The banquet day arrived at Qian Ji Pavilion.
Rong Zhi and the others were the last to arrive. Even before entering, she could feel a strong killing intent emanating from within.
There were no guards outside Qian Ji Pavilion, making it seem deserted. However, judging by the killing intent, there must have been hundreds of hidden guards.
Jin Jinghong was indeed quite cautious.
She heard that Xia Yunting was guarding the outside of the Imperial City, and it seemed this banquet would not be a peaceful one.
"Zhi'er, over here."
Liu Yunxi pointed to an empty seat at the very back.
That position was closest to Jin Jinghong. If anything were to go wrong, she would likely be taken hostage first.
This petty scheme was all too obvious. Rong Zhi adjusted her clothes and sat down, pretending to be oblivious.
"It is truly a rare occasion for so many heroes of the martial world to gather here. Since everyone is present, I, the Emperor, will toast you all." Jin Jinghong raised his wine cup and smiled at the crowd.
As Rong Zhi lifted her wine cup, she saw familiar faces among the attendees.
Abbot Huineng of Bai Cheng Monastery, Bai Lu, the leader of the Qing Lian Sect, Guo Qi, the master of Fei Liu Pavilion... they looked the same as they did in the past, only with a bit more gray in their hair and the marks of time on their faces.
As Rong Zhi raised her cup, they all looked in her direction, their gazes either surprised or appraising. Rong Zhi smiled slightly; now was not the time for pleasantries.
She drank the wine in her cup, but before she could swallow, she frowned suddenly.
Hah, this old emperor. She didn't know whether to call him clever or foolish, to resort to such means in this setting.
She discreetly spat out the wine in an unseen location and then exchanged a look with Liu Yunxi and Wen Yu beside her.
The two had also drunk the wine. Upon seeing Rong Zhi's signal, their expressions changed. They took out two pills from their懷中 (huai zhong - bosom/pocket) and swallowed them when no one was looking.
Rong Zhi had wanted to alert others as well, but they were too far away for her to do so.
Jin Jinghong was delighted to see everyone drink the wine.
"I presume you are all aware of the message from the master of逍遥庄 (Xiaoyao Zhuang - Carefree Villa). You are now powerful figures, and by following my Tian Que Kingdom, you will enjoy endless prosperity and wealth. Our Tian Que Kingdom is blessed with both people and land; even the deceased can be resurrected. This person, you must surely know."
He gestured towards Rong Zhi, his face filled with pride.
The assembled martial artists had heard about this matter before and showed no signs of doubt.
"Since none of you object, I will today proclaim to the world: Rong Zhi, the sect leader of Medicine King Valley, has been resurrected!"
Several martial artists performed their respective martial courtesies, signifying their agreement with the Emperor's words.
The banquet began, and a seemingly harmonious atmosphere prevailed. However, this was merely a facade.
In reality, countless martial artists had already infiltrated every corner of Qian Ji Pavilion in secret.
In the shadows, Xiao Jianli had just knocked out a Plum Blossom Guard and skillfully tied him up. As he was about to place the guard in a pre-prepared room, he suddenly heard an incredulous voice from behind,
"Leader, you..."
Turning around, he saw that it was another Plum Blossom Guard. Xiao Jianli's eyes darkened, and he skillfully bound this person as well, shoving him into the room.
"Leader, you are... *whimper*!" Before the guard could say anything more, Xiao Jianli stuffed his mouth.
His leadership had come to an end. Not killing these men was the last act of mercy he would show them.
He picked up his sword. As he stepped out, he saw Cheng Yichen standing at the doorway, smiling at him.
"Imperial Advisor, which side are you on?" His gaze was vigilant, ready for combat at any moment.
"I just want to tell you that this courtyard is rigged with various traps and formations. Without my guidance, you won't be able to get out."
He beckoned to Xiao Jianli and then turned to walk out of the courtyard.
"Help me out; I can't disarm so many formations alone."
Hearing this, Xiao Jianli's eyes lit up, and he quickly followed.
The courtyard appeared unchanged, yet everything was subtly shifting. A stone by the roadside seemed to have moved, but then the surrounding path became entirely different.
At the same time, the martial artists who had been wandering in circles in the shadows suddenly found an exit.
"Huh? This path wasn't like this before."
"It seems the formations have been resolved. Let's hurry to the banquet hall."
Outside the Imperial City, Xia Yunting maintained strict defenses. Although he did not intend to intercept the martial artists, he could not allow them to harm the citizens of the Imperial City.
His gaze swept over the bustling streets when a figure in pink approached.
"Yunting, are you tired of guarding here? I've prepared some snacks for you. Take a break." Xing Jiahui held up the food box in her hand, smiling charmingly.
Ever since Xia Yunting was afflicted with the蛊虫 (gǔchóng -蛊worm), Xing Jiahui had been thriving in the General's Mansion.
Xia Yunting flashed a cold smile. "My lady has worked hard. There are matters in the Imperial City today, please return and rest first."
"What sort of matters could there be?" Xing Jiahui blinked innocently, as if feigning ignorance.
The Grand Tutor's mansion was currently out of favor, and her father had instructed her to come and gather information, to see if there was any way to turn the tide.
Fortunately, Xia Yunting was now very obedient to her. Gathering information should be as easy as pie.
"Chen Xing," Xia Yunting called out to the side. When Chen Xing appeared, Xia Yunting gave him a meaningful look.
"Escort the lady down and explain thoroughly what we are about to do."
"Yes." Chen Xing immediately understood Xia Yunting's intention and made a gesture of invitation to Xing Jiahui.
Xing Jiahui did not yet grasp what was about to happen, feeling immensely pleased with herself due to Xia Yunting's apparent deference.
It was only when she followed Chen Xing down an empty street that she realized something was wrong. Why were there no merchants here, only guards from the General's Mansion?
More importantly, she found herself bound by ropes.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Madam, please stay put. The Prime Minister will come to see you shortly."
Xing Jiahui finally realized she had been tricked.
What was happening? Wasn't Xia Yunting being controlled by the蛊worm? Why was he treating her like this?
The citizens of the Imperial City received significant news: the Emperor would personally conduct a tour of inspection today, and all citizens within the Imperial City would have the opportunity to glimpse his divine visage. The populace was greatly shocked upon hearing this.
After all, despite living in the Imperial City for many years, they had never had the chance to see the Emperor's true face, nor did they know his height, build, or any other detail. This was truly unprecedented.
However, some citizens had questions.
"Weren't there rumors in the Imperial City before that the Emperor used live people to form formations, causing many deaths?"
"Hush, such talk is best kept private. Don't speak of it on the streets. The streets are now full of the General's men. What if they arrest us?"
The passerby glanced around warily, only to find no one looking at them. Even the guards stationed on the street seemed to be intermittently deaf, completely oblivious to their hushed conversations.
The passersby grew bolder, their voices rising in volume.
Of course, some guards noticed something amiss. They were guards from Prince Xiao's mansion.
"Should we go and stop them?"
"Those commoners dare to gossip so recklessly. They deserve death!"
As they were about to step forward, someone clapped them on the back. They turned around, their faces showing surprise.
"Your Highness, why are you here?"
Prince Xiao smiled slightly. "Whatever you see or hear, ignore it."
"But..."
"Do as I say."
"Yes!" The two guards immediately pretended not to hear.
Thus, the discourse within the Imperial City went completely unchecked.
However, Jin Jinghong remained unaware of all this. He was still basking in the joy of impending territorial expansion. After a satisfying meal, he had his eunuchs prepare his carriage and, accompanied by Rong Zhi and several sect leaders, proceeded into the city.
In the city, the populace prostrated themselves on the ground.
"Long live our Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!"
A scene of peace and harmony unfolded, as if the earlier discussions had never occurred.
Jin Jinghong nodded with satisfaction.
"Today, His Majesty has personally graced us with his presence to announce an important matter!"
The eunuch cleared his throat, respectfully unfurled the imperial decree, and began to read.
The initial part naturally consisted of flattering pronouncements. However, midway through, the tone abruptly shifted.
"Today, the Imperial Advisor of Tian Que Kingdom, Xuan Shu, possessing profound arts, has resurrected the former sect leader of Medicine King Valley. Henceforth, all members of Medicine King Valley shall be subjects of our Tian Que Kingdom."
Upon hearing this, the assembled citizens exchanged bewildered glances.
The expected expressions of praise and cheers did not materialize.
The sect leader of Medicine King Valley had been revived, meaning... the legends were true!
At this, the expressions on everyone's faces became incredibly complex. Who could have imagined that the Emperor they had admired and revered for so long would commit such an act against nature?
Jin Jinghong also sensed the unusual atmosphere among the crowd and frowned in confusion.
"Your Majesty, the resurrection is such a fantastical event that it is understandable they may not believe it. Perhaps the sect leader could clarify herself."
Hearing this explanation, the confusion in Jin Jinghong's eyes lessened.
"Sect Leader, please step forward."
The eunuch smiled and extended his hand towards Rong Zhi. Rong Zhi took a deep breath and stepped before the crowd. Facing the gazes of curiosity and doubt, she smiled slightly.
"Fellow citizens, you must have all heard about the incident at Qian Ji Pavilion. The royal family used human lives to set up a resurrection formation, committing numerous sins. I do not wish to see more people suffer. Pretending to be the sect leader of Medicine King Valley, I have obstructed this operation. The people at Qian Ji Pavilion have now been released. I ask you all to bear witness: even if I, Lin Mo, die, it will have been worth it!"
The moment these words were spoken, the expressions of both Jin Jinghong and the onlookers changed drastically.
What did her words just mean? She wasn't the sect leader of Medicine King Valley? The incident at Qian Ji Pavilion was real?
Either of these two pieces of information alone was enough to leave people stunned.
Jin Jinghong erupted in fury, "Rong Zhi, what do you mean by this?"
Rong Zhi sneered, "I refuse to assist in evil."
"Don't you forget whose territory this is!"
"Try laying a hand on me!"
As soon as Rong Zhi finished speaking, the leaders of several sects stepped forward, their stances indicating their readiness for a fight.