Infinite Professions

Chapter 429: Chapter 220: Grand Sacrifice (Part 3)

Relying solely on incense offerings, one attains the rank of Fifth Grade; if the ritual method is further applied, it might pave the way to the rank of Fourth Grade.

Fourth-rank True God!

Although Qingping Temple and Qingye Temple also have Fourth-rank True Gods, this isn’t a chess game where one can easily exchange pieces.

Not to mention exchanging, neither side is willing to suffer injuries in exchange for life.

Divine beings are immortal, they seek longevity and vision; following the dragon is to gain benefits and progress further, why would anyone sacrifice their own life for it?

Thus...

"Who taught him this ritual method?"

"The Jinyang City God?"

"What is his real intention?"

A monk and a Daoist frowned deeply, completely puzzled.

But soon they realized.

"No matter what, we cannot let him have his way!"

"How can a Fifth Grade deity be qualified to receive this grand sacrifice? Such transgression is a capital crime!"

"This is cause enough for the Hidden Dragon to act!"

"Quickly deploy troops, raid and destroy!"

...

Three days later, Jinyang Prefecture.

Officials of all ranks gathered in one place.

Cui Shao sat high in the hall, dressed neatly and appearing stern.

Seated below were officials of all ranks, including Deputy Governor Li Mubai.

Now past middle age, the passage of time made him appear more composed and authoritative. Though sitting below, he was effectively the center, overshadowing even Cui Shao above him.

"Lord Li!"

Seeing this, Cui Shao spoke directly without extra words: "The ritual conducted by the Divine Judgment Temple in Anping County has exceeded its bounds, which is a grave crime of insubordination, a capital offense by law. As the Deputy Governor of Jinyang Prefecture, responsible for military affairs, I command you to immediately mobilize troops, destroy this temple, and put an end to its blasphemous worship!"

"This..."

These words caused an uproar in the hall, with many officials looking at each other before turning their eyes to Cui Shao and Li Mubai with uncertainty.

They knew that new officials like to make bold moves, and knew there would be conflicts between the newly appointed Prefect Cui and the powerful Magistrate Li, but they didn’t expect a conflict so intense, attacking each other’s core like this.

Troops against the Divine Judgment Temple, even destroying its worship?

Would Li Mubai ever agree to this?

Li Mubai glanced over, then stood up, speaking coldly: "This is a worship ceremony with incense offerings from all the people. As the paternal figure of this region, to now wield a knife against the people is truly an act of madness."

"..."

"..."

"..."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent.

Well, it seemed Li Mubai wasn’t one to take a loss easily, immediately flipping the accusation back as an intent to massacre the people.

"How dare you!"

Cui Shao was furious, slamming the wood of the hall: "When did this court say anything about massacring the people?"

Li Mubai’s expression remained unchanged: "When you move against the incense offerings of the people, how is this not a massacre?"

"Turning black into white!"

Cui Shao seethed with rage: "The Court’s laws provide protocols for rituals. The actions of that Divine Judgment Temple are offensive and treasonous. I act according to the law and you call it a massacre of the people? Li Mubai, you are clearly colluding with this temple, shielding it."

"The court’s laws must follow the Orthodox Technique, valuing the people over the Monarch!"

Li Mubai stood firmly without fear: "If not following the Orthodox Technique, but instead harming the people, even the Monarch would be guilty!"

"You...!!!"

These words stunned not only the others but even Cui Shao in the hall. Those officials on the fence were trembling as well.

But Cui Shao was still Cui Shao, and quickly reacted, standing up to coldly question: "Li Mubai, are you trying to rebel?"

"This is to punish the wicked for the people!"

Li Mubai paid him no mind, merely shouting loudly: "Guards!"

"Boom!!!"

Suddenly, a group of armored soldiers burst into the hall, assembling behind Li Mubai, awaiting orders.

"You..."

Cui Shao’s eyes focused with shock.

Though he anticipated Li Mubai’s reaction, seeing his decisive actions still unsettled Cui Shao’s heart.

Yet Li Mubai wasted no words with him: "Seize him!"

...

Days later, at Jinling, the State Mansion.

This was Yangzhou’s capital, the Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties, a place where regal influence gathered.

Inside the Liang Royal Mansion, singing and dancing were in full swing, the feast was joyous.

King Liang, Xiao Ye, sat in the main seat, below were people of various Jinling families, mostly young talents, along with many Wenyuan Scholars.

Xiao Ye was young, only just past the age of majority, but his demeanor was exceptional. If not quite the bearing of a dragon or phoenix, he was still like a lone branch in Guilin or a jade from Kunshan, with an elegant posture, radiating a noble aura, standing out among others.

Sitting in the high seat of the hall, his eyes were gentle like jade, his gaze warm and enveloping, naturally winning respect.

Today was just a small banquet, with few high-ranking officials and dignitaries, but the attendees were young talents and literary figures from various families, a hall full of culture and talent.

In the midst of their joyous gathering...

"Report!!!"

A messenger burst in: "Deputy Governor Li Mubai of Jinyang Prefecture has overstepped his authority, imprisoning the new Prefect Cui Shao and various officials of Jinyang, further committing acts of transgression, offering blasphemous sacrifices to the Evil God. His Grace the Governor requests Your Highness to proceed and deal with this traitor!"

"Hmm!?"

"This..."

Those words stirred the entire hall into chaos, filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

Only Xiao Ye remained calm, standing up to firmly order: "Prepare the carriage to the State Mansion!"

The time has finally come!

In this world, the Divine Dao is supreme, controlled by ancestor deities above, leaving little worry of internal rebellion or familial insurrection. Therefore, the Court has few defenses against Vassal Kings, instead bestowing them with important duties. Vassal Kings everywhere can establish their own governance and military power, or at the very least supervise military leadership.

Xiao Ye, though demoted to Yangzhou, is no exception. Though stripped of his Crown Prince title, he remains a Vassal King in Yangzhou. Now with chaos in Jinyang, he can justifiably muster forces to quell it.

This is the moment for the Hidden Dragon to rise!