Unruly Phoenix Xiaoyao

Chapter 41: Trust me, I'll protect you

As the wails of a baby filled the air, Lou Zigui stepped over the tall threshold of the Hall of Golden Chimes and walked to the Xie father and mother pair. He was wearing the court dress of a military officer when he entered.

Ning Xiaoyao glanced at Lou Zigui, then at Big Boss Black walking proudly beside him with his head held high, and felt her mouth twitch. Did this cat fancy himself a leopard? (Author: Why are you focusing on the kitty instead? o(╯□╰)o ) The baby in Lou Zigui's arms kept crying incessantly while he dangled a green jade charm over the child's head, as if trying to coax its sobs.

Grand Preceptor Xie's face had already been stricken of all color from the moment he saw Lou Zigui step inside the door. It felt as if two of his three immortal souls had flown away. This man is still alive? He's actually still living?! Grand Preceptor Xie couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at Lou Zigui, fervently wishing that his gaze could stab holes through his body. He was in such vehement denial that he began to wonder if everything was a nightmare.

Empress Dowager Xie was caught in the throes of fright as well. By the time she saw the charm in Lou Zigui's hands, she lunged forward despite already nursing a broken leg. How could Lou Zigui let her hit her mark? He sidestepped Empress Dowager Xie just by turning aside. The empress dowager tumbled to the ground, her broken leg striking harshly against the floor. She gave a horrible shriek before passing out from the pain.

Lai mama stared at the jade charm in alarm. By the time she recovered her wits, she could only cry out in despair, "Prince, Prince Cheng!"

Her terrifying cry startled everyone present. All of his fur stood on end as Big Boss Black jumped up to scratch Lai mama. Miaow, she'd scared this cat to death!

Lai mama got a clawful that left her face bloody, causing her to shriek again. She rushed towards Lou Zigui like a madwoman, intent on snatching back her young master.

Lou Zigui stood there unmoving. Fang Tang approached from behind and kicked Lai mama, sending her flying into one of the palace pillars. Her body twitched a few times and lay still.

"You," Grand Preceptor Xie knew things were bad as soon as Lai mama called out for Prince Cheng. Ning Xin had fallen into Lou Zigui's hands, which was good as saying their lifeline was with Lou Zigui. Subconsciously, Grand Preceptor Xie reached out to grab the child as well, but when his eyes met Lou Zigui's icy ones, his hands froze in mid-air. How could he be a match for Lou Zigui?

Lou Zigui made a detour around the empress dowager and headed towards the steps to the throne. The imperial guards had already lost half their initiative at the sight of Lou Zigui. Coupled with the sight of bloodstained swords from Fang Tang and the rest, and they'd lost all will to fight. Lou Zigui's men were all masters who'd put their lives on the line fighting the Northern Hu at Anyuan's six provinces. Were they supposed to risk their lives fighting these masters too? Thus, the imperial guards parted in the middle to allow Lou Zigui past. He didn't have to say a word. Ning Xiaoyao looked curiously at the baby in Lou Zigui's arms. So this was Ning Xin?

Lou Zigui stopped at the foot of the steps and bent his knees, preparing to kneel. Yet Ning Xiaoyao had already ran down the steps and lifted the covers hiding Ning Xin's face.

"Let me look at him." She'd seen him after he grew up, but never when he was a baby.

With this, it was impossible for Lou Zigui to kneel anymore. An insightful Song Jin took the initiative to kneel and pay respects to Ning Xiaoyao, with Fang Tang and the rest quickly following suit. Ning Xiaoyao hastened forward, intending to help them up. They were already so familiar with each other, so why the need to kneel?