He stared at Sheng Fei and Hua Ren, blinking rapidly, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Then, with a sudden cry, he dropped to his knees and kowtowed so hard his forehead thudded against the dirt.
“I, Chief Bai, and all of Water River Town, thank you! Thank you, my great and noble saviours! Thank you!”
As if a silent command had been given, the entire town behind him followed suit. Men, women, children—everyone dropped to the ground, pressing their foreheads to the soil as they all chorused; “Thank you!”
Hua Ren sighed. It all felt awkward. His lips pressed into a thin line, guilt nibbling at the edge of his conscience for initially, he hadn’t done this to be anyone’s hero. He helped mainly because he wanted the bounty so he could eat and not rely on a particular Alpha.
But then, even without the bounty, seeing the way that tea stall owner readily gave herself up to protect him, despite losing her own son to the same people made him want to save the town. Besides, he also wanted to know if the abductions were connected to that auction house in the capital, in turn, connected to the Emperor.
“Please, get up,” Hua Ren said with a slight frown, stepping forward to help the Chief up. He couldn’t bear to see them kneel any longer.
But Sheng Fei moved faster and grabbed the Chief by the collar of his robe. He hauled him effortlessly to his feet with one hand like a cat plucking a kitten. The Chief gasped, feet dangling slightly before being dropped back to the ground.
Sheng Fei didn’t even glance at Hua Ren. He simply dusted his hands off like the interaction had mildly annoyed him and returned to Hua Ren’s side. He just couldn’t stand there and watch his omega’s beautiful slender hands touch someone else gently. If they had to touch someone, they should be punching the living daylights out of that person.
Hua Ren blinked, slightly puzzled by Sheng Fei’s actions but then he shook his head, deciding not to think about it.
Chief Bai sniffled, rubbing his round nose and wiping his eyes on his sleeves before bowing again—this time from the waist. “My esteemed guests, thank you so much for saving us. We—”
“You’re welcome,” Hua Ren cut in flatly, clearly wanting to avoid small talk. “Now where’s my reward?” His stomach growled right on cue. He really was hungry.
The townspeople, who had imitated their Chief, froze mid-bow and for a brief moment, silence fell over the square.
Then, one by one, they started to slink back into their houses like frightened cats. Doors creaked shut. Curtains twitched and shops locked.
Hua Ren’s brow arched while Sheng Fei folded his arms, expression darkening. Both turned their gazes slowly toward Chief Bai and the poor man visibly paled, feeling as if lightening had just struck. Sweat pooled on his forehead. Their stares were so sharp that he felt like two predators were looming upon him.
The man with the white eyes had the aura of a ferocious white tiger, cold and calculating while the taller man’s was like that of an ancient dragon watching from the peak of a storm-ridden mountain, golden eyes glowing with unreadable fury.
Chief Bai nearly choked.
It was clear that they must have seen the notice. He’d written that reward himself to draw in hunters. He just never imagined anyone would actually take down the bandits—let alone two monsters who tore through them like paper. Water River Town was an extremely secluded, small, small place. Of course they didn’t have that kind of money.
Hua Ren, who already pieced things together, sighed. “I’ll have my payment in meals,” he declared. “Three hot meals a day, every day, until I decide to leave this town.”
He glanced at Sheng Fei, feeling a bit stifled. So much for being independent.
Chief Bai looked like a man reborn. He threw his arms toward the sky. “Thank the heavens!” he cried. “The goddess of mercy walks among us!” He felt like he had just been blessed by the deity of good fortune.
First their town was saved from the bandits and now, their saviours demanded food, not money. What could be better than this?
He dropped back to his knees in gratitude. “Truly, you are saints! Meals, of course! My wife will cook them herself! Let’s go—my house isn’t far, I’ll have a feast prepared at once!”
“Only me,” Hua Ren said curtly, clasping his hands behind his back.
Chief Bai blinked. “Pardon?”
“Only I will eat for free.” Hua Ren stated clearly, then pointed at Sheng Fei. “He has money. He’ll pay for his meals.”
Sheng Fei’s mouth twitched. This Ivory Warlord was truly feisty. How long would it take to earn his forgiveness?
Chief Bai, meanwhile, nodded fervently. Clearly, he felt that Hua Ren was the one in charge. The other one might look more like an Alpha—tall, broad, and dangerous—but the white-eyed one was the one giving all the commands. Best not to cross him.
“Right this way!” Chief Bai said, practically skipping toward his home.
The heavy curtains of the Emperor’s chamber hung low, casting thick shadows across the walls. Lanterns flickered dimly, their glow wavering with each tortured cry and the loud violent creaking of the bed that echoed through the room.
The Emperor’s body moved rhythmically, forcefully, atop a frail young omega pinned beneath him. The omega was sobbing uncontrollably, his tear-streaked cheeks were pressed against the mattress, thin legs trembling as he got pounded over and over again. He regretted it. He truly regretted entering the Emperor’s harem.
He had done everything he could to earn a spot in the Emperor’s harem. He had aced every test, bribed ministers, and even sabotaged other omegas, thinking he would enter the harem, work his charm on the Emperor and become a favoured consort. Maybe even become the Empress but here he was, crying on his first night with the Emperor, unable to handle the Emperor’s passion.
At first it was amazing and full of pleasure but who knew the Emperor could not be satisfied with one or two rounds? They had been at it all night and whenever he was about to pass out from exhaustion and pain, the Emperor would force him awake and increase the pace, making him scream and cry, as if he was enjoying seeing him in pain rather than pleasure.
“P-Please... I’m tired... Your Majesty...” he begged, his voice cracked, hoarse from screaming. He felt like his waist was going to break. “S-Stop...please...”
But the Emperor’s thrusts only grew more vicious at the sound of those words.