“After the death of Prince Huai, I took advantage of the chaos to steal the soul pill and brought it back to the capital, giving it to His Majesty…” the soul of Que Yongxiu answered honestly.
No wonder Yang Yan said that during the blood sacrifice of the commoners, the essence of blood rose to form blood pills while the souls entered the ground, leaving no trace afterward. It turns out Que Yongxiu had stolen them during the chaos…
Xu Qi An suddenly understood. He had thought the Earth Sect Patriarch had taken the soul pills, but unexpectedly, they had ended up in Emperor Yuan Jing’s possession.
“So, the Earth Sect Patriarch participated in this for the sake of so-called ‘evil.’ Hmm, the Northern Garrison King and the Earth Sect Patriarch have some level of cooperation. I wonder if Emperor Yuan Jing is also in cahoots with the Earth Sect Patriarch?
“This isn’t good. If that’s the case, I need to be careful about my identity. During the 1v5 battle that day, the Earth Sect Patriarch sensed the aura of the Earth Book fragment on me.
“He knows that the mysterious expert in Chu Province is an Earth Book fragment holder. So when guarding the Nine-Colored Golden Lotus, I must erase all traces of ‘Xu Qi An.’
“Xu Qi An is in Chu Province, and a mysterious expert with the Earth Book fragment aura appears in Chu Province. This doesn’t prove anything. But what if Xu Qi An is also an Earth Book fragment holder? That would be too suspicious.”
Thinking of this, Xu Qi An asked again, “Is there any secret collusion between Emperor Yuan Jing and the Earth Sect Patriarch?”
Que Yongxiu replied woodenly, “I don’t know…”
“What does Emperor Yuan Jing use the soul pills for?”
“I don’t know…”
What’s the use of you if you don’t know this or that? Xu Qi An felt a bit angry. After pondering for a long while, he asked with utmost seriousness:
“Do you have any unknown properties or money?”
Que Yongxiu honestly confessed, “No.”
Although the Protector-General’s mansion was in the capital, Que Yongxiu had been operating in Chu Province for many years. If he had any private funds, they would be in Chu Province.
Hmm, the Protector-General’s mansion will certainly be confiscated to explain to the ministers. It’s a pity I’m no longer a night watchman, otherwise, I could have participated in the confiscation and made a fortune… Xu Qi An felt a pain in his heart.
“Duke Cao, do you have any unknown properties?” Xu Qi An turned to look at Duke Cao.
“I have thirteen private residences in the capital, where I keep mistresses and catamites. Three of them are vacant, and in one of the vacant ones, I store some precious antiques, paintings, calligraphy, and silver.”
Storing precious antiques outside the home rather than inside, these things must all be ill-gotten gains… What a detestable corrupt official… Xu Qi An was both delighted and critical.
“Where are the land and property deeds for those private residences?” Xu Qi An asked again.
“The deeds for the residence where I store antiques and treasures are in that house. The rest are in the Duke’s mansion,” Duke Cao answered.
Damn, twelve private residences slipping away from me… Xu Qi An’s heart sank, filled with an indescribable sadness.
At the same time, he became increasingly curious about the private residence used to store precious antiques. Keeping the property deed in the private residence rather than in the Duke’s mansion meant that Duke Cao had completely separated that private residence from himself and the Duke’s mansion.
If either side had a problem, there would be no connection between them.
After finishing the questioning, to preserve some anticipation, he didn’t ask Duke Cao what treasures were in the private residence.
Putting the two souls back into the fragrance pouch, Xu Qi An left the secret room to check on his three companions from the Heaven and Earth Society, who were in different rooms.
Xu Qi An first came to Li Miaozen’s room and knocked on the door.
Creak… The door opened, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty, Xu Qi An’s 2D wife.
“Slam!”
She immediately closed the door again.
After a few more minutes, the door reopened. Li Miaozen sat fully dressed at the table, while Chu Caiwei was tidying up medicine jars, bandages, and other medical supplies.
So they were changing bandages earlier… Xu Qi An discreetly glanced at Li Miaozen and asked with concern, “Are you alright?”
After Li Miaozen nodded, he said, “Emperor Yuan Jing has issued an edict of self-blame and promised not to trouble you, so you don’t need to leave the capital too early.”
Even if he didn’t forgive you, you wouldn’t be afraid. The Earth Sect Patriarch is on the same level as the Imperial Astrologer.
Even if Emperor Yuan Jing had ten times the courage, he wouldn’t dare to kill you.
It’s good to have a powerful backer… Xu Qi An sighed inwardly.
No wonder in the novels he used to read, those villains with strong support always liked to cause trouble and act arrogantly. If they hadn’t unfortunately encountered the protagonist, ordinary people really couldn’t do anything about them.
“Is there anything else?” Li Miaozen frowned and asked.
Why do you look like you want to chase me away? Am I interrupting the good atmosphere between you three? Xu Qi An complained inwardly but smiled and said:
“The soul pills, I want to know what they’re used for.”
Hearing this, Li Miaozen looked at him with a puzzled expression, as if to say: Didn’t Daoist Jinlian already tell you?
Xu Qi An lowered his voice, “I just communicated with Que Yongxiu’s soul and learned from him that it’s not the Earth Sect Patriarch who needs the soul pills, but Emperor Yuan Jing.”
Li Miaozen’s pupils seemed to contract.
Xu Qi An continued, “Based on what Daoist Jinlian said, the soul pills don’t seem to be enough to make him do such a heartless thing, but it is indeed the case. So, I guess the soul pills might have other unknown uses.”
Li Miaozen pondered for a long time before slowly shaking her head.
At this moment, Chu Caiwei asked curiously, “Are these soul pills made from souls?”
Xu Qi An turned to look at her, asking with a questioning gaze and tone, “You know about them?”
This didn’t seem like Chu Caiwei, the big-eyed cute girl didn’t seem like the type to study books in fields other than medicine.
Chu Caiwei said, “Senior Brother Song mentioned a few days ago while doing research that soul pills might allow the physical body and soul he refines to merge, but it’s just a guess. After all, soul pills are too precious and the refining conditions are too harsh.
“He couldn’t possibly kill people to refine pills; Master Jianzhen would be the first to eliminate him. Um, I heard Senior Brother Song say that there are records about soul pills in the library on the eighth floor of the Star-Observing Tower.”
Xu Qi An and Li Miaozen immediately said, “Take us there.”
“This…” Chu Caiwei looked troubled. “The library is a restricted area of the Imperial Astronomers. Only disciples of the sect can enter, and even then, we need permission from Master Jianzhen or Senior Brother Yang. I can’t take you in, or I’ll be punished.”
Li Miaozen immediately looked deflated.
Xu Qi An stepped forward and patted Caiwei’s fragrant shoulder. “Whatever you want to eat in the next few days, just tell Big Brother. I’ll satisfy you.”
Chu Caiwei’s eyes lit up with joy. “I’ll take you there right away.”
Li Miaozen was stunned. “Aren’t you afraid of being punished anymore?”
“Oh, it’s just a small matter.”
“…”
The three people and one ghost entered the library, but Chu Caiwei couldn’t remember what the book recording soul pills was called or where it was placed.
Rows and rows of bookshelves filled the vast space. Trying to find the relevant records among them was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
“I’ll… I’ll go ask Senior Brother Song…” Chu Caiwei stuck out her tongue slightly and bounced away.
Li Miaozen and Xu Qi An searched aimlessly with dark faces.
Suddenly, Xu Qi An’s attention was drawn to an ancient book: “The Compendium of Nine Provinces’ Mythical Beasts – Volume One.”
The book recorded that mythical beasts were descendants of ancient gods and demons. The number of types of ancient demon gods could be glimpsed from the mythical beasts of later generations.
The most numerous and widely propagated was the “Jiao.” The book mentioned that the distant ancestor of the Jiao was a type of god-demon called “Dragon.”
For example, the mythical beast that appeared in the legends of Yun Province, coming from overseas, causing wind and thunder with its breath and unleashing torrential rain, might have had an ancestor called “Qilin.”
As Xu Qi An flipped through page after page, he was surprised to find an “old friend” – the Spirit Dragon.
The ancestor of the Spirit Dragon was unknown. It was first recorded in history during the period of the ancient Human Emperors, as the mount used by the Human Emperor to conquer the world.
Riding the wind and breaking the waves, it was one of the kings of the water.
“This isn’t right. The attitude shown by that bootlicker dragon doesn’t seem like a king of the water at all…” Xu Qi An complained inwardly.
With doubts in mind, he continued reading and saw some different information.
Huaiqing had told him that Spirit Dragons love to eat purple qi, which is why they pursue the royal family and become their companion spiritual beasts. For the royal family, it’s also a symbol of legitimate rule.
But the book said that Spirit Dragons have another ability – to absorb and release the dynasty’s fate, making the dynasty’s rule more enduring.
All things that reach their peak must decline; it’s the will of heaven. When a dynasty’s fate is at its zenith, it must face decline. But Spirit Dragons can absorb and release fate. When fate is too prosperous, they absorb it; when it weakens, they release it.
This keeps the dynasty’s fate at a steady level.
A fate balancer?!
This phrase flashed through Xu Qi An’s mind.
When I first arrived in this world, I suspected that the dynasty’s fate didn’t match the “300-year rule” I had studied in my street literature. I thought it was due to the existence of supernatural powers, but could it be because of the Spirit Dragon?
As he was pondering this, Chu Caiwei bounced back, chirping, “That book is called ‘Records of Extraordinary Pills.’ It’s in section B, third bookshelf, second row. I’ll get it for you.”
Xu Qi An gathered his thoughts and followed Chu Caiwei, watching her pull out a book from section B, third bookshelf, second row: “Records of Extraordinary Pills.”
The result was disappointing. The uses of soul pills had been summarized by Daoist Jinlian, with nothing left out.
As an elder of the Daoist sect, Daoist Jinlian couldn’t have missed any uses of soul pills. This means either the soul pills are just a front, or among these uses, one is critically important, but we haven’t noticed it… Xu Qi An pondered.
He decided to consult Luo Yuheng when he had the chance, at least to tell her about this matter so she could keep an eye on Emperor Yuan Jing.
Of course, before that, he would first ask Daoist Jinlian.
“I’m not close to kind-hearted Aunt, whether she can be trusted needs to be vetted by Daoist Jinlian…” Xu Qi An thought to himself.
Hmm, tomorrow I’ll first visit Duke Cao’s private residence, the day after I’ll go to Cloud Deer Academy to pick up my Second Uncle and Aunt, then contact Daoist Jinlian to ask if Aunt can be trusted.
Also, the married princess needs to be brought back, can’t leave her outside forever. Tch, so many troublesome matters…
Night.
The moonlight was like frost, coating the lake’s surface with a thin, soft glow.
The Spirit Dragon lay listlessly on the shore, occasionally snorting or slapping its tail, stirring up ripples and shimmering light on the water.
A figure emerged from the darkness, stopping in front of the Spirit Dragon.
He bent down, stroking the dragon’s coarse mane, and sighed, “The case of Prince Huai’s city massacre has finally been made public. I couldn’t change the outcome, couldn’t save the royal family’s face.”
The Spirit Dragon lazily snorted in response.
He continued, “The royal family has lost face, meaning we’ve lost the people’s hearts. And losing the people’s hearts means another part of our fate has dissipated. I did want to dissipate some fate, but this exceeds what I can bear.
“I, like you, am trying to maintain balance – not a bit too much, not a bit too little. But those people outside are so inconsiderate, especially Wei Yuan, who repeatedly defies me.”
He stopped stroking and placed his palm on the Spirit Dragon’s forehead, his voice both gentle and cold: “Return some of the fate I’ve stored in you.”
The Spirit Dragon’s large, button-like eyes flashed with hatred and resistance, but ultimately did nothing, allowing him to seize the fate.
The next day, early morning.
Creak…
As the stone door slowly opened, Xu Qi An called into the dark underground: “Senior Sister Zhong, I’m here to pick you up.”
Soon after, Zhong Li, wrapped in a cloth robe with disheveled hair, slowly climbed the stone steps.
She raised her head slightly, and between her messy hair, those clear eyes danced with joy.
It had been a month and a half since Xu Qi An went north.
“Your cultivation has improved again,” Zhong Li said softly.
“But you’re still the same,” Xu Qi An put his hand on her head.
Zhong Li swatted it away.
He put it back.
Zhong Li swatted it away again.
“Then go back,” Xu Qi An said angrily.
Zhong Li gave in, allowing this man who called her senior sister to pat her head.
He brought along Zhong Li, Li Miaozen, his 2D wife, and Chu Yuanzhen. The two groups rode flying swords, whooshing up from the Eight Trigrams Platform towards Cloud Deer Academy.
“Why do you have to get involved?” Xu Qi An transmitted resentfully to Chu Yuanzhen.
“Four people on one sword is too crowded. Isn’t it good that I’m giving you a ride?” Chu Yuanzhen explained innocently. Was this person ungrateful? He was still recovering from his injuries but acted as a “driver” to take him to Cloud Deer Academy.
Instead of being thankful, he accused him.
Sensing Chu Yuanzhen’s displeasure, Xu Qi An sighed. He couldn’t express his lecherous thoughts too blatantly, so he said helplessly:
“I just wanted to relive the feeling of squeezing onto the subway. I miss it.”
“What’s a subway?”
“You don’t need to know that…”
The teachers at Cloud Deer Academy had been very unhappy these past two days, even irritable.
Because there was always an inconsiderate couple who would catch them and say: Please teach our child.
Teach your mother!!!
The teachers all roared in unison in their hearts.
They knew that child, the little girl from the Xu family, the younger sister of Xu Ning Yan and Xu Ci Jiu, who was quite annoying.
They didn’t expect her to come to the academy to study again.
The academy had over a dozen well-learned teachers who taught military strategy, classics, and more. In theory, teaching a child should be easy for them.
But some people are just uniquely gifted, their thinking different from ordinary people. The methods that work for most don’t suit them.
Xu Ling Yin was one of those uniquely gifted children.
Riding the wind, with mountains like eyebrows beneath their feet and long roads stretching out, it took only two-quarters of an hour for Xu Qi An to reach Clear Cloud Mountain.
He looked down and saw a child lying in the withered grass near a pavilion close to the academy, her hair tied in buns like meat dumplings.
“I see Xu Ling Yin. Let’s go down.”
Chu Yuanzhen complied, descending the flying sword and landing by the pavilion.
Xu Ling Yin lay on the ground, snoring loudly, her body covered in leaf fragments and grass.
Xu Qi An went over to shake her awake, angrily saying, “If you keep sleeping here, I’ll call your mother to beat you.”
“It’s Big Brother…” Xu Ling Yin bravely maintained her sprawled position, ignoring her brother’s threat.
“Master and I came out to hunt wild game. Master disappeared while hunting, and I got tired, so I’m just taking a nap,” Xu Ling Yin explained clearly.
Then, furrowing her little brows, she added, “I’m not afraid of Mother beating me.”
Xu Qi An sneered, “You might not fear Mother’s beating, but are you also not afraid of Father whipping you with bamboo?”
Xu Ling Yin’s eyes widened. She covered her little bottom with both hands, exclaiming in shock, “Big Brother, I think my ‘tu’er’ is starting to hurt.”
“What’s ‘tu’er’?” Xu Qi An picked her up like a chicken and started walking towards the mountaintop.
“‘Tu’er’ means bottom. It’s a new word I learned,” the little bean finally found a chance to educate her big brother. “Did you know that?”
“It’s ‘tun’er’.”
“‘Tu’er’.”
“Tu!!!”
“Tu.” The little bean repeated, what’s wrong with that?