Chapter 140: The Pretended Flimsy Facade

The guard was nearly scared out of his wits, trembling uncontrollably on his knees, banging his head repeatedly—fearing that Duke Sky Sovereign would slash his brain with a single stroke. What misfortune! They were all guards, yet why was everyone else working while he was the one to be punished?

Having served by the Fourth Prince’s side for some time, he had come to understand his volatile temper. When the Fourth Prince said he would behead someone, he absolutely would. If his excuse displeased the prince, the next moment he would find himself reporting to the King of Hell.

Sky Sovereign glanced at the hole in the corner of the wall. Though much larger than a typical dog hole—practically a small side gate—it was still a dog hole. No matter the size, a dog hole remained a dog hole.

Satisfied that the guard had saved face this time, he said, “Get up. Next time you whine, handle it yourself.”

The guard let out a relieved breath. That was close. The cold sweat on his back had soaked his undershirt. Next time, he swore he wouldn’t be so careless with his tongue. He would never interrupt again, not even under threat of death.

There was no time to waste now. His delay could not continue, for the colorful python would not wait. Sky Sovereign considered briefly, then leapt onto the wall—clearly intending to scale it and enter.

The guard who had narrowly escaped disaster was about to warn him that this was the residence of the Wise King of Eastern Chu, but he swallowed the words. The earlier lesson was still fresh—if he failed to keep his eyes open this time, he would again be the butt of scorn.

The group climbed over the wall into the Wise King’s mansion. The commotion was considerable and soon roused the palace guards. “Intruders in the Wise King’s estate!” This was no trivial matter. Several squads of guards took up torches and began searching the grounds.

Sky Sovereign followed the tracks left by the colorful python for a while, then sensed the atmosphere within the Wise King’s residence had shifted—a palpable tension as if a storm was brewing. The estate was vast, far beyond that of an ordinary household. If he failed to sense something amiss here, there would be a serious problem.

He halted and asked the guards behind him, “Who can tell me whose estate this is in Eastern Chu? Don’t tell me you don’t know.”

The Fourth Prince’s gaze darkened dangerously. Yet, except for the guard who had nearly been punished earlier, none of them knew whose residence this was. Heads bowed as they feigned ignorance.

At the most dangerous moment, the earlier guard could no longer hold back. He stepped forward timidly and said, “Your Highness, now that you ask, this is the Wise King Bai Li’s palace.”

“Bai Li Xian’s palace? Damn it! If you knew, why didn’t you say so outside the courtyard? Were you trying to get yourself killed?” Sky Sovereign’s face darkened as he nearly roared at the guard.

The guard’s legs trembled like a sieve, and he could barely speak clearly. “S-sire, the Fourth Prince told me to keep quiet earlier… not to complain, or else I’d be in trouble.”

Smack. Sky Sovereign slapped him hard. “Are you an idiot? Is your brain filled with tofu? Can’t you see what’s really going on? Do you think I’m some cruel and heartless prince? Damn fool!”

None of the other guards dared to speak, all playing the submissive fool. Everyone knew that whoever spoke up now would be the first to suffer. No one wanted to be the scapegoat.

Rubbing his temple, Sky Sovereign said, “Now that this has happened, the priority is to find the python. As for the damage to the Wise King’s estate, I’ll prepare a gift later to apologize.”

The guards, energized as if injected with adrenaline, searched with vigor. If they failed to find the python this time, they were doomed.

Bai Li Xian stepped out of his house and immediately spotted a giant python slithering nearby. Unlike other pythons that were ugly and frightening, this one was remarkably colorful—whether due to some mutation or other cause. Its head was silver-white, gleaming under the moonlight, catching the eye irresistibly.

The python seemed uneasy, moving hastily as if someone were chasing behind it. It appeared panicked and desperate.

Spotting Bai Li Xian, the python suddenly stopped as if slamming on brakes. Its tail coiled, head raised high, eyes like polished stone locked onto him. Its scales bristled, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

Bai Li Xian stared coldly into the python’s eyes. Though fearsome, dealing with it was a mere inconvenience—just a matter of time. Perhaps stewing it into soup would be a fine choice. He had heard snake bile was good for beauty; surely Liu Ling’er would appreciate it.

Under the moonlight, man and snake faced off. The python was puzzled—it had only woken from hibernation in pursuit of a rabbit for food, accidentally wandered onto a main road, and stumbled upon a group of people. These people, upon seeing it, had the hunting instinct, scheming to capture it.

After narrowly escaping their pursuit, it thought it was safe, only to find itself cornered in this courtyard by a formidable opponent. The python felt like crying—trapped between wolves and tigers, it was doomed.

“Fourth Prince, look! The python is there!” a guard behind shouted excitedly, grabbing a net and charging forward.

The python could no longer stay calm. Those people were closing in behind it. With a snap of resolve, it whipped its head around and lunged at Bai Li Xian.

Bai Li Xian’s temper flared instantly. On one hand, someone had trespassed into his estate without permission; on the other, this python dared to challenge him, trying to break through.

With a swift palm strike, he knocked the python’s head aside. The python retreated, eyes wary, unwilling to attack again.

Bai Li Xian stood there, glowering at the uninvited guards. “Who are you? Why have you trespassed into my Wise King’s palace?”

The guards, hearing the estate owner speak, turned to look at the Fourth Prince. Sky Sovereign sighed helplessly and stepped forward. “Wise King, it has been many days since your birthday. I hope all is well.”

Upon seeing the Fourth Prince of Southern Man Kingdom, Bai Li Xian narrowed his eyes with displeasure. “It’s late at night. Why does the Fourth Prince wander into my estate unannounced? Without informing my servants, how am I supposed to entertain you?”

Sky Sovereign forced a smile. Bai Li Xian was mocking him. He had indeed trespassed recklessly. Now was not the time to argue; he lowered his pride and apologized, “Ha ha. Sky Sovereign came uninvited and disturbed you at night. Wise King, if you were to send me away now, it would be the best hospitality.”

“Speak then. The Fourth Prince comes to the palace at midnight; it must be urgent. Speak freely.” Bai Li Xian had already accepted the apology. No point in pressing further. It was better to save face and do a favor this time.