After finishing his official business, Gilmans did not immediately return to his Left Prime Minister's residence. Instead, he traveled lightly to his villa, which he called "West Residence." This was where he often held secret meetings with his trusted subordinates to discuss important matters. Ordinary people in the Left Prime Minister's residence had no idea that this place existed, let alone outsiders.
The usually tightly closed gates suddenly swung open, and an ordinary carriage, escorted by four knights, quickly drove in. As soon as the carriage entered, the two bronze-colored nanmu wood gates slammed shut, the creaking of the hinges breaking the tranquility of the courtyard.
The small courtyard was filled with towering ancient elms, their dense leaves completely blocking out the sky. Only sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dappled shadows on the ground, making both the interior and the courtyard unusually dim. When a breeze stirred, the countless leaves of the ancient elms rustled wildly, adding to the somber atmosphere.
The villa's steward, with his fair complexion, was already waiting in the courtyard. As soon as Gilmans stepped off the carriage, he asked, "How is she?"
The abrupt and incoherent words sent a chill down the spine of the villa's steward. Stealing a glance, he saw that Gilmans's narrow eyes were even smaller, gleaming with an unreadable light . A sense of unease washed over him, and he quickly whispered, "Nothing amiss. I've settled her in the west wing..."
※ ※ ※
Madam Sorenblade stared blankly at the dimming light outside the window, her mind blank. A gust of wind blew by, accompanied by the rustling of branches, and she suddenly shivered. Although it wasn't the dead of winter, her mood was colder than the coldest days of winter.
With a sigh, Madam Sorenblade withdrew her blank gaze. Although her internal injuries had healed, she felt utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally, having lost all her power. She couldn't find peace to rest. It wasn't that there wasn't a bed; a large bed, furnished with high-quality comforters and curtains, was placed in this side room near the east window. She believed it would be very comfortable to lie on. However, her mind was churning with chaotic thoughts, showing no signs of stopping. She had thought about so many things in this room.
Her biggest concern is her newlywed lover, and her biggest question is why her once closest sister would be so determined to defeat her.
The door was pushed open silently, and a figure slipped into the room. Madam Sorenblade was startled and stood up warily. She hadn't even noticed someone intruding into her life…
Just as the thought crossed her mind, Madam Sorenblade suddenly realized that she had lost all her powers and was no match for even an ordinary person. Moreover, she was now a prisoner.
Thinking of this, Madam Sorenblade gave a bitter laugh and asked, "You are...?" Upon seeing the man's face, her heart pounded. She was absolutely certain of this tall, stout man; he was none other than Gilmans, the Left Minister of Fast.
Gazing at Madam Sorenblade's radiant, youthful face, Gilemans thought to himself with a touch of wonder: "How can the older sister look even more youthful than the younger sister? She's practically a teenager, stunningly beautiful!" His eyes, reflecting his inner thoughts, suddenly gleamed with a flame that made Madam Sorenblade uneasy.
"What brings you here, Lord Zuo Zai?" Madam Sorenblade suppressed the various thoughts in her mind and asked calmly.
Upon hearing Madam Sorenblade's question, Gilmans smiled and said in a very gentle tone, "Miss, you are mistaken. I merely sent someone to invite you. How could I be worthy of being called 'arrested'? I have long admired your reputation and have always wanted to learn from you in person. It is truly an honor to meet you today!"
Madam Sorenblade didn't want to dwell on the wording, so she said seriously, "Lord Gilmans, now that we've met, there's no need to beat around the bush. I'd like to ask you, sir, what will it take for you to release me?"
Gilmans' eyes swept over Madam Sorenblade, his gaze landing unabashedly on her high, alluring breasts. A slow smile crept onto his lips . This bold, infatuated, and unrestrained gaze sent shivers down Madam Sorenblade's spine; she knew the meaning behind his eyes.
Are you settling in well here?
Before Madam Sorenblade could say anything more, Gilemans suddenly blurted out this irrelevant remark. Madam Sorenblade's face turned pale instantly; her keen senses revealed the meaning behind Gilemans' words, and a wave of panic washed over her.
Although Madam Sorenblade had considered the possibility of being captured and sent to this place, it was merely a conjecture in her mind. However, now that it had been confirmed by Gilmans' words that he indeed intended to keep her locked up in this dark place, her conjecture had become reality, and the bitterness in her heart was indescribable.
Moreover, it seemed that Gilemans had ulterior motives towards her, which made her even more uneasy and fearful. Madam Sorenblade took a deep breath and slowly said, "Does Your Excellency not wish to gain the support of the entire Gongsun family?"
A strange light flashed in Gilmans' eyes. This woman who was making people lose their minds was not to be underestimated. However, she was now completely under his control and had no chance to come up with any more tricks.
Thinking of this, Gilmans smiled and said, "I only need you to hand over the patriarchal token of the Gongsun family. Your third sister will take care of everything else, so you don't need to worry about that."
As he spoke, Gilmans stepped forward, took Madam Sorenblade's delicate hand, and gently stroked it, saying in a leisurely tone, "As for you, just enjoy your peaceful days here!"
When Gilmans took Madam Sorenblade's hand, Madam Sorenblade's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but then she gritted her teeth and a strange look flashed across her face. She suppressed her disgust and let Gilmans's fat hand caress her delicate hand.
"Can Third Sister control the situation?" Madam Sorenblade asked, her eyes lowered. "After all, I am the true head of the Gongsun family."
Gilmans tapped Madam Sorenblade's hand with his chubby fingers and said softly, "In the end, all you want is to leave here, to leave my side."
Madam Sorenblade grabbed Gilmans's arm with her other delicate hand. "Lord Gilmans, what are your terms for letting me go?"
Gilmans shook his head, smiled, and lifted Madam Sorenblade's round and delicate chin with one hand, saying in an undeniable tone, "Right now, all I want is to keep my adorable little darling by my side, so I advise you not to entertain any other thoughts!"
Madam Sorenblade's expression changed, and she struggled with both hands, but now that she had lost all her power, she was no match for the tall and fat man, Gilmans. This action instead caused Gilmans to forcefully pull her delicate body into his arms.
Her soft, delicate body pressed against his chest, and the woman's subtle fragrance was intoxicating. Gilmans became somewhat impatient. Madam Sorenblade naturally noticed the man's change, and she sighed inwardly. It seemed that she was doomed today.
Gilmans laughed loudly, tossed Madam Sorenblade's delicate body onto the bed, and said gleefully, "My little darling, you have no choice but to agree today! As long as you're with me, you'll have whatever you want, so why bother showing your face in public anymore?"
Looking at the woman struggling helplessly on the bed, Gilmans's smugness was beyond words. Madam Sorenblade's pale face was flushed with anger, making her even more radiant. The dark clouds that had been tightly coiled around her head had loosened, and her long, thick black hair had covered half of her face, creating a stark contrast with her delicate, snow-white neck. Her plump, round calves, half-naked, were also visible through the hem of her flowing skirt, gleaming alluringly before Gilmans's eyes.
Everything before him was like a magnet, drawing in the burning desire within Gilmans. He felt every nerve in his body tremble, and a flame of desire shot from the depths of his heart to his head, causing his small eyes to widen instantly.
With a low growl, Gilemans pounced on Madam Sorenblade like a vicious dog, pressing down on her. His fat, thieving hands frantically caressed and kneaded Madam Sorenblade's smooth, delicate skin. Madam Sorenblade's resistance was so weak that it had no effect on Gilemans, only fueling his savagery. He moved his massive body upwards, twisting and pressing down on Madam Sorenblade's soft, cotton-like body.
With her powers suppressed, Madam Sorenblade was now a delicate woman, a weak woman with no strength to even kill a chicken. Being pressed down on by a man like Gilmans made her feel suffocated, like a nightmare where she couldn't even breathe. She could only feel a pair of dirty hands sliding over her body, which she found unbearable.
Madam Sorenblade silently told herself to be patient and wait for an opportunity—the one she needed most right now. Given time, her chance to escape would appear.
Gilmans, a seasoned player in the game of love, knew exactly how to handle a woman already aware of her desires. Although Madam Sorenblade wasn't entirely willing, under his skillful manipulation, she gradually began to show signs of arousal. A blush crept onto her pale cheeks, and a hint of desire welled up in her alluring eyes, filling Gilmans with immense pride.
Listening to the soft, delicate moans of the beautiful woman beneath him, Gilmans leaned close to Madam Sorenblade's ear and whispered lewdly, "Little lady, now you know how powerful I am, don't you?"
Madam Sorenblade didn't answer, only closing her beautiful eyes tightly and turning her face to the side. Gilmans didn't mind and continued his teasing until he felt it was about time, then he began to spread Madam Sorenblade's beautiful thighs apart with his hands.
Madam Sorenblade thought to herself, "Here it comes!" She didn't resist much, letting Gilemans spread her legs limply, only silently murmuring her lover's name in her heart.
Just as Gilmans was about to enter the port, a mysterious smile suddenly appeared on his lips. Unfortunately, Madam Sorenblade did not open her eyes, so she was unaware of the unusual behavior of the man on top of her.
When she felt something hot touching her lower body, Madam Sorenblade took a deep breath and waited patiently for the moment to arrive.
Unexpectedly, things took an unexpected turn. Gilmans' large hand swept over her, grabbing her full, high breasts, his thumb pressing down on a spot beneath her breast that terrified her. Before Madam Sorenblade could even process what was happening, Gilmans' other hand was already beneath her, lifting her rounded buttocks, his middle and ring fingers resting on the acupoints above and below her anus.
"ah!"
Madam Sorenblade's body jolted violently, realizing something terrible was about to happen. When she opened her eyes, she saw Gilimans leaning down and staring at her with a malicious smile, which made her heart sink into an abyss.
Gilmans breathed a hot breath at Madam Sorenblade and said in a sinister tone, "Little woman, you're still a long way from trying to outsmart me! Now let's see how you try!"
With that, Gilmans thrust his massive hips forward, wildly penetrating Madam Sorenblade's undefended forbidden zone. The tender, small area was conquered by the enormous thing, causing Madam Sorenblade's beautiful eyes to widen suddenly, and she let out a piercing scream.
"No!!"
The city had already fallen, and no matter how hard Madam Sorenblade struggled and tried to push away Gilimans, who was now swaggering over her beautiful body, it was all in vain. On the contrary, her actions brought Gilimans even greater pleasure.
Seeing Madam Sorenblade beneath him, crying out like a helpless little bird in the wind and rain, was an indescribable poignant beauty for a man with violent tendencies. Coupled with the unparalleled pleasure emanating from the moist and deep passage below, it was simply paradise on earth, providing immense satisfaction to both body and mind.
As Gilmans vigorously twisted his thick waist, striving to reach a higher level, he leaned down and whispered in Madam Sorenblade's ear, panting, "How's it going? Feeling good, huh? Hehe, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Trying to use the Jade Clam Yang Technique? No way!"
Madam Sorenblade was on the verge of tears. She hadn't expected that this seemingly lustful and greedy Gilmans would actually possess such excellent martial arts skills and have a considerable understanding of the unique techniques of the Gongsun family. This lecherous fat man was definitely no ordinary person.
It should be noted that the "Jade Clam Containing Yang Technique" mentioned by Gilmans is a secret of the Gongsun family. Only the head of the family can practice this extraordinary skill. After the next head of the family is elected, it is passed down from the previous head of the family. No one else in the family knows about it. Even Gongsun San Niang could not possibly know that the Gongsun family has such a unique skill.
The "Jade Clam Embracing Yang Technique" is a unique skill created specifically to handle emergencies like the one we're facing now. The patriarch who created it considered how the head of the Gongsun family could use their own abilities to escape a predicament when they were unable to use martial arts. Since the heads of the Gongsun family were all beautiful and alluring women, and the family was extremely knowledgeable in seductive arts, she naturally thought of this approach. And this patriarch was indeed a genius, actually creating the "Jade Clam Embracing Yang Technique," a technique that allows for the absorption of yin energy without requiring internal energy.
Ordinary techniques of absorbing and replenishing energy require the practitioner's own internal energy to be used. The deeper the skill, the more powerful the technique becomes. However, the "Jade Clam Embracing Yang Technique" does not require any internal energy to activate and is extremely powerful, capable of absorbing all the true energy of a master in an instant.
However, this "Jade Clam Embracing Yang Technique" has a drawback: the true energy it absorbs cannot be truly absorbed by the practitioner; it can only be used for a limited time before dissipating completely. Therefore, this skill was passed down orally as a protective secret to successive family heads. Indeed, this unique art played a significant role in the past. On several occasions, when the heads of powerful families were tricked into being unable to use their inner energy, or were captured, they were always saved by enemies who, lusting after their beauty, fell into the trap, allowing them to escape.
Madam Sorenblade was in a similar situation. She discovered that Gilmans had ulterior motives towards her, so she was plotting how to use the "Jade Clam Containing Yang Technique." Although this would be somewhat unfair to her husband, it was a last resort and a way to escape.
To Madam Sorenblade's utter surprise, Gilmans knew about the Gongsun family's unique skill and how to counter it. The acupoints he had just pressed were all off-center, meaning they weren't the acupoints used in martial arts techniques. Knowing about the existence of these acupoints was already quite remarkable, let alone being able to find the three acupoints that could suppress the "Jade Clam Containing Yang Technique." Madam Sorenblade's shock had reached its peak.
"Am I really going to live here for the rest of my life? Just become this man's plaything?"
As Gilmans ravaged the land, a nameless despair suddenly welled up within Madam Sorenblade. She could only cry out in despair within herself.
"Zhao Lang, do you know your wife is suffering?... Who can come and save me?"
※ ※ ※
At the same time, Prince Elnario was also busy. He originally wanted to join forces with Gilmans to send troops to Wu'an, so that his father, Andre III, who had been hesitant, would see that he was capable of continuing the glory of the Fast Empire and making it even greater.
He never expected such a thing to happen out of nowhere, causing the whole incident to become a hot topic, a city-wide scandal, and known to everyone. As a result, even the most confidential plan would be exposed. Moreover, he was now certain that his father had discovered the secret.
Sigh, what a great opportunity to improve one's image has turned into a loss of points. In the council chamber, judging from my father's gloomy expression, it seems that I'm getting further away from the position of successor.
Thinking about this, Prince Elnario was furious. Although he could tell that Aurelian Dragon wasn't the real mastermind, considering his own losses and his long-standing dislike for the man, he still took the opportunity to give him a push. But after thinking about it carefully, he realized something was amiss.
The old fox Gilmans remained silent, clearly better at understanding the emperor's thoughts than he was. If he calmed down and thought about it, he realized he should have taken the same stance. Why act so proactively? It would only increase the emperor's suspicion of him.
Prince Elnario couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly. Why did he get so angry and furious whenever he saw that country ruffian, and why was he not as calm as usual when he did things?
Now that things have come to this, all we can do is try to take remedial measures. Rather than regretting it later, it's better to find ways to minimize the losses and do something practical; this has always been his philosophy.
After issuing several orders, Prince Elnario headed to the Oni Ninja's residence; it was time to make good use of them.
Prince Elnario's meeting with Oni En, the leader of the Oni Ninja Clan, took place in an exotic room. Thick straw mats covered the floor, and paper latticework separated the room. There were no seats, so people had to sit on the floor. On one side of the room hung calligraphy and paintings, and on the other side were three-tiered bonsai.
Under the bright, ample light, Oni En, the leader of the Oni Ninja Clan, no longer looked so sinister. Wearing a long robe with wide sleeves, embroidered trim, and subtle patterns, Oni En appeared quite energetic and pleasing to the eye.
"Your Highness, is there anything I can help you with, since your teacher isn't here right now?"
After the usual pleasantries, Gui Yan asked casually, unsure of what the handsome prince was thinking.
Prince Elnario wore a smile that could enchant women and arouse envy in men as he said, "Is Mr. Onizuki alright? I'm so sorry to have troubled you with my matter!"
"It's alright, the teacher's injury is no longer serious, he just needs to rest for a few more days. He instructed us before he left that we should notify His Highness the Crown Prince as soon as we have any news."
"I see. There might not be enough time," Prince Elnario said hesitantly. "We already have leads on the people you're looking for. I'm afraid they'll have to move again if we keep going back and forth."
"Where?" Gui Yan's expression hardened, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes.
"It's in Esnia!" Prince Elnario met Guiyan's sharp gaze directly. Although his expression remained calm, Guiyan felt that the handsome prince before him possessed an unfathomable aura, making it impossible to fathom his true intentions or discern his thoughts.
"In that case, we'll have to make our move first and then tell the teacher." Gui Yan's gaze fell on Prince Elnario's back. On the wall behind Prince Elnario hung an autumn painting, and he seemed to be able to smell a chilling atmosphere from the sparse and vigorous branches and leaves.
"But without Mr. Oni Mugetsu, it seems we don't have enough manpower to deal with them," Prince Elnario said enthusiastically. "Do you need me to send some men?"
"I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's generous support!" Gui Yan placed his hands on his thighs and bowed to Prince Elnario to express his gratitude.
"You're welcome. I'll need your help a lot in the future. Cooperation should be about mutual support!" Prince Elnario quickly waved his hand. "How about this, I'll ask my disciples to cooperate with your operation."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Gui Yan was overjoyed. With the help of the disciples of the Snow Mountain Elder, this operation would surely go very smoothly. If he could snatch the national treasures "Sun Sword" and "Moon Bow" back from those rebels, he would be greatly impressed in front of his lord. Even his teacher Gui Wuyue could not match this achievement.
Prince Elnario smiled slightly, stood up, and bid farewell to his master. He knew that such a temptation was irresistible to Oni Flame; now it was up to the Tennin to see how they would perform. Frankly, he was also very curious about the legendary divine weapons, the "Sun Sword" and the "Moon Bow," and what kind of power they truly possessed.
※ ※ ※
The owner of "Dark Fragrance Pavilion," Boss Gao, had just finished receiving a guest she had been waiting for. She arranged for this distinguished guest to go to a secret room in the back and then took care of some matters. When she came out, she suddenly saw a very familiar blond man and four burly men step into a nearby flower hall, followed by a group of brightly dressed girls, all of whom were the high-class singers of the establishment.
"Huh, isn't he…" Boss Gao shook her head, somewhat disbelieving her eyes. "How could he have become like this? The people around him are terrifying!" With her keen eyesight, she was certain that those four burly men were no ordinary characters, especially the short but extremely powerful man in the middle. Words like "bear waist and broad back" couldn't even begin to describe the feeling he gave her; perhaps only a "rock-like man" could be worthy of that description.
Out of curiosity, and also out of instinct, Boss Gao secretly sent someone to investigate, and the information that came back surprised her.
"It's so interesting that he's with people from Pari, so very interesting!"
Boss Gao sat in her chair muttering to herself. Suddenly, she stood up and hurriedly went out to the back. "This information should be shared with the young master. It is definitely useful information."