Suddenly, a light suddenly turned on in his head, and Xie Lian put Yin Yu down, rising to his
feet, “…The cursed shackle. He took the cursed shackle!”
If that thing was unimportant, then Jun Wu wouldn’t have taken it, yet he went out of his way to
remove the cursed shackled sucked full of Yin Yu’s blood and took it, so perhaps, not only did
that thing suck away Yin Yu’s blood, it also imprisoned his soul!
Having thought of this, Xie Lian left the beaten and bruised Quan Yi Zhen behind and dashed
out to the back of the Palace of Qi Ying. However, Jun Wu was no longer there. He then turned
around and charged out.
Upon the great avenue of the Heavenly Capital, there was not a soul and completely cold and
deserted. There were only the expressionless guards watching over the palaces that used to be
bustling and lively with all the great gods, and none of those guards cared for him. Xie Lian
didn’t care for them either and ran straight for the Great Martial Hall.
Sure enough, Jun Wu had returned here, and was seated upon the throne, still gazing at that
cursed shackle. The moment Xie Lian charged in he heard a weird gurgling noise, and when he
looked up, that fetus spirit was hanging off the glamourous ceiling with all four of its limbs, and
was crawling upside down rapidly like some cold-blooded creature, incredibly creepy.
Even a wicked creature such as this could enter the Great Martial Hall, it really made one
wonder how the heavenly officials who struggled for centuries to step into this hall would think if
they should see this. Xie Lian marched over with his arms open wide, and Jun Wu asked, “What
do you want?”
Without another word, Xie Lian thrust his hand and snatched for that cursed shackle, but of
course Jun Wu would not let him have his way. It was a good while and Xie Lian still couldn’t
manage to steal the thing, and he cried angrily, “WHAT USE DO YOU HAVE FOR THAT
THING? YIN YU ISN’T EVEN A THREAT TO YOU, COMPLETELY INSIGNIFICANT IN YOUR
EYES! WHY DID YOU SAY ALL THAT TO HIM? WHAT’S THE USE IN YOUR KEEPING THAT
THING??”
However, Jun Wu said, “Who says it’s of no use? Seeing how angry you are over it, doesn’t this
prove it’s very useful?”
He was like an adult who placed a bowl of fruits on the table just out of reach of his son, and
was smiling cheerfully on the side watching the child tipping his toes trying to grab for it but
couldn’t no matter what, enjoying that he was both angry and desperate, wailing loudly. Xie Lian
was going to go mad from fury, “ARE YOU MENTAL?”?”
“Xie Lian, that tone you took is rather disrespectful.” Jun Wu said.
Xie Lian had been enduring but he couldn’t hold back any longer and cussed, “I’LL SHOW YOU
SOME FREAKING RESPECT…”
All of his curses in this life were probably all directed to this man. Yet unexpectedly, before he
could finish his curse, his throat suddenly constricted, and he suffocated!
Xie Lian’s eyes went black, his hands clutching his own throat, his knees buckled and he
dropped to his knees. Jun Wu sat before him, petting that fetus spirit calm and composedly,
brushing through its hairs, caressing that smooth and round head while black auras permeated
from its palms. That fetus spirit seemed to be enjoying itself, cooing in a weird cheer.
Listening to Xie Lian burst into a series of violent coughs, his face swelling and flustered, Jun
Wu said, “Xian Le, I suggest you behave like before, a little more obedient, a little more
respectful. Only then will I not be angered. Don’t forget, you’re wearing this thing on your person
too, and, you’re wearing two of them.”
“Cough cough cough… cough cough… YOU…!”
Xie Lian shot up to his feet, his eyes brimming with red as he glared at him. Jun Wu said, “I
what? I’m sly? Xian Le, don’t forget, you were the one who asked for them.”
What a joke, how could he have known what this bloody thing was back then!
Could it be? At the time when Guoshi saw him, his face dropped and came strangling his neck,
he wasn’t trying to kill Xie Lian but was instead trying to remove this thing?
It was a good while before that cursed shackle on Xie Lian’s neck gradually loosened, and he
could finally breathe normally again. He was gasping harshly, subconsciously covering his own
neck and feeling that cursed shackle. A touch, and other than the cursed shackle, Xie Lian also
felt something else.
It was a very thin, silver chain. It used to be cold, but because he’s worn it for so long, his body
had already warmed it through. Hanging on the silver chain was a crystal clear ring.
After having felt it, Xie Lian’s shoulders immediately stiffened, and he gripped that ring tight. For
some reason, his heart was pounding faster and faster, as if he had learned an incredible
secret. Right then, Jun Wu spoke up behind him, “It’s me. What is it?”
It’s him what? What did he mean?
Xie Lian stuffed that silver chain back into his robes and turned around in a frown. Only when he
did so did he find that what Jun Wu said just now wasn’t directed at him.
Jun Wu had two fingers raised and pressed against his temple. This posture; he was
communicating with someone!
While he didn’t allow for any other heavenly officials in the Heavenly Capital to communicate
spiritually, he himself had none of those restrictions and could do as he willed. After a pause,
Jun Wu continued, “Nothing much. Because of the case with the impersonated Earth Master
recently, many other spies and false personalities within the Heavenly Capital were also
unearthed one after the other. Seeing as how it’s been a season of incidents recently, there
must not be any careless mistakes, and so all heavenly officials are currently being investigated,
which was why the entire Heavenly Capital has been locked down. It’s currently not open to the
outside nor is spiritual communication to the outside permitted, so of course you aren’t able to
connect with anyone.”
Xie Lian panted lightly and held his breath.
It sounded as if the one communicating with Jun Wu at the moment didn’t know what the
situation was in the Heavenly Capital, so Jun Wu was also nonchalantly lying to the other party.
And, the excuse he used was intricately appropriate; with the case of Black Water
Impersonation surfacing, the waves it caused were atrocious, worthy of attention, so it was
reasonable for the entire court to be locked down.
Even if Xie Lian screamed and yelled, the person on the other end wouldn’t be able to hear him,
so he decided to just observe calmly and act accordingly. It was a good while before there was
an unnoticeable, miniscule flash of change in his expression.
He replied warmly, “Oh? You wish to come to the Heavenly Capital? Of course you can. The
case this time is indeed not a small one, so since you have the heart to come help, you are of
course most welcome.”
…
The other party actually volunteered to come help out in the Heavenly Capital?!
If they volunteered several hours earlier then it would be more than helpful, since they were
definitely in need of aid. But, this timing? The entire Heavenly Capital had already fallen and
became the lair of demons, so this was no different than jumping into a fire pit!
On the side, Jun Wu said a few more simple words and ended the communication. Xie Lian
immediately questioned, “Who’s coming?”
That fetus spirit seemed to know that it was not a creature of light and quietly crawled into the
shadows and hid. Jun Wu on the other hand, only gave a small smile, “What’s the rush? You’ll
see soon enough.”
That was out of his expectations. Xie Lian wondered incredulously, “You’re gonna let me see?
Didn’t you tell the other party that the entire Heavenly Capital is in lockdown and every heavenly
official is being investigated?
“Of course.” Jun Wu replied, “But I should at least have trustworthy left-right hands.”
Ling Wen was technically still on the run, so naturally she couldn’t play the role of Jun Wu’s left
right hands, which was why this task fell on Xie Lian’s head. Just as he was contemplating, Jun
Wu studied him for a moment and said warmly, “Xian Le, just be good and cooperate. Don’t
bother with any silly tricks, I know you too well, I know everything on your mind.”
“…”
Jun Wu played with that blood-filled cursed shackle in his hand absentmindedly and added,
“You’ve said it yourself, to me, Yin Yu was completely insignificant. Actually, it should be said
that all heavenly officials in the Heavenly Court, big or small, are all insignificant in my eyes. If
you expose anything, you understand what will happen.”
“…”
“So, don’t give anything away. Tidy yourself up, they’ll be here soon.”
Xie Lian didn’t speak but he did indeed crawl up from the floor, dusted himself off, and really did
tidy himself up, walking over to stand in the position he had always stood next to Jun Wu’s side.
Jun Wu approved, “Just like that.”
While Jun Wu’s threat was very effective, Xie Lian also discovered something – he didn’t seem
to want whoever was coming to realize the truth of how the Heavenly Capital had fallen. This
made him want to know even more just who exactly was coming!
After two incense time later, before the Great Martial Hall, several figures finally appeared. They
saw a lady cultivator in verdant robes riding a burly black ox, a sacred sword hanging on her
waist, approaching languidly with several farmers following behind, each varying in sizes.
It was actually the Rain Master who had come!
Xie Lian was slightly surprised. Based on how Jun Wu acted – the way he acted after he was
exposed, he’d kill whoever would block his way, and should’ve locked up anyone who
approached, so why was he wary of the Rain Master?
Naturally nothing could be learned right now. The moment she entered the Great Martial Hall,
the Rain Master inclined her head slightly towards the two, “Your Royal Highness, My Lord, how
do you do.”
Xie Lian pretended nothing was the matter and also returned the greeting, “Lord Rain Master.”
He appeared polite and unfazed but his mind was spinning, just what could he do to tell the
Rain Master the real situation here at the Heavenly Capital?
Jun Wu spoke, “It has been a long time since Rain Master last came to the Heavenly Court.”
The Rain Master however, gave an irrelevant answer, “This lockdown at the Heavenly Capital is
rigorous.”
Her words sounded as if she was puzzled, and Jun Wu responded, “It couldn’t be helped. With
the Black Water case thus, the Middle Court had already plucked out over fifty some fake
heavenly officials. It’s deeply concerning whether if there are other pawns planted in the Upper
Court.”
“I see.” The Rain Master said.
The three of them chatted simply for a bit, and only then did Xie Lian realize that when Jun Wu
spoke, no matter it be truth or lie, his bases were always perfectly covered without any flaws,
exceedingly amazing. He had the mind to warn, but first, he was afraid Jun Wu would notice
and take it out on the other heavenly officials; second, he was also afraid to involve the Rain
Master who didn’t know what was going on, so his hands were tied. The Rain Master didn’t
seem to notice anything unusual either, and only inquired if there was anything that needed her
help. Jun Wu replied, “Not at the moment. However, once the investigation is complete, I’m sure
there will be plenty of need of your assistance.”
“Then, I will remain in the Heavenly Capital for now, and await for summoning.” The Rain Master
said.
Jun Wu maintained his smile, his thoughts couldn’t be told, but even when they’ve reached this
point, he still hadn’t shed all pretenses, “Sounds good. You’ve left the capital for years, so it’s
good to take this chance to refamiliarize yourself. Your Rain Master Residence has been empty
for many years now.”
The Rain Master nodded and slowly stood down. Xie Lian knew that the moment she’s gone
she’d be monitored, and felt slightly anxious. Suddenly, the Rain Master turned back around and
spoke up, “Your Highness.”
Xie Lian’s heart skipped, “Does Lord Rain Master have guidance to impart?” Could she have
finally noticed something wrong?
However, the Rain Master said, “Nothing to impart. I’ve been gone from the Heavenly Capital for
many years, so I’ve brought some souvenirs and thought I’d gift you some. Would you be willing
to receive them?”
Xie Lian hadn’t expected it to be something like this and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,
“Huh? Ah… Thank you.”
Jun Wu of course never took gifts, and smiled as he allowed the Rain Master’s escorts to enter,
“Xian Le, Lord Rain Master is to gift you presents, why don’t you accept quickly?”
“…”
The way he said it made Xie Lian out to be a young child in need of discipline; guests came to
make visit, brought a gift for the child, and the elder would make the child come out to receive it
before having the child utter thanks. Xie Lian had no choice, and a farmer approached,
presenting with both hands a package of something very tightly wrapped. Xie Lian uttered his
thanks casually, taking the package distractedly, but suddenly, his face changed, like he
discovered something unusual.
His back was facing Jun Wu, and Jun Wu shouldn’t be able to see his expression, but still he
inquired, “What kind of gift is this?”
When the Rain Master saw he had taken the gift, she raised her hands in courtesy and smiled,
“Nothing valuable, just some local specialty grown from the earth. If there is nothing else, I will
take my leave.”
“Please.” Jun Wu said.
Thus, the Rain Master pulled that black ox, took her escorts, and slowly moved towards that
Rain Master Residence that’s been abandoned for many years. Xie Lian was still holding that
present in his arms and was just about to leave when Jun Wu called out, “Hold it.”
Xie Lian indeed stopped, as if his feet were nailed to the ground. Jun Wu then said, “Come
here.”
Xie Lian went back into the Great Martial Hall and turned around to look at him. Jun Wu stepped
off of the throne and took the package that was tightly gripped in his hold before he said, “Now
you may go.”
He certainly was a distrustful one, and directly look away the gift the Rain Master had given. Xie
Lian glanced at him, and wordlessly returned to his Palace of XianLe.
Once he returned to the Palace of XianLe, Xie Lian was restless, so he paced back and forth
within the hall. An unknown amount of time had past when suddenly, he heard a bright and clear
voice, “Your Highness?”
Xie Lian whipped around, and saw a ragged clothed young man with a headscarf wrapped
around his head had somehow unnoticeably hopped onto the window sill, and was just perching
atop it, grinning playfully at him!
Xie Lian was overjoyed and dashed out for two steps before he suddenly remembered this
youth had called him “Your Highness” just now, and Xie Lian stopped in his step, asking a little
uncertainly, “Are you… San Lang?”
That youth laughed heartily, hopped down from the window, and yanked off the headscarf. Black
hair flowed down but was immediately tied up high, revealing under the black hair a handsome
and pale face that was completely different. It was a face Xie Lian was infinitely familiar with.
Hua Cheng twirled that headscarf leisurely and sighed, “Gege, my dear gege, this time, wanting
to see you is as hard as ascending to the heavens.”
Earlier, at the Great Martial Hall, the moment Xie Lian received the Rain Master’s gift, he did
indeed notice something unusual. However, what was unusual wasn’t the gift itself, but the
person who was delivering the gift.
When he took the package, he felt the other party held his hand and squeezed.
It had to be said, this gesture was frivolous, and if it was done to the ladies, then it’d be
intentionally flirty. At the time, Xie Lian only blinked but didn’t express anything, and gazed over
without sounding any alarm. The one who was standing before him was a tall youth.
While that youth was dressed the part of a farmer, wearing patched, muddy clothes with a
headscarf wrapped around his head, still his face was handsome and delicate, the light in his
eyes twinkling.
However, that light only twinkled in that instant when the two met eyes, and when Xie Lian
blinked again to see, that youth had returned to his shy and naive disposition and stood down
with bowed head.
Since now Hua Cheng had come seeking to the Palace of Xian Le, then naturally all the
monitoring eyes in the surrounding area had been taken cared of. The moment Xie Lian saw
him, he felt him to be incomparably dependable, and there was nothing left to worry about!
———-