Devouring Monarch: Rebirth of the Profane Phoenix - Chapter 462

Chapter 462: The Vigilants
Asura soon learned from Féng He Ran that a rebellion group existed in the empire. Tired of their tyranny, taking food and excessive taxes from the people in the name of progress.

This group formed in the small villages and towns over a decade ago, becoming a true force throughout the empire with an intelligence division, massive merchant network and small military force.

Not only did the resistance contain the branches of the Féng and Mu family members, but they quickly became the leading figures due to their past actions and education. The Mu family lands tax used to be less than half of the empire’s other territories.

Sadly, the moment the emperor cowardly attacked the Mu Clan on fabricated charges, their lands fell into chaos, and the new lords almost tripled the tax and began to squeeze the populace.

‘Xue’er looks upset hearing this. I guess Mu Yue knew to some extent but couldn’t say anything because she had to serve the first prince…’

Asura thought to himself, watching the leaving Féng He Ran, who seemed to be nervous, remained in the same room as him. ‘To think the Féng family would sponsor and help build a group like this after the events that happened to the Mu family.’

“Mu Xue, Mu Yue, why don’t you both spend time with Féng He Ran? I am sure that you knew each other in the past. It’s rare for you to meet, right?”

“Eh? Are you sure it’s alright, husband?” Mu Xue’s lovely eyes fluttered as she leaned close, her cool, minty, scented breath blowing down Asura’s neck while she hugged him tightly. “Thank you~ you’re the best.”

“…” Mu Yue watched the pair with a strangely awkward expression, her gaze flicking between Asura and her sister, Yue’s lips trembling while lifting the corners to form a faint smile.

The girls soon went off, leaving Asura behind his thoughts; he turned and watched them leaving the building while thinking about the resistance forces, which called themselves ‘The Vigilants.’

Though they didn’t perform crimes and heavy acts against the empire, their trade network and information brokers were quite talented and useful. With a sigh, Asura closed the curtains and pondered while looking toward a large desk full of documents and reports. ‘Should I help this rebellion?’

‘The Féng family already supports them with the remnants of the Mu Clan, though there’s also the question if I truly should meddle in the empire’s issues. My only desire was to remove the threat from Shang Luo…’

‘But is it truly worth it?’ Asura rubbed his forehead, a frown forming, and his eyes flicking around the area of the large and fancy study. His gaze soon turned toward the massive maps of the Emerald Empire and neighbouring regions that were displayed on the walls and a large round table in the middle of the room.

The empire’s capital city was a natural fortress between the central mountains that formed horseshoes around the massive city, blocking attacks from all but one direction. ‘Therefore, Silvara never attempted direct war because the defensive capabilities of the capital were too strong, with a mountain protecting each side—North, west and south.

‘Only the eastern mouth was attackable, but there was an enormous stone wall, metres wide and tall.’ Asura glanced at the detailed image of a wall, and he could see that it contained large numbers of stations and defensive positions within.

‘But the capital also contained many buildings and temples of powerful clans. This meant that there were quite a number of enemy soldiers not included in the main army. A rebellion, then a frontal attack, is the only way.’ He clicked his teeth.

‘I guess I won’t find a proper solution without exploring the capital city.’

‘The fact remains that the empire’s armies and soldiers are probably preparing to fight back…’ His fingers stroking the map, he found himself muttering while looking at the capital city. “We also need to fight against only the elite of the elites of their clans.”

Asura could only smile bitterly and leaned back against the comfortable chair and let out a long sigh.

***

Meanwhile, in the capital city, inside one of many of the Vigilant bases. Shang Luo, who was dragged into the camp by the female who protected the orphans and homeless children, looked at him curiously. “Hmmm, so this is the Shang prince? He looks quite shabby, wasn’t he supposed to be handsome and powerful?”

Mu Lan was one of the strongest warriors of the Vigilants based in the slums. However, the leader was actually her older brother, Mu Cheng. The male himself was more interested in science and magic. Thus, he studied mana, aura and the various forms of abilities that each race and kingdom used.

“It’s because his core was damaged—it seems those people he was travelling with had been poisoning him with the little food they allowed him to eat. This poison slowly caused his core and body to deteriorate.” Mu Cheng wore a white robe, like a doctor, as he examined Shang Luo, writing various information in his notebook while gazing back at Mu Lan. “Well, it seems that we should try working with the prince.”

“Tsk, brother, are you sure we can trust him? Although he did help… I don’t know if he will remain the same once he is reunited with the emperor.”

“It doesn’t matter as long as he agrees to the terms. The rest, the Vigilants will handle, I can tell you that much…”

“Heh, you always seem to get everything right.” Mu Lan pulled a face, her lips pouting as she mocked him, though she didn’t find the prince disgusting when meeting him. However, her trust in the royals of the empire after what happened to her family made it too hard to forgive and forget.

‘Maybe that’s why brother is the leader because he can see past emotional feelings and make logical decisions even facing the people who massacred our parents and family.’ She thought, watching his back with her heart pounding. “So, what do you plan to offer?”

“Simple.” Mu Cheng glanced back at her while writing his notes, a broad smile spreading on his lips, though a dark gleam reflected from his glasses, hiding his eyes.

“The throne!” Mu Lan covered her lips with a gasp while the male in front chuckled while continuing to examine Shang Luo. “It’s obvious he wants the throne. However, if he tries to take it without killing his family and the other forces within the empire, he’s just asking for betrayal.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ah… my stupid sword-obsessed sister, do you not know that the stronger a person is, the longer their lifespan? The emperor will probably be healthy for another two hundred years at least. Do you think the young prince could wait that long? In that time, another two hundred princes could be born.”

“T-That is… you’re saying he might die before getting a chance? Then why didn’t he try and kill him?”

“The power that a monarch possesses from the various clans is much stronger than he could handle, especially as an exile. Or maybe that was his plan before the death of the second prince. Now, the emperor will probably panic, not knowing if he has any heirs, and will likely strive to create more and bet the future on them, forgetting the original prince.”

Mu Cheng wrote several theories on Shang Luo’s condition in a book. He quickly opened his storage pouch, throwing in a handful of different pills, powders, and herbs, causing them to mix inside a bottle.

“I can heal the prince, but it will take close to six months. If he agrees to help us and becomes a member of the Vigilants, then can’t we secure a better future?” He looked back at Mu Lan, who seemed unsure, before Mu Cheng continued. “Because Shang Luo has seen the darkness and experienced betrayal, he can understand the people better.”

“…But won’t he have his revenge on us?”

“Maybe, so we should prepare. At least if that’s the case, I can probably predict that won’t happen…”

“Why?!”

“Because you exist, and the gaze he showed upon seeing you. My sister, the prince fell for you at first glance. Unless things go awry, then this is our chance, likely our final chance, before the emperor crushes us like bugs.”

“M-Me?” She felt shocked before laughing. “So, because I am pretty, that means I can guarantee that we will be safe. Bahaha… You don’t have to lie to make me relieved.”

Mu Lan waved her hand, placing both hands on her twin swords, before swaying her hips and leaving the room, looking back at the dirty prince on the table before she vanished into the shadows.

“But sister… I was telling the truth…” Mu Cheng’s soft voice echoed in silence as the bleeping of the apparatus helping the prince operated.

“…Oh my~ she really is your sister. She’s very, very cute, like a kitten. Ahem… sorry, doctor, it’s just she’s nothing like you.” Féng Mei coughed before appearing from another entrance, wearing the same type of coat as Mu Cheng.

The beautiful redhead lit her long pipe before checking the details and information written by the doctor with a smile. “You adore your little sister very much, Cheng~ but don’t forget about me, your wife.” She laughed before walking to Shang Luo. “How long have we worked together, and I am still not family…”

Mu Cheng’s eyes widened before his mouth twitched. “You know our marriage is only to solidify the relationship between the Vigilant groups…”

“That doesn’t matter~ it’s you that I love.”

“I… don’t love you.” The male frowned, removing his glasses to wipe the glass clean, his dark eyes glinting as he looked over the notes with the prince.

However, before he could approach, Féng Mei pushed his body over an empty table, before climbing atop him, her sharp eyes like a snake gazing upon a mouse.

“Even if you don’t love me, you are mine. Never forget that, now strip.” Her fingernails cut the shirt that Mu Cheng was wearing before her mouth sucked on the doctor’s chest.

Mu Cheng didn’t resist as a helpless and hopeless expression flashed in his dark gaze, and his eyes soon closed as the sound of passion and a beautiful song echoed in the quiet laboratory. Though he felt no love, there was an attraction after all.

‘If only she weren’t so selfish…’ He thought while watching her beautiful, glossy body riding above him. At least at moments like this, he felt Féng Mei was beautiful.

Shang Luo could hear the strange sounds, a hot feeling coming over him before his eyes opened to the scene happening nearby.

‘I must be hallucinating…’

Was his last thought as the prince watched a strange vision before falling asleep. The bleeping from the equipment, the clapping of bodies, with a wet echo and a female panther’s pleasant cries lured him into a deep sleep.