Starforce Warriors-Chapter 541: Wedding Announcement (2)

Li Xiaofei, to his surprise, discovered that in just a matter of days, his undercover persona had become the idol of countless young martial artists within Jiepeng. He was being fervently celebrated as a hero.

The light-network was flooded with self-proclaimed lifelong fans of Shinzu Genshi, many of whom hilariously claimed to have been loyal supporters for decades, even though he had only risen to fame recently.

As Shinzu Genshi’s reputation improved, the previously scandal-ridden Tsukiha Yaiba, who had been criticized for her ambiguous relationship with him, saw her own reputation skyrocket as well. The tides had turned completely.

After all, the story of a pretty boy and a wealthy woman is typically laced with cheap, sordid details. But the tale of the Light of Martial Arts and the Flower of Jiepeng could easily become a timeless legend.

The narrative of a brilliant and beautiful female family head who knows how to use talent wisely, and her loyal, peerless genius bodyguard, even if they had already rolled in the sheets in private, was reframed as a story of true love. Why criticize such a perfect pairing?

This newfound enthusiasm for the couple quickly became mainstream sentiment. Many people delighted in ‘shipping’ the two, spreading the romanticized version of their relationship far and wide. Riding the wave of this momentum, the Tsukiha Family released an official statement. The content of the statement was simple yet powerful. It included medical examination reports from the top ten hospitals in the Jiepeng Empire.

Each report stated the same conclusion. Tsukiha Yaiba was unblemished and untouched.

In this era, medical science had advanced far beyond the levels of five hundred years ago. Examinations were so thorough that even the most sophisticated reconstructive surgeries could not deceive modern technology.

Moreover, these ten hospitals were the foremost authorities in the nation. The notion that they could all be bribed simultaneously was implausible. In short, all evidence pointed to one undeniable truth, Tsukiha Yaiba had been falsely accused.

The woman who had been vilified by countless media outlets for allegedly keeping a pretty boy and leading a scandalous private life, and later embraced by fans as someone who must have secretly committed to Shinzu Genshi, had, in fact, never experienced intimacy of any kind.

She remained as pure as a snow lotus. The harsher the attacks had been, the greater the shock was now. The lost aura of prestige and admiration returned to Tsukiha Yaiba at an astonishing speed. After all, what could be more captivating than a young, pure, beautiful, and flawless goddess?

A goddess whose abilities and moral integrity were deemed perfect, paired with the unparalleled genius Shinzu Genshi; this was truly a match made in heaven. The ultimate divine couple!

Public opinion surged once again, and the excitement surrounding their pairing reached new heights. However, this time, the fans didn’t get to revel in their fantasies for long.

The next piece of news swept through the Jiepeng Empire like a nuclear bomb, shaking the entire internet. The royal family had issued a statement. Emperor Akihito himself had decided to marry the Flower of Jiepeng, Tsukiha Yaiba.

Not only that, but the wedding date had already been set to be in two weeks. The entire nation was in an uproar. No one had expected that Tsukiha Yaiba’s beauty and brilliance would capture the heart of the great Emperor Akihito. This emperor, revered as a god by countless people in Jiepeng, was an icon of national pride.

Emperor Akihito had ascended to the throne fifteen years ago. Even during his time as a crown prince, he was celebrated as the most handsome man in Jiepeng. For the past fifteen years, he had remained unmarried and without concubines, living a life of simplicity and self-discipline. His tireless dedication to the nation and his ascetic lifestyle had earned him immense respect among the free citizens.

Many regarded him as a godlike figure, even without the status of emperor. If such a figure had now descended into the realm of human emotions, it could mean only one thing. Tsukiha Yaiba was soon to become the empress of the Jiepeng Empire.

Under normal circumstances, this news would have sparked nationwide celebration. For the empire, it would have been a momentous occasion and a cause for collective joy. However, instead of sparking joy, the announcement left many people feeling a strange unease. Upon closer reflection, the public realized that this discomfort stemmed from the unparalleled martial arts genius, Shinzu Genshi.

The divine couple that had captured everyone’s imagination for just a few short days had abruptly and completely dissolved in the most unexpected way. Many fans couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Shinzu Genshi. A martial arts prodigy of such greatness, yet his fate seemed heartbreakingly tragic. Just as he had achieved fame and recognition, he had lost the woman who was undoubtedly the love of his life.

What’s that?

Why is it so certain that the love of Shinzu Genshi’s life was Tsukiha Yaiba?

Are you an idiot?

If Shinzu Genshi didn’t deeply love Tsukiha Yaiba, then with his immense strength and talent, how many financial groups would have been fighting to recruit him? What kind of status or authority could he not have obtained? Why else would he willingly remain by Tsukiha Yaiba’s side for so long as an unknown personal bodyguard? This is irrefutable proof.

As this reasoning circulated, the public discussion about Shinzu Genshi surged to unprecedented levels. Social media platforms were flooded with debates, analyses, and impassioned comments, making the topic trend across the entire Jiepeng Empire.

Shinzu Genshi’s image, once defined by his strength and dominance in martial arts, now carried an air of melancholy. He was portrayed as a hero whose brilliance was overshadowed by the cruel twists of fate.

People were deeply curious about how Shinzu Genshi, the young, fiery martial arts prodigy, would react to the supreme ruler of the Jiepeng Empire taking the woman he supposedly loved.

Would he quietly retreat, heartbroken, and leave the country? Would he erupt in anger, brandishing his spear in defiance? Would he bow to the royal family, or would he become an adversary? The answer did not keep the public waiting for long.

In an interview, Shinzu Genshi publicly offered his blessings for the upcoming marriage of Emperor Akihito and Tsukiha Yaiba. He stated that he would certainly attend the wedding and emphasized that his feelings for Tsukiha Yaiba were purely familial, akin to those of an elder brother, with no trace of romantic affection.

This response left countless fans disappointed. But upon reflection, many found it unsurprising. After all, Tsukiha Yaiba herself, as one of the parties involved, had expressed her determination to marry the emperor through her silence.

In the midst of this frenzied public discourse, the annual summit finally drew to a close. The previously postponed execution of Great Xia officials, initially planned as a symbolic act to make a statement, was once again added to the agenda. That night, lights flickered in the evening breeze at the Tsukiha Family estate.

"Still no leads at all?" Li Xiaofei asked, his tone tinged with frustration.

Tsukiha Yaiba shook her head and replied, "I’ve mobilized every channel and resource I could, but there’s been no progress. Once the matter involves the Temple, it’s no longer within the scope of the influence of financial groups. In the Jiepeng Empire, the Temple holds more authority than the Star Council. It’s rumored that the Temple is guarded by an actual god."

An actual god?

Li Xiaofei frowned, his thoughts racing. The implications of such power were staggering, and the obstacles ahead seemed insurmountable. Li Xiaofei touched his neck thoughtfully. He had killed Saints before, but never a god.

Tsukiha Yaiba continued, "I’ve received some intelligence that the Temple has deepened its collaboration with the Inquisition. Their goal is to completely eradicate all Dragon Group members within the country. Several Dragon Group operatives across the country have been secretly captured over the past few days and sent to the death prison in Tokyo, known as the Nether God Fortress. It’s rumored they’ll be used as experimental material for the New Martial Arts Surgery trials."

Li Xiaofei tapped the table with his fingers. "Give me the detailed information."

Tsukiha Yaiba hesitated for a moment before handing over an electronic file she had prepared. The document contained all the details about the captured Dragon Group members: their identities, holding cells, appearances, and strength levels.

Li Xiaofei glanced over the information, committing it all to memory before promptly destroying the file.

"Focus on preparing for your wedding," he said, rising slowly from his seat. "To be honest, I’m looking forward to your wedding night."

"What’s this? Are you planning to replace His Majesty and exercise his right to the first night?" Tsukiha Yaiba teased with a playful glint in her eye. "The royal family has already sent the wedding dress to the house. Want me to try it on for you? We could do a little rehearsal."

Li Xiaofei glanced at the time. It was ten o’clock at night. There was still time.

He nodded. "Go ahead and change."

Instead of leaving, Tsukiha Yaiba grabbed his hand. "I want you to watch me change."

The two entered a two hundred square meter walk-in wardrobe. A massive mirror covered an entire wall. Tsukiha Yaiba began removing her clothing in front of it, her movements deliberate and unhurried as she slipped into the wedding gown sent by the royal family.

Li Xiaofei crossed his arms, silently observing the stunningly beautiful woman before him. Ever since the Golden Lizard King bloodline had been fully activated within her, he had sensed that Tsukiha Yaiba was undergoing subtle, but remarkable changes every single moment.

No. To be precise, it was evolution. It was as if she were transforming from a lower lifeform into a higher one, ascending to an entirely new state of existence. The aura and allure she radiated was skyrocketing at an unbelievable exponential rate.

If the Tsukiha Yaiba who arrived in Tokyo was merely an exceptionally stunning corporate president, then the Tsukiha Yaiba standing before him now seemed like a celestial goddess from the Supreme Realm of the gods. She embodied a perfect blend of nobility, elegance, purity, and charm, forming an utterly unique and dangerously captivating presence.

Li Xiaofei stroked his chin thoughtfully. This transformation was the result of his ‘efforts’. But he wasn’t certain what the final outcome of such an evolution would be. One thing was clear, however: the Jiepeng Emperor, who had famously vowed never to marry and to dedicate himself entirely to the empire, had suddenly developed mortal desires and decided to wed Tsukiha Yaiba. It was unlikely that this decision was driven solely by her beauty. There had to be a deeper, more strategic motive.

If Tsukiha Yaiba could be used as leverage to gain control over the Jiepeng royal family...

The thought crossed Li Xiaofei’s mind briefly before he shook his head.

Too troublesome.

Scheming and political maneuvering was not his style. It would be far simpler, and more in line with his preferences, to kill them all in one fell swoop. That way, they wouldn’t waste any more of Earth’s precious oxygen.

"I’m ready." Tsukiha Yaiba stood in front of the mirror, dressed in an extravagant wedding gown. She spun lightly, showcasing her exquisite figure, then turned toward Li Xiaofei with a radiant smile. Her gaze was filled with longing.

Li Xiaofei chuckled. It was undeniable that after achieving 100 percent purity of her bloodline, the benefits she continued to reap from their dual cultivation were something she couldn’t resist. That was why she so fervently unleashed her allure upon him.

Since that’s the case... He stepped forward quickly, one hand firmly securing Tsukiha Yaiba’s slender waist from behind, while the other grabbed her long, jet-black hair, which she had deliberately grown out since returning to Jiepeng. Gathering it into the shape of a high ponytail, he yanked it back.

Her stunningly beautiful face tilted upward slightly, pressed closely against the mirror in front of her. She could clearly see her own reflection staring back.

"Keep your eyes open and watch carefully," Li Xiaofei commanded, his actions uncharacteristically rough.

Two hours later, the walk-in wardrobe was a complete mess. The carpet in front of the mirror was soaked. Tsukiha Yaiba lay sprawled on the now-ruined white wedding gown, her chest heaving as she gasped for air like a fish out of water. Her mind was replaying the images she had been forced to watch in the mirror earlier.

The unprecedented sensation, lingering in her body and mind, continued to resonate within her, overwhelming her with its intensity. She could feel the unique energy derived from the purity of her bloodline surging within her. After what had just transpired, that energy was growing wildly, as if it had broken through a bottleneck and achieved another level of evolution.

So it was true. Her hypothesis had been correct. Absolute bloodline purity was not the end; it was merely the beginning. If she wanted to achieve the strength required to dominate the Jiepeng Empire, she had to continue triggering and cultivating this energy within her. So far, it seemed that only Li Xiaofei could help her unleash this potential.

What a dangerous, rough, and yet utterly captivating man.

She hoped he would remain useful for as long as possible. Otherwise, it would almost feel like a waste to kill him.

Tsukiha Yaiba slowly sat up, surveying the wardrobe that was now empty except for herself. The lingering scent in the air was still present, but Li Xiaofei was gone. She knew exactly what he had left to do.