Free Web NovelChapter 441: Not by Human Hands
This was the first time Consort Yuan, who had raised gu worms for many years, had ever heard of such a thing.
Even when the gu worms of her Medicine King family died, their aura would linger for about half a year.
"Under what circumstances would a gu worm’s presence suddenly vanish?" The Beili Emperor knew little about gu.
"No matter how tightly sealed a place is, other gu worms can sense one another. This is especially true for worms of the same bloodline. Even if a gu worm were buried a hundred meters underground, others of its kind could pinpoint its exact location. For the connection between them to suddenly disappear... I must admit, I am also very surprised." Yuan Yintang’s expression grew complicated as he continued, "For them to just vanish, unless..."
"Unless what?"
"The gu worms suddenly vanished from this world entirely."
That was the only possibility.
The Beili Emperor’s heart sank. He repeated in a low voice, "Vanished from this world entirely?"
’It seems there’s some truth to the tales of ghosts and gods after all. If even the elite Hidden Guards couldn’t have done this, who else could have emptied Consort Yuan’s chambers?’
’Could Xi Yan have actually summoned an Immortal?’
"Senior Brother, could something have affected the gu worms, causing an error in their perception?" Consort Yuan asked.
"The connection to the gu worms vanished when I reached Four Directions Town," Yuan Yintang said. "At the time, I could still trace the residual aura they’d left on people. But after I entered the Capital City, the trail went completely cold. I’ve circled the city several times, and there’s been no sign of them at all. I fear the Capital City is hiding something... something not of human origin."
Consort Yuan was speechless, completely stunned. ’Could there really be some unclean entity involved?’
The Beili Emperor’s expression grew complicated. ’Something not of human origin... that means ghosts or spirits.’ Suddenly, he thought of the Luminous Pearl from the East Sea that Xi Yan had presented to the court.
’Rumors surrounding items from the East Sea are always fantastical. For Xi Yan to give such a priceless treasure to Beili for no reason... could the Luminous Pearl be hiding some strange power?’
"Guards! Go to Ten Thousand Treasures Temple and request Abbot Miao Yuan’s presence at the palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, I will continue to search every corner of the Capital City. I have raised gu for many years; I will be able to detect even the slightest disturbance from the stolen worms," Yuan Yintang said. He hadn’t been particularly invested at first, but the complete disappearance of the connection had piqued his interest.
"If you can get to the bottom of this, We will reward you handsomely." The Beili Emperor also wanted to see if a ghost was truly responsible.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Yuan Yintang bowed.
"Please be careful, Senior Brother."
Yuan Yintang nodded and withdrew.
The Beili Emperor felt even less inclined to sleep now. Xi Fengying, just like the aura of the gu worms, had vanished without a trace.
He was now certain that the same person was behind both Xi Fengying’s disappearance and the theft.
Tales of ghosts and Immortals had never ceased. The legends of the East Sea, Penglai, and Immortals were not just baseless rumors.
Consort Yuan covertly surveyed the palace hall. It felt utterly cold and desolate.
A cold wind blew in through the window, making the bed curtains drift slightly. The beaded screen chimed with a crisp, faint sound. The sight sent a chill through her.
’When Abbot Miao Yuan arrives at the palace, I must have him perform a ritual to dispel this gloomy energy.’
The wind was gentle under a clear sky, a picture of spring with its red blossoms and green willows.
Peach blossoms fell in a flurry. Another ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
The gates of the Capital City remained tightly shut. The number of searching soldiers never dwindled, coming one wave after another, yet there was still no news of the so-called thief.
All told, the city gates had been sealed for nearly half a month. By all rights, the Capital City should have been turned upside down in the search. The fact that the thief hadn’t been caught made it obvious they weren’t in the city at all.
They had probably left the city long ago. Half a month was more than enough time. With the gates still sealed, the citizens’ complaints grew louder and more frequent.
Moreover, the common folk trapped both inside and outside the city walls began to clamor at the gates.
