Yi Ling was walking through the streets of Jin Kingdom; her steps unsteady but determined. Despite feeling a strange stirring in her heart for King Jin, she couldn't accept the idea of being claimed by him. The memory of being kidnapped by a middle-aged man still haunted her, and she couldn't let herself be owned by anyone.
Though weak, she managed to leave the palace. The medicine King Jin gave her was effective enough to help her get out of bed and steal some inconspicuous robes. She changed into them and left the palace, remarkably encountering no one. Yu Ran would have rolled his eyes at this, knowing King Jin's powers were formidable and his palace well-guarded. No one dared to intrude, but no one expected her to escape either.
Dressed as a man once more, Yi Ling asked around for directions to Feng Kingdom. To her dismay, no one seemed to know about it. Perhaps because it was a low-ranked kingdom, it was largely unknown here.
Disappointed by the responses, she decided to leave Jin Kingdom and trust fate.
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As Yi Ling exited the main gate, King Jin arrived in town. He and Yu Ran followed her aura from his quarters, only to find it scattered throughout the town.
What is going on? King Jin thought. Why was her aura everywhere?
Yu Ran, equally puzzled, confirmed her recent presence. He, too, was confused by her aura being all over the town.
Everyone in town prostrated themselves before the King. His presence was surprising, as he rarely left the palace. Most people had never seen him in person. Only the King was permitted to wear black robes, and Yu Ran, his most trusted subordinate, was by his side.
"Your highness, it looks like she was here not too long ago. She might have been looking for something or someone," Yu Ran suggested, hoping to calm the King's growing anger. He had seen the King angry before, and it was terrifying.
King Jin scanned the town, trying to decipher her actions. He sighed. The woman he claimed as his was truly intriguing.
"Get all of the Golden Knights here this instant!" King Jin's voice echoed, sending a cold chill through everyone.
Oh no! Who made our King this angry? The Golden Knights were his hidden guards, only called upon in extreme situations.
"Yes, your highness!" Yu Ran responded, pulling out a large golden ball. Using his spiritual powers, he threw it into the air.
The ball exploded, releasing a beautiful golden bird. It screeched loudly, and golden shadows flew toward the King.
The Golden Knights arrived, kneeling before the King. "The Golden Knights await his Majesty's orders."
King Jin walked past them. "Yu Ran, show them her clothes."
The Golden Knights furrowed their brows. A woman? Was the King asking them to find someone?
"Here are her clothes. Perceive her aura," Yu Ran handed the clothes to Tian Gu, the Leader of the Golden Knights.
"She left almost an hour ago. She has been roaming around the town. Find her!" King Jin ordered loudly, making sure everyone heard. He added another order through telepathy to the knights.
"If you find her, do not hurt her. If she resists, inform me but keep her in sight at all times. She is slicker than an eel."
"Yes! The Golden Knights obey the King's orders!" They stood and vanished.
Yu Ran sighed. He had wished for the King to fall in love, but never imagined the woman wouldn't want him. He shook his head and followed the King.
As they left, the townspeople stood dazed. The gossip of the day was about someone provoking the King. They couldn't believe someone had the guts.