Free Web NovelChapter 881: Chapter 639: Lingzhou City (Happy New Year’s Eve!)_2
Nalan Shuo, Yang Xiao, Fang Zhou, and Lou Huixiang, among the four men three were chosen to depart together, with Nalan Shuo stepping forward first, indicating he would lead the team. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
"I will accompany you," Fang Zhou immediately said. Since laying eyes on this coffin, he thought of the Great Mage’s admonition: "Follow upon seeing the coffin," this might be the true path to survival.
Both Lou Huixiang and Yang Xiao wanted to go as well, but surprisingly, Nalan Shuo chose Lou Huixiang. Seeing this, Lou Huixiang had an odd expression on his face, feeling like he had fallen into a trap. Yet, in the presence of the Mansion Master, he dared not back out.
"Alright, set off immediately. The journey should take about one day and one night. By this time tomorrow, you should be able to reach Lingzhou City. Remember, before burying the ancestor, open the coffin and bring back the Divine Turtle Seal for me," the Mansion Master promised in a pretentious manner, "I’ll prepare a banquet for you back at the mansion, for you are all loyal subjects of the New Dynasty."
Accompanied by the "clip-clop" of horse hooves, a glossy steed was led out and tethered to the carriage, while someone handed over a piece of silk cloth, on which a very detailed map was drawn, pointing to Lingzhou City as the destination.
Departing with Nalan Shuo’s trio was another group of people, a dozen or so in number, led by a figure wearing a mask, who rode in another carriage following behind. The rest were mounted on horses, each with a sword at the waist, and several among them also carried crossbows.
Allegedly for protection, yet in reality for surveillance, if Nalan Shuo’s trio made any unexpected moves en route, they were to be slain on the spot.
After the departure of Nalan Shuo’s trio, Yang Xiao, Jiang Qingluan, and Chang Chuchu were also escorted back to their small residence, now akin to hostages.
Once everyone departed, the tightly shut door of a nearby room was pushed open from inside, and a figure emerged, approaching the Mansion Master, who was draped in an imperial robe.
"Your Majesty," a young man’s voice, listless. The person was shrouded in a grey robe, quite mysterious, "I’ve drugged Prince Qi, who was captured, and stuffed him in the coffin with the ancestor. Once the coffin is opened, the suppression of the Divine Turtle Seal will vanish. The unrestrained ancestor will kill all the guards on the transport and devour Prince Qi. Nourished by Prince Qi’s bloodline, the ancestor will grow even more formidable, storming into the Lingzhou Camp, slaughtering the Lingzhou Garrison and the civilians, and then lead an army of Chang Ghosts northward, destroying cities and towns on the way, straight to the Royal City to kill the deposed Emperor."
"You have worked hard, sir. I heard that, out of respect for your master, you severed your own hand. Is there truth to this?" the Mansion Master inquired.
"That is true. To aid Your Majesty in achieving great success, my entire school has been destroyed, and I feel ashamed. Originally, I wanted to die for my master, but as I am the sole survivor, charged with the responsibility of continuing our sect, I dared not die in vain. I had to cut off one hand to substitute for my life, to mourn for my master and the other senior brothers. I hope Your Majesty will not hold it against me," the effeminate man explained to the Mansion Master.
With a slight nod, the Mansion Master clad in an imperial robe showed no intention of blaming but instead smiled, "No matter, mourning the master is a common sentiment. You have assisted me in achieving great success, and now that greatness is within reach, it is also time for rewards and recognition. I also have a significant gift for you, sir."
"Your Majesty, this..."
Before the effeminate man could hesitate, the Mansion Master grasped the man’s remaining right hand, walking to one side with a few followers in tow, and the two arrived at the backyard where six coffins were placed, each crafted from excellent wood.
"Sir, I’ve ordered people to diligently collect the remains of your master and five senior brothers. Soon, I will command someone to find a Feng Shui treasure land to bury them. Although your master and senior brothers were unwilling to submit to me, in recognition of your grace, I am willing to do so."
"Your Majesty..."
The effeminate man knelt down with a "thud," tears streaming down his face, "Your Majesty’s grace is boundless, I would gladly shatter my body into pieces and die a thousand deaths!"
"Rise quickly. I have not yet presented my grand gift. If you act like this, how can I even begin to speak?" The Mansion Master lifted the man with both hands.
"Bring out the grand gift I have prepared for the sir at once!" the Mansion Master turned and commanded the several attendants behind him.
Moments later, under the astonished gaze of the effeminate man, a black lacquered coffin, more valuable than the six in front combined, was brought in by eight martial masters. It was placed in front of the effeminate man, with the head of the coffin facing him.
"Master, We have considered your longing for your deceased teacher, and have specially procured for you a treasure coffin to be buried with him," said the Mansion Master as he slowly backed away. Several fierce guards stepped forward, shielding the Mansion Master behind them, drawing their swords and pointing them at the effeminate man.
At this moment, how could the effeminate man not understand that the other party was planning to kill him after exploiting his use? His eyes turned blood-red, and he trembled uncontrollably: "You... you beast..."
"How dare you!" barked a guard harshly: "His Majesty’s divine grace allows you to reunite with your teacher, and yet you do not kneel in gratitude!"
"Burning bridges after crossing, disregarding benevolence, you will not meet a good end!" Knowing he could not escape death today, the effeminate man cursed vehemently.
But the next second, he could no longer curse, for he had been dealt a heavy blow to the chest. The thrust pierced him through, with the blade protruding from his back, blood spraying, he vomited blood in great gouts. The guard withdrew the sword and then fiercely kicked the chest of the effeminate man. Just as he moved to deliver another blow to end the man’s life completely, he was stopped by the Mansion Master. frёewebηovel.cѳm
"Hold on, do not kill him. This man betrayed his sect for wealth and is a despicable rascal. Seal him in the coffin and bury him alive with those few," the Mansion Master said, looking down at the effeminate man lying on the ground with disdain in his eyes.
Immediately, the effeminate man, his body now resembling a bloody gourd, was dragged by several men to a newly brought coffin. They lifted the lid of the coffin and threw him in.
The effeminate man spat out blood foam and, though unable to speak, continued to struggle desperately. Clinging onto the ledge of the coffin with his remaining right hand, he attempted to climb out, but the people outside paid no attention and closed the coffin lid directly, breaking his fingers.
Amidst the agonizing cries and struggles, the lid of the coffin was sealed completely. The Mansion Master waved his hand and the coffin containing the effeminate man was carried away along the path they had come.
"Your Majesty, Master Xie of Qingyun Temple is still at the manor. What should we do with him..." a follower stepped forward and quietly inquired.
"Kill him. He identified the Divine Turtle Seal for Us. He must not be spared," the Mansion Master spoke with a low and resolute voice, a trace of ruthlessness clear, "Send another team immediately to Qingyun Temple, exterminate all of his dozen disciples, set a fire, and burn down the temple for Us."
"As commanded!" the follower went off on the order.
The Mansion Master stood with his hands clasped behind his back. If one ignored the ghostly appearance beneath that mask, he truly possessed a certain imperial majesty. He was the future Emperor, the Holy Emperor reverenced by all people, and should not — could not have any blemish. Those who knew his secrets must be eliminated.
Speaking of which, this effeminate man had indeed provided a great service. Originally, he was troubled by how to properly send off the Ancestor from the mansion. Who would have thought that as soon as he felt sleepy, a pillow would be handed to him? This man surrendered himself, not only resolving the troublesome Feng Shui Masters for him but also bringing the news of the Divine Turtle Shell. This artifact was a treasure of the Feng Shui line, precisely what was needed to suppress the Ancestor’s Evil Qi and allow it to leave the Marquis Mansion, and depart from Fufu Shouzhuang.
And, after being identified by Master Xie of Qingyun Temple, it was confirmed that this item was indeed a genuine treasure of the Feng Shui line, no fake.
"Hehehe—" The Mansion Master, with his hands clasped behind his back, couldn’t help but throw his head back in laughter, issuing a raspy cackle resembling that of a Night Owl.
His plans were progressing steadily. Now he just awaited news of the Ancestor rampaging in Lingzhou City. Once that happened, his plan to declare kingship would be complete. When news spread of the current Emperor being killed, he himself would raise the banner, leading the troops of Prince Qi, which had already been bought off, following the trail of slaughter laid by the Ancestor to march on the Royal City. Once he broke through, he would be the king above all others, worshipped by his subjects, with nations coming to court — what a glorious spectacle that would be!
At that point, he would kill the three remaining guests housed in his mansion, stuffing their remains into the last temple statue to complete the final ring of the ritual, destroying all nine temples, breaking the incense offerings, and extinguishing the Ancestor’s Evil Qi.
He would then proclaim that it was his divine destiny that had prevailed, with his true dragon’s body suppressing the catastrophic Evil Spirit. Then, why would the world’s subjects not wholeheartedly pledge allegiance?
A grand plan for a century, now within sight!
