Longevity Chronicles-Chapter 355 - 254: Blood Rain Falls in Demon City, Tao Qian Grows a Big Belly_2

"Amongst the requirements, one is indispensable, yet allows for a choice between two options, either to obtain Hidden Dragon Blood and Flesh, or to secure Human Dao Fortune,"

"The latter is extremely difficult to acquire, which is why Zhu Qi set his sights on his own brother, the reigning Yue King, Fourth Prince Zhu Xuan, and has managed to capture him."

"Zhu Xuan thought that Zhu Qi, his younger brother, would not kill him, ha, the fool was utterly unaware that his body contained Hidden Dragon Blood and Flesh—half of which Zhu Qi intended to refine the Mountain and River Map, and the other half he sold to the Governor of Ancient Qin Province, Zhang Jiudeng, for a hefty price, under the condition that the latter support his claim to the throne."

"Aside from Hidden Dragon Blood and Flesh, refining the Mountain and River Map requires several other conditions, but since I don't plan to be involved, I don't know the specifics. It's nothing more than a blood sacrifice of a large number of Demon Cultivators, Deceitful Objects and Strange Charms, nothing novel."

Even though Lian Yulou was pounded into stupor by Tao Qian and was under the spell of his Secret Technique, his manner of speaking still had its own flair.

Having answered Tao Qian's first question with only a moment's pause, he went on to the second.

Likewise, his response was remarkably detailed.

"Zhu Qi, that young chap, has quite an impressive skin, and a sweet mouth, charming a high-ranking Elder of the Taishang Demon Sect to take him as a Direct Disciple. Not only did he impart all of the Great Lifebook Scripture, but he also handed over almost all his subordinates to Zhu Qi's control. Heh, I suspect Zhu Qi is that Old Demon's illegitimate son; the Emperor who recently perished might just have been crushed to death by that cuckold's hat."

"Aside from the full support of the Taishang Demon Sect, this young scamp has also secured investment from another major force."

"Alchemists!"

"Tsk, a whole bunch of old monsters there. Fortunately, they dare not wreak havoc in the world and only hunker down on their own turf, either messing with Mortals around the world or scattering bait for amusement in fishing."

"However, as it happens to be at the end of a dynasty again, the Alchemists have dispatched a group of so-called 'Saint Heirs' into the world, and the one who chose Zhu Qi is a fellow named Huang Chong."

"This guy is a complete and utter villain; most of those treacherous and shameless deeds are conceived and executed by him."

"Then comes Zhang Jiudeng, the Cao Gang, Rashamon Country—forces united by interest, ready to disperse at any moment."

"Speaking of Rashamon Country, that Rashamon Girl named An Ya, tsk tsk, is quite infatuated. Zhu Qi has left her a widow-in-life, and yet the girl is still wholeheartedly looking out for him."

"Such a pity, meeting a man devoid of loyalty; widowhood aside, he discarded her as an insignificant pawn... Originally, I intended to return her to the Rashamon King, but the girl pleaded fervently to return to Prince Zhao Mansion, so I agreed, and she's now securely in my treasure bag."

After Lian Yulou finished, Tao Qian's brows were deeply furrowed.

Gains?

Some, but not to Tao Qian's satisfaction.

Suppressing his pain, Tao Qian did not cease but continued to ask questions.

Phrase by phrase, the True Words were uttered!

Mana inside Tao Qian's body churned like rolling rivers, crazily drawn away.

...

The next morning, within a quiet room in Zhang Mansion.

Tao Qian sat with a face void of expression, across from the True Spirit of Lian Yulou who had just woken from the effects of the Refining God Seal.

Although he was aware of what happened while "True Word Secret Decree" forcibly pried open his mouth during his dazed state,

So upon waking at this moment, the former Evil Demon Giant of the Evil Sect had an utterly defeated look on his face.

The one condition that could have been used to bargain for his freedom was gone.

Lian Yulou knew this well and without a second thought, he struggled to say, "I am willing to submit to Daoist's command..."

Before he could finish, Tao Qian, who had regained his icy demeanor, waved his sleeve and once more stored him in the Holy Embryo Bag.

At that moment, his mind was already surging with thoughts. How could he spare the time to listen to such drivel?

But it was also at this time, as usual, upon sensing the completion of his task, that Lian Jing'er brought in a new Cloud Token Letter. freeweɓnovel.cøm

Tao Qian felt a premonition and, combining it with the many secrets he had learned from Lian Yulou,

Even before he opened the letter, he already had a vague guess about its contents.

Indeed, as soon as he opened it, the news brief that confirmed the suspicions in his mind leaped out:

"Last night, Ninth Prince Zhu Qi, to retaliate for Xiao Chunjiao's previous assassination attempt and the grudge over the Dragon-locking Root, killed Xiao Chunjiao through a cruel method of steaming and divided her flesh among his Heavenly Demon Army, while hanging her remaining skeleton at the city gate for public display and flogging, an act that stirred discontent among the kings of the Taiping Army. Their leader, the Taiping Heavenly King, issued an Imperial Edict, condemning Zhu Qi's brutality and naming him 'Nine Nether Devil Dragon,' declaring that the Taiping Army would sooner or later invade Demon City and put him to death."

"Due to Zhu Qi's capture of Fourth Prince Zhu Xuan, the government of Ancient Yue Province has requested Prince Zhao treat Yue King well, offering many conditions and willing to pay a great price to exchange for the Yue King's return, while also declaring that if Prince Zhao refuses, they will send a large army to wage war... Although the Fourth Prince was captured, in terms of military and financial strength, the Yue King's side is stronger than Prince Zhao's, and Zhu Xuan's several adult sons are all valiant and battle-hardened. If a war truly breaks out, the outcome is uncertain."

"The Emperor, who has returned to the throne, has once again sent an Imperial Edict, not only summoning him to the capital again and promising to appoint him as Crown Prince, but also demanding that he treat the Yue King well and not kill him."

"All requests have been ignored by Prince Zhao, Zhu Qi, who only announced that in three days a Treasured Artifact Conference will be held, inviting cultivators from all sides to participate, the more the merrier, without any restrictions."

"Moreover, to celebrate his imminent recovery from illness, Zhu Qi also declared the opening of granaries around Demon City to provide relief to disaster victims... regardless of which province the disaster victims fled from, Demon City will take them in, also welcoming all comers."