Chapter 1257 – The Dawn of War (Eighteen)
“Liu Xi is seriously ill?!”
“How is that even possible?!”
When Feng Jue and the others first heard this news, their immediate reaction was disbelief. Especially Cheng Jing, who had the rare privilege of witnessing Jiang Pengji slay demons firsthand; he well knew that even monsters feared her. He couldn’t fathom how the death of a grandmother could hit her so hard.
Yet, facts speak louder than words, and the evidence was irrefutable.
When it came to suspicion, they paled in comparison to Huang Song. Even Huang Song was convinced by the gathered evidence; what grounds did they have to question the truth?
Doubt needed proof, yet they could find neither evidence nor flaw to refute the fact that “Liu Xi is seriously ill.”
Was it merely based on intuition or the irresponsible conjecture of “I thought…”?
“Is the Leader suggesting… taking advantage of this opportunity?”
With Jiang Pengji’s ailment, the troops were leaderless. Even if the strategists and generals were capable, there were many things they could not overstep.
Losing their leader meant losing their backbone, leaving them hesitant whether to attack or defend.
It was a perfect chance for Huang Song and the others to expand their gains.
Huang Song nodded, “Opportunities like this come once; we can’t be sure when Lan Ting’s condition might improve… or worsen…”
Jiang Pengji was still single and childless; if she fell, the power she had built would inevitably crumble.
Just thinking about that scenario made Huang Song sigh.
As an opponent, the more misfortune befell the enemy, the better, but as a friend, he hoped she’d be alright.
Of course, until victory was claimed, his relationship with Jiang Pengji remained one of hostility.
Cheng Jing cautioned, “If we rashly march our troops, it might not be wise. Instead, we should try a probing maneuver to test the waters—”
Feng Jue glanced at Cheng Jing in surprise; it was the first time he’d seen him so cautious.
“Friend Mo is right; Liu Xi has always been cunning and sly—ironclad evidence or not, we should keep our wits about us.”
Huang Song hesitated, but Cheng Jing and Feng Jue had valid points; testing the waters first meant they wouldn’t end up losing everything if it turned out to be a trap.
“If possible, keep a close eye on Zixiao.” Cheng Jing added thoughtfully, “As a messenger from Lord Lan Ting, he should know whether Lan Ting is really ill or simply feigning. While he can put on an act for a short time, he can’t keep it up forever.”
No matter how much intel they received from the front, as soon as Wei Ci showed any signs of a flaw, the truth would become clear.
Upon hearing this, Huang Song nodded in agreement.
Cheng Jing continued, “If Lord Lan Ting is truly in a poor state, our Leader can rest easy and not worry.”
Wei Ci had no idea that Cheng Jing was setting him up right from the start, but he was well aware that countless eyes were watching him.
In his previous life, he had learned to suppress his emotions and ambitions, honing his mindset over the years.
In this unfamiliar environment, he needed to be extra cautious and prudent.
As the Leader’s trusted confidant, how should he react to the Leader’s severe illness?
Wei Ci couldn’t have been clearer, as he had the template from his past life.
Images of the previous Emperor’s illness and the ever-turbulent court replayed in his mind, leading him to naturally display concern and worry.
Although he wasn’t disheveled, his spirit appeared rather drained and miserable.
He followed the habits from his past life, copying scriptures to pray for blessings for Jiang Pengji, losing himself in the act.
His days passed in a routine of visiting the mourning hall for Old Matriarch and returning to his quarters to wash up before transcribing scriptures for the Leader.
Unbeknownst to him, countless eyes were fixed on him, silently observing when and how he acted; his task was to play the part to perfection.
Days later, an unexpected visitor arrived.
“Master Liaochen?”
It was none other than the old monk he had met by chance years ago, who had given him the “Phoenix Destiny” verdict.
Master Liaochen was the esteemed master hired by the Liu Residence to perform rituals for Old Matriarch.
Wei Ci’s nerves kicked into high gear, and he quickly steeled himself.
“Master Wei, may I come in?”
Master Liaochen smiled amiably at Wei Ci, noticing that his vital energy still lingered, and the smile grew a little broader.
Wei Ci stepped aside to let Master Liaochen in, while his mind raced with concern about the monk’s purpose for visiting.
He knew very well that both Master Liaochen and Master Liu Ru were extraordinary figures capable of perceiving many “unscientific” matters.
While others might be unaware of Jiang Pengji’s condition, these old mystics surely had ways of knowing.
“It’s been years; Master Wei seems to be looking much better.”
Wei Ci replied, “Thanks to the Master, I’ve been recovering well and my health has improved significantly.”
Master Liaochen noticed a scroll of neatly transcribed scriptures on the table in front of him, written in a dignified and elegant hand, just like Wei Ci himself.
Feeling embarrassed as Liaochen scrutinized his copied verses, Wei Ci’s ears turned red, and he felt a bit flustered.
“So, has Master Liaochen come to catch up?”
Master Liaochen shook his head. “Not quite. This old monk has urgent matters to discuss with Master Wei.”
“Please, go ahead,” Wei Ci urged.
“Do you still remember what we discussed about the demons and calamities?” Master Liaochen inquired.
Wei Ci humbly replied, “Of course, but I’ve failed to track them down these years, and I’ve been quite worried. Do you have any leads?”
Master Liaochen regretfully shook his head. “I have no leads, but a certain old acquaintance entrusted me with something to pass on to you.”
With that, Master Liaochen produced a jade seal and placed it before Wei Ci. This seal was uniquely crafted and exquisite, measuring two and a half inches in length and width, as white as snow, translucent, and emanating an inexplicable chill, stirring Wei Ci’s spirit.
Upon seeing the seal, Wei Ci’s eyes widened, and he leaned forward, picking it up.
“This… this isn’t the seal used by Master Liu Ru to summon divine witness?!”
Almost every Taoist priest used such a seal during rituals and ceremonies; it was an essential tool for sealing documents that would reach the deities—only documents stamped with it could command the spirits to act.
Master Liu Ru was sort of like a mentor to him; Wei Ci was very familiar with the seals he used.
Master Liaochen explained, “Years ago, this person fled to Hejian in a hurry and unceremoniously knocked on our mountain gate, leaving this behind.”
Years ago?
Wei Ci gasped, “Around when?”
Master Liaochen gave a rough timeframe, and Wei Ci’s heart sank.
The time when Master Liu Ru fled to Hejian was shortly after their last meeting…
“What happened to him…?”
Although he lacked concrete evidence, Wei Ci felt compelled to believe that whatever trouble Master Liu Ru encountered was undoubtedly related to him.
Master Liaochen chuckled, “He’s fine; he should be safe and sound. Master Wei need not worry.”
Only then did Wei Ci breathe a sigh of relief as he glanced at the intricately crafted jade seal in his hand, pondering what Master Liu Ru intended to convey.
Master Liaochen continued, “In Taoism, seals are primarily used for summoning purposes. This jade seal has accompanied various masters and has gained its own spirit over time. Not only can it be used to summon the divine, but it can also suppress evil—your Master Liu Ru left it for you, probably for the latter purpose.”
Wei Ci wasn’t a Taoist priest and had never had the occasion to use such seals, and he was stumped on what to do with the “suppressing evil” notion.
“I’m slightly versed in divination, but I can’t subjugate demons, nor do I know where the evil spirits lie… It truly seems like a waste for Master Liu Ru to hand this to me.”
Master Liaochen replied, “There must be his intention behind this; perhaps one day it will come in handy.”
