Protect Our Chief

...

"Emperor’s Son An, Patriarch Shouzhe, this way please."

One of the revered Elder Gu—Qi, representative of the group, respectfully welcomed Emperor’s Son An and his entourage.

Elder Qi was an honest and open-minded Elder Gu and a devoted follower of Saintess Dai. Over thirty years ago, he served as the overseer for the "Gu Master Working Team" and had visited Longzuo County and the Wang Family, staying there for some time.

He had interacted and communicated with Wang Shouzhe, and they agreed with each other’s philosophies. He had also provided significant assistance in the Wang Family’s expansion into the Southern Border.

"Thank you, Elder Qi."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Emperor’s Son An and his group were guided to the center of the viewing platform, seated at the guest of honor’s position.

The personal guards of Emperor’s Son An spread out behind him, forming a protective formation, ready for action at any moment.

Although his personal guards numbered only a few dozen, they were no ordinary individuals. Five of them were from Prince Deshun’s lineage, outstanding and young clansmen, all with Celestial Human Realm strength, none older than 180 years.

This group of people were marked for focused cultivation by Deshun’s lineage, with potential to become Emperor’s Son An’s trusted aides in the future.

The rest were offspring from noble families supporting Emperor’s Son An, such as from the Gongye, Wang, Chen, Shangguan families, and other houses. Young Celestial Prides like Chen Mu Ying, Wang Anan, and Shangguan Yunhong were among them.

The remainder comprised of young Celestial Prides from other branches of the Imperial Family and Military Family, who ranked highly among their generation and had notable reputations.

Therefore, although the number of personal guards was just a few dozen, each was an exceptional young Celestial Pride. Many of the older ones had already reached the late stage of Celestial Human Realm, with limitless future prospects.

Additionally, famous young Great Celestial Prides from Gui Long City were prominently featured, including Shangguan Yunque from the Gui Long Shangguan Family, Wu Zhixing from the Wu Family, and Gongye Zhengping from the Gongye Family.

Among them, Gongye Zhengping was the oldest, nearing 180 years, and his cultivation had already advanced to the Purple Mansion Realm.

Wu Zhixing, although adopted by Prince Fu from the Dexin Lineage as an adopted son, usually stayed at home cultivating and refrained from getting involved in trivial matters, was unfamiliar with Prince Kang. Emperor’s Son An found his character and strength commendable, keeping him close for meticulous cultivation.

Though Emperor’s Son An had yet to ascend the throne, the future prospects of those who could serve as personal guards accompanying him on campaigns were undoubtedly vast. All families wished to entrust their exceptional offspring entirely to Emperor’s Son An.

Thus, this squad of personal guards was no simple matter, boasting an impressive overall combat power. Even during the Divine Martial Dynasty period, it would be considered an elite force.

However.

This wasn’t the most formidable part of the personal guard unit. Two Black Tortoise Cultivators completely encased in battle armor were the core members of the personal guards. Their stature was imposing, aura solemn, clearly not to be trifled with, never mingling with other personal guards, even having separate tents for accommodation.

Speculation among the young Celestial Prides of the personal guards abounded that these were likely two Divine Power Realm protectors.

Furthermore, one of them was likely Prince Deshun himself. Accompanying Emperor’s Son An discreetly on military ventures, providing protection against unexpected events, was entirely sensible.

The identity of the other was unclear, probably a top-tier master secretly cultivated by Your Majesty, stationed beside Emperor’s Son An as a guardian.

After all, Emperor’s Son An held an incredibly distinguished status, crucial to Daqian, tolerating no mishaps. Venturing deep into enemy territory, thorough security measures were imperative.

However, none knew or could guess that this unknown mysterious expert was actually Emperor Longchang.

Moreover, he was filled with resentment, staring incessantly at Wang Shouzhe’s back of the head, muttering to himself.

This guardian disguise was suffocating, with Wang Shouzhe sitting openly in front of him. As the Great Emperor, he had to sit upright behind him, pretending to be a statue.

Hmm~~ Once back home, he’d find a way to trip him up and restore balance to his mindset.

The arrival of Emperor’s Son An and his entourage naturally aroused suspicion and uncertainty among the Barbarian Gu Race, with their hearts filled with either hostility or curiosity.

As everyone’s minds buzzed with mixed feelings.

A loud voice suddenly rang out.

"Saintess Dai approaches, Quasi-Saintess Jing approaches."

Everyone focused their attention, seeing Saintess Dai gradually walking from the direction of the bamboo pavilion, surrounded respectfully by a group of youthful and radiant girls.

She still wore that gown adorned with mysterious symbols, a Profound Black Gu Master Skirt, her head adorned with luxurious gold accessories, and the exposed neck and forearms sporting intricate and enigmatic tattoo designs.

Despite her somewhat tired expression, her dignity remained unblemished, her overall presence noble and mysterious, imbued with a composure unique to those long accustomed to authority.

Behind her followed another young woman dressed in a Profound Black Gu Master Skirt.

Compared to Saintess Dai, her style was much more understated, lacking the mysterious tattoos on her skin and the luxurious gold accessories on her head, yet her aura was equally calm and confident, not to be underestimated.

This woman was, naturally, the successor to the next Saintess of the Barbarian Gu Race, and the protagonist of this sacrificial ceremony—Wang Luojing.