Lace Glory Universe King GL - Chapter 19

The imperial pleasure barge drifted slowly across the skies above Chang’an. From its stern trailed a river-like stream of blue light, lingering in the air and refusing to fade, brighter even than the starry Milky Way.

The people in the bustling city poured out into the streets, gazing upward at the hovering vessel. The Empress had returned from her campaign.

“Look, look! It’s here, it’s here!”

“Don’t block me!”

“Have you heard? It was Lord Sikong who brought back the gem.”

“Yes, thanks to Lord Sikong.”

News of this great victory had already reached the lands of the Heluo. It was said that the Empress personally led her troops into the Canyon, where she finally obtained the demonic gemstone—but not without being injured by the Storm Dragon King. Only thanks to Lord Sikong’s timely rescue was she able to return safely.

Fireworks exploded across the night sky, the booming shockwaves rumbling through the air.

At the prow of the vessel, a golden phoenix carving spread its wings, appearing all the more majestic beneath the brilliance of the fireworks. From the high terrace of the barge, a door opened—every eye craned upward.

The Empress emerged, wearing a golden crown and ceremonial robes. On her left and right stood her trusted ministers, Sikong Zhen and Di Renjie.

The crowd packed in the streets erupted into thunderous cheers.

Along the riverfront markets beneath the vessel, music houses seized the chance to perform in celebration, enticing passersby. Dancers with parasols twirled while the strings of pipa rang clear, making the capital even more vibrant this festive night.

But the people’s eyes remained fixed on the barge above.

Lord Sikong stepped forward, displaying the treasure in his palm for the entire city to behold.

The demonic gemstone was a perfect cube, hovering above his hand, radiating a dazzling blue glow, its power unfathomable.

The crowd gasped in awe.

Standing beside him, Di Renjie cast only a glance, uninterested in marveling at the gem’s strangeness. Ever cautious, he had opposed such a public display, and now he kept a watchful eye on every movement around the barge.

Suddenly, a thick fog billowed forth from nowhere, shrouding the terrace from view.

From the musicians’ troupe below, Gongsun Li seized the moment—hurling her parasol handle skyward, she leapt gracefully and in an instant landed upon the barge. A flurry of crimson leaf-shaped blades shot forth, aimed straight at Di Renjie.

“Assassin!” Di Renjie shouted, swiftly activating the power of his command token.

Lord Sikong hurried the Empress back inside.

“Quick, follow Lord Di!” Soldiers stationed on the barge rushed into action.

The alluring assassin, clad in a dancer’s attire and armed with only a paper parasol, moved with dazzling agility. She deftly avoided the strike of Di Renjie’s token, alighting at the edge of the deck, even pausing to glance back with a faint smile.

Di Renjie’s instincts screamed something was amiss. For an assassin to dare strike during the Empress’s triumphant return, yet only fling a single red-leaf blade before retreating—her purpose surely was not so simple.

There was no time to dwell on it. He had to pursue.

Gongsun Li ran, constantly glancing back to ensure the distance between them remained neither too far nor too close.

Through Chang’an’s tangled maze of eaves and rooftops, the city guard had long been left behind in the glow of lanterns. The paper-parasol assassin, however, was drawing ever closer to the city’s darkened outskirts.

It became clear to him—the true target was himself. Having been lured out alone, the situation was becoming dangerous.

Growing anxious, he seized his moment. With a flick of his hand, a golden command token struck the ribs of her parasol, knocking the assassin down from her perch.

Di Renjie descended in pursuit. They landed in a dim, narrow alley.

The red-clad figure rose, but made no move to flee. Instead, she turned calmly toward the alley’s far end and said, unhurriedly:

“I’ve brought him to you.”

Di Renjie froze in suspicion—when three more silhouettes emerged from the shadows.

At the alley’s end loomed a great stone archway.

Beneath it, a tall figure in a dark cloak stepped forward.

So it was indeed a trap, a whole group lying in wait. Luring him here from so far away—what was their true purpose?

The cloaked figure gave no explanation. Slowly, they lowered their hood, revealing their face.

Just then, another firework exploded overhead, its flash illuminating features that could belong to no one else in the world.

A crimson flower ornament blossomed upon her brow. Beneath the adornment, her bearing remained as regal and commanding as ever.

“Your Majesty?!”

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