamed with excitement. They were unaware that every sentry post and every corner of the city gate bore the explosive mark of 'System 4.0'.
Liu Bingyi stood on the roof of the Xuan Shi Hall, letting the rain fall on his white hair. His gaze pierced the curtain of rain as he looked at the General's Mansion, which was now swarming with 'ants'. To him, the private soldiers entering the city were not people, but streaks of red light — 'sin'.
[Tyrant System Notification: Enemy density within the city has reached its peak! 'Blood Sacrifice - Meat Grinder' is ready.
[Wise Ruler System Notification: Sensing a large amount of chaotic energy, Xu Pingjun's remnant soul is fluctuating violently. Activate 'Soul Soothing'? 'No, let her watch.' Liu Bingyi muttered to himself, 'Pingjun, I'll show those who watched you die without flinching how they will be crushed inch by inch into ashes in this city.' At dawn, the defences of Chang'an had been completely redeployed. Huo Yu stood atop the Nanxun Gate, looking at the city filled with 'Huo family armour', his heart brimming with pride. He turned to Huo Shan, who was standing behind him, and laughed loudly. "From this day forward, even a fly flying through Chang'an will bear the surname Huo!" Meanwhile, in a side hall, Liu Bingyi, 'recuperating', was cooking a bowl of white porridge for himself, stirring it slowly with a porcelain spoon. The white steam reflected in his calm, blood-red double pupils. 'Your Majesty, the defences have all been "handed over" to the Grand Marshal,' the shadow guard 'Jin' reported in a low voice. 'Very good.' Liu Bingyi put down the spoon, picked up the bowl of porridge and gently placed it on the empty table. 'Pingjun, eat your porridge. Once you have finished this bowl, we will go to the funeral to watch the fireworks.' Outside the window, the formerly gloomy sky suddenly cracked open and a sliver of blood-red morning light shone into the hall. It illuminated the blood-stained peace charm, which exuded a suffocating murderous aura.
Although the rain in Chang'an had stopped, the stench of blood in the air had grown stronger. Inside the general's mansion, Huo Yu was smashing a jade cup in a fit of rage. He had thought that controlling the capital's defences would guarantee victory. However, just six hours later, his secret envoy sent to the Northern Army to mobilise supplies had vanished without a trace, and none of his trusted confidants sent to Shanglin Garden to contact his former subordinates had returned.
Even worse, he discovered that although the private soldiers who had entered the city had occupied the city gates, the gates' winches had been sealed shut by some unseen force — they couldn't get in or out.
'Brother, something's wrong!' Huo Shan stumbled into the secret room, his face deathly pale. 'Every gate of Weiyang Palace was completely locked after the troop rotation. They say it's to 'protect His Majesty', but it's actually a divide-and-conquer strategy, cutting off our communication. That sick cat, Liu Bingyi... he's playing us!'
He dared! Huo Yu let out a beast-like roar, his eyes turning bloodshot with fear. They finally realised that they hadn't entered a paradise of power, but had stepped onto a gallows called 'Honour and Favour', woven by the white-haired emperor himself.
[System 4.0: Danger Warning — 'Trapped Beast Fighting' Mode Activated]
Target: Remnants of the Huo Clan
Behavioural prediction: Upon realising political suicide, will resort to extreme force, targeting the host's head.
Tyrant System: Allow them to move. If they don't, how can I activate the 'Blood Sacrifice'?
[System 4.0: Danger Warning — 'Trapped Beast Fighting' Mode Activated]
Target: Remnants of the Huo Clan
Behavioural prediction: Upon realising political suicide, they will resort to extreme force and target the host's head.
Tyrant System: 'Let them move. If they don't, how can I activate the "Blood Sacrifice"?''Since he wants the Huo family dead, let's make sure he dies first!' Huo Xian sat in her wheelchair, her once beautiful face now covered in dark, bluish-purple spots — the legacy of Liu Bingyi's attack three years ago. Her sharp nails gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly and her voice was hoarse, sounding like sandpaper scraping the ground.
'Yu'er, according to ancestral custom, the emperor must offer "farewell wine" to the Grand General before the funeral procession begins. I've prepared that jar of wine.' Huo Xian trembled as she pulled a blood-red porcelain bottle from her bosom. 'This is "the five signs of decay in the heavens". It dissolves instantly upon swallowing; not even a god could save him. As long as he dies in the mourning hall, we will immediately install the son of the King of Changyi as emperor, falsely accusing him of being possessed by evil spirits — his white hair will be proof.' Huo Yu stared at the wine bottle, his breathing quickening. This was their only chance of survival. In the locked chess game of Chang'an, the only way to turn the tide was the decapitation strike.
On the day of the funeral, the entire population wore mourning clothes. Huo Guang's coffin was placed in the square in front of Weiyang Palace. Thousands of private soldiers from the Huo family, dressed in Imperial Guard armour, stood with their hands on their swords. The atmosphere was so heavy that not even birds dared to fly by.
Liu Bingyi slowly emerged from the Xuan Shi Hall. Still with his white hair, he was dressed in mourning clothes and looked thin and frail, as if a gentle breeze could topple this Han emperor. 'Your Majesty...' Huo Chengjun stepped forward, her eyes filled with struggle and pain. Perhaps she had sensed the madness of her family, but Liu Bingyi was still the 'devoted lover' she needed to protect.Liu Bingyi gently grasped her hand. His palm was cold yet conveyed heartbreaking tenderness. 'Chengjun, I am feeling uneasy today, but I must offer this wine to the general. He is my meritorious minister and adoptive father.' Holding the wine tray, Huo Yu walked towards Liu Bingyi step by step. His hands trembled, but the madness in his eyes overwhelmed his reason.
'Your Majesty, please offer the Grand General one last cup of wine to send your father-in-law on his way!' Huo Yu's voice echoed in the hall, carrying a subtle threat.
[System 4.0: Deep Scan — Wine Composition Locked.
[Warning: Complex neurotoxin 'Five Signs of Decay' detected. 100% lethality.]
[Tyrant System Notification: Host, it's time to close the net.] Liu Bingyi stretched out his slender fingers and picked up the clear poisonous wine. He didn't drink it immediately, but stared at his reflection in the cup — his white hair and double pupils that held an abyss. 'Grand Marshal, what do you think is the most painful thing in this world?' Huo Yu was stunned, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of his sword. 'Your Majesty... I don't know.' "You thought you had grasped a god, but it turns out you've grasped a demon." Liu Bingyi leaned closer to Huo Yu; the chilling aura emanating from him sent a shiver down Huo Yu's spine. 'This wine was prepared by your mother, wasn't it? Three years ago, she tried to poison Pingjun; three years later, she tries to poison me. Your Huo family hasn't improved at all.' Huo Yu's pupils constricted to pinpoints. "You… you knew all this?" "Know?" Liu Bingyi laughed loudly, his laughter carrying a violent, soul-shattering energy. 'Every brick in Chang'an, every drop of rain, is my eye. Grand Marshal, I'll drink this cup." Under Huo Yu's horrified gaze, Liu Bingyi tilted his head back and drank the poison — enough to kill an elephant instantly.'Haha! He drank it! He drank it!' Huo Yu screamed, retreating and drawing his longsword. 'Liu Bingyi, since you're courting death, go and be buried with Pingjun!' All troops, listen up! Liu Bingyi is possessed by evil spirits; kill him on the spot!" However, Liu Bingyi did not collapse with blood streaming from his seven orifices as Huo Yu had imagined. He stood at the top of the steps, not falling at all, and his white hair moved despite there being no wind. A dark purple aura erupted from his body, shattering the expensive jade cup into dust.
The toxin that entered his body failed not only to kill him, but was also forcibly converted into energy by the Tyrant System. With the help of the "ancestral blood", the final killing domain was activated. 'Grand Marshal, the wine is mediocre.' Liu Bingyi stretched out his hand and made a grasping motion in the air.
[Skill: Blood Sacrifice – Ten Thousand Heavenly Thunders.]
Huo Guang's coffin, which had been resting in the centre of the square, instantly shattered. The pieces of wood broke into countless sharp arrows which pierced dozens of Huo family confidants, pinning them to the paving stones.
'Three years. I've had enough of this act.' Liu Bingyi slowly drew the longsword named 'Old Sword' from his back. At this moment, the blade transformed completely into blood red, emitting a teeth-grinding buzzing sound. 'Chang Hui, give the signal. Tonight, I want there to be more blood than there were white flowers in Chang'an City during the Han Dynasty."
'Bang!' A blood-red firework exploded in the sky above Weiyang Palace. Outside the palace gates, which had previously been closed, a deafening roar of hooves erupted as the fully armed Imperial Guards emerged from their three-year wait in Shanglin Garden. Like a black tide, they surged in through the 'Gate of Life' that Liu Bingyi had left open beforehand, launching a one-sided slaughter against the remnants of the Huo family, who were already in chaos. 'Chengjun, close your eyes.' Liu Bingyi walked over to the limp Huo Chengjun and covered her eyes with his blood-stained hand. 'These fireworks are too dazzling.'
A sudden gust of wind swept up before the Weiyang Palace, swirling paper money and dust into the air. Thirty thousand of the Huo family's private soldiers charged up the steps like a tidal wave, driven by the frenzied roars of Huo Yu. Arrows rained down, striking the white marble pillars of the Xuan Shi Hall with a piercing clang. The rebels' eyes gleamed with desperate resolve: they knew that killing the white-haired emperor would make them founding heroes; otherwise, today would be the day their entire clans were wiped out. "Kill! The first to reach the top will be ennobled, and the one who beheads Liu Bingyi will be rewarded with ten thousand gold pieces!' Huo Yu, hidden behind a shield formation, spoke in a hoarse, excited voice.
Standing on the high steps, Liu Bingyi watched the surging tide of iron below him expressionlessly. He tore off the bright yellow dragon robe that symbolised the 'Three Years of Absurdity', revealing the black iron dragon scale armour he wore underneath, which radiated a chilling purple light. This was no ordinary armour, but a 'Soul-Devouring Weapon' forged in secret by System 4.0 using malevolent energy and refined steel collected over the past three years.
[System 4.0: Tyrant Descends—"Slaughter Armament" is now fully activated.]
[Current status: All attributes increased by 300%; pain sensation blocked; killing intent domain coverage: 300 metres.
'Pingjun, watch closely.' Liu Bingyi murmured softly, his voice chillingly gentle. His right hand slowly grasped the 'Old Sword', whose broken string had been repaired. The moment the blade touched his palm, its previously dull edge suddenly erupted with a three-foot-long crimson aura. With a bang, the white marble floor tiles beneath his feet shattered instantly. Moving like a black lightning bolt, he leapt down the ninety-nine steps and charged into the densest part of the rebel army's formation.
There were no sword techniques; only extreme speed and power.
With a single sweep of his sword, three heavily armoured infantrymen, each wielding a massive shield, were cleanly cleaved in two — shields and all. Wherever Liu Bingyi went, blood mist erupted and severed limbs flew through the air. The rebels were horrified to discover that their swords and blades could only leave white marks on the black armour. Each of Liu Bingyi's strikes tore away at their souls.
[Tyrant System Notification: [Blood Sacrifice] progress bar is skyrocketing! 5%... 12%... 25%...]
[Pure killing intent collected; the stability of Xu Pingjun's remnant soul has increased, captured by the Wise Ruler System.]
The bloody battle raged before Weiyang Palace while carnage also erupted at the previously 'undefended' Changle Palace. Huo Shan led a thousand elite troops in an attempt to infiltrate the palace and kidnap the Empress. However, the moment they stepped through the palace gates, their shadows transformed into countless sharp spikes and screams of agony echoed throughout the palace.
Shadow Guards 'Water' and 'Gold', like reapers emerging from an inkwell, moved through the darkness. Instead of using bows, arrows or spears, they crushed the rebels into a bloody pulp with the 'mercury gravity' granted by the system.
'His Majesty has decreed,' Shadow Guard 'Gold' snapped a general's neck coldly. 'Within a hundred paces of Chang Le Palace, there must be no trace of life. You are all fertilizer.'
In the centre of the plaza, Huo Yu watched the white-haired killing god move through the army formation as if it were nothing, and his legs began to tremble uncontrollably.
He had seen Liu Bingyi grab a captain's head with one hand and, with a flick of his fingers, shatter the hard iron helmet like paper. Liu Bingyi's black armour was now stained deep red and, under the system's effect, the blood was turning into wisps of red smoke, seeping into his seven orifices to replenish his nearly depleted mental energy.
'This isn't human; this is a monster! It's a demon!' Huo Yu screamed as he tried to escape.
'Grand Marshal, is this it?' A cold voice rang in his ear. Huo Yu turned his head stiffly, only to find Liu Bingyi standing behind him. Thick, purulent blood dripped from the blood-red longsword in his hand; his white hair was stained a strange shade of pink; and two crimson flames burned fiercely in his double pupils. 'Weren't you quite bold when you poisoned me?' Liu Bingyi reached out and gripped Huo Yu's throat tightly, lifting him into the air. 'Your Majesty, spare my life...' Huo Yu struggled in mid-air, his face turning purple from lack of oxygen. Liu Bingyi did not answer. He simply stared at the system panel where the 'Blood Sacrifice' progress bar had reached 90%.
'Thirty thousand portions of sinful blood — finally enough.' He slammed the longsword into the ground and a purplish-black shockwave spread outwards, instantly felling the rebels who were still resisting.
From the system's perspective, 30,000 semi-transparent, blood-red orbs rose from the corpses and converged on Liu Bingyi's chest.
[Ding! 'Blood Sacrifice – Night of the Longsword' mission perfectly completed.
[Tyrant System: Ultimate forbidden technique unlocked: Reversing Yin and Yang.
Wise Ruler System (White): Xu Pingjun's remnant soul has materialised by 30%. The host can now communicate mentally for one minute. Liu Bingyi trembled, his murderous intent vanishing in an instant. He left the unconscious Huo Yu behind and slowly closed his eyes in the centre of the blood-soaked battlefield.
'Pingjun... is that you?' In the depths of his blood-red vision, he saw a girl dressed in coarse linen, smiling serenely. She was slowly reaching out her hand to him, across the chasm of life and death.