Chapter 480: Bloodbath

On Sage Peak, Song Deke, one of the more senior disciples of the Sage, stood out among the crowd and volunteered to lead the way.

With a guide secured, Greenwater Beggar no longer hesitated. He picked up Song Deke and headed towards the mansion.

Mu Yuejuan, the Hundred Flowers Painter, inquired, "Green Flower Child, where is that young man who accompanied you?"

Greenwater Beggar turned to Trittick. "Are you referring to him? This is my disciple; he's here to broaden his horizons."

Trittick smiled humbly. "I am here to bear witness to your esteemed deeds. Please do not hesitate to command me if there is any way I can be of assistance."

Mu Yuejuan shook her head. "I wasn't referring to this foreigner. I meant the one surnamed He, who came with you!"

Greenwater Beggar was taken aback. Had Mu Yuejuan not brought it up, he truly wouldn't have noticed that He Jiaqing had vanished without a trace.

Mu Yuejuan's question also startled the others. Qiao Wuzui, the Half-Gulp Yellow Soup, was equally surprised. "What remarkable skill! He was here just moments ago when we arrived, and now he's gone in a flash. To elude our sight, what level of cultivation does that young man possess?"

Ye Jianhuang, the Three-Pot Pipe, chimed in, "Green Flower Child, that young man wouldn't have gotten a head start and gone to claim everything for himself, would he?"

Greenwater Beggar replied, "He Jiaqing and I were merely traveling together. I am here to take that old thief's life; what He Jiaqing intends to do, I genuinely have no idea."

He spoke the truth; he had indeed encountered He Jiaqing along the way.

However, Smiling Ghost King Gui Jianchou didn't buy it. "My dear Brother Lu, what you're saying isn't quite right. He Jiaqing's connection to you isn't simple. If I recall correctly, he also goes by the nickname 'Benefactor' and has some long-standing grievances with the Sage."

Greenwater Beggar nodded. "You are correct; He Jiaqing is here to settle old scores. This matter truly has no bearing on me."

Gui Jianchou shook his head. "You've got it twisted. He Jiaqing joined forces with you against Sage Peak precisely because of these old grievances. You two accomplished quite a few things together previously in Greenwater City, and I'm aware of some of them."

Greenwater Beggar chuckled. "Ghost King, your intelligence is indeed impressive. He Jiaqing and I have accomplished things together, but regarding today's matter, I have absolutely no involvement with him. If you doubt me, allow me to clarify: I desire nothing from this mansion. I simply wish to witness that old wretch's demise with my own eyes. If you cannot trust me, then by all means, proceed ahead of me. Is that sufficiently clear?"

Greenwater Beggar stepped aside, leaving the path open. The prominent figures exchanged glances, none willing to take the lead.

Trittick shook his head in exasperation. Despite his prolonged stay in Puluo Prefecture, he still couldn't grasp some of its local customs.

All these individuals wished to slay the Sage, yet none desired to go first, nor did they want to incur unnecessary losses that would allow others to profit.

Not only Trittick was growing impatient; Qiao Wuzui was anxious too. "If we continue to waste time like this, that old man will surely flee."

Gui Jianchou chuckled. "There's no need to worry, everyone. He can't escape. My ghost servants are maintaining a strict vigil, even guarding the underground tunnels. Whether by air or by land, that Sage absolutely cannot leave this courtyard."

Qiao Wuzui retorted, "Don't forget, that old man possesses the Imperial Seal."

Trittick didn't quite grasp this. Isn't an Imperial Seal merely a stamp? Could it possibly be an artifact for escape?

Mu Yuejuan shook her head. "I doubt he would abandon the Imperial Seal to flee. Consider this: does anyone in this world still acknowledge him as emperor? If he were to lose even the Imperial Seal, what would he have left to prove his past identity?"

Ye Jianhuang stated, "I believe life is more important than identity. That old man might very well attempt to escape."

Gui Jianchou remarked, "If he flees, the Imperial Seal will be left behind. We'll then need to thoroughly discuss who it rightfully belongs to."

Qiao Wuzui scoffed, "Brother Ghost, are you coveting the Imperial Seal again? Do you wish to become emperor?"

Trittick sighed deeply, repeatedly. He sensed that the Blade Labor Ghouls were on their way up the mountain, and until then, these prominent figures seemed unwilling to take any action.

What exactly had they come here for?

As the group continued to argue, a man approached from a distance. He was clad in a plain stone-blue silk robe, a sword at his waist, and held a folding fan from which a hundred-butterfly scented silk pouch hung.

His attire was remarkably distinctive, though it was hard to articulate precisely why.

As for his appearance, he had a full forehead, round cheeks, thick eyebrows, large eyes, a well-defined mouth and nose, no beard on his chin, but a mustache on his upper lip. Solely by his looks, he appeared to be a handsome scholar in his forties.

Yet, everyone who knew him understood he was considerably older than forty.

Mu Yuejuan's expression soured. "Zhou Badou, why is he here?"

Qiao Wuzui chuckled. "Is there a problem with him being here? Does his presence bother you? It's your fault you weren't capable enough to get into his bedroll!"

Mu Yuejuan shot Qiao Wuzui a scathing look but remained silent.

Ye Jianhuang interjected, "His timing is perfect. At least he speaks plainly, and I can understand him."

Qiao Wuzui nodded. "I'll also heed Brother Zhou's words."

Gui Jianchou smiled. "Now that Eight-Dou Ink Scholar has arrived, it's certainly best for us to refrain from excessive chatter."

This handsome man was none other than Zhou Wencheng, the Eight-Dou Ink Scholar.

Zhou Wencheng looked at the group and sighed. "I knew it. Even if that old scoundrel left the main gate wide open, you likely wouldn't dare to step further inside."

Mu Yuejuan sneered. "Brother Zhou's words are eloquent, yet you arrived late. Were you perhaps waiting for us to engage that old scoundrel in a fight to the death, leaving both sides wounded, so you could then come in and claim the spoils?"

Zhou Wencheng frowned. "Do you truly believe I am such a person?"

Mu Yuejuan chuckled. "How can one truly define someone's character in a few short words? Let us first observe how Brother Zhou chooses to handle this situation!"

With her words spoken, Qiao Wuzui, Ye Jianhuang, and Gui Jianchou all turned their gazes to Zhou Wencheng.

Zhou Wencheng nodded. "Very well, I shall lead the way, leaving my back to your protection. Let us first claim that old scoundrel's head. As for how to distribute the spoils, we can discuss that afterward!"

Qiao Wuzui nodded. "With Brother Zhou's word, you shall have the first pick of the good items!"

Zhou Wencheng asked, "Who is our guide?"

Song Deke stood tall and erect at the entrance.

The moment he led the group through the doorway, several disciples, who had been lying in ambush by the entrance, lunged at Zhou Wencheng.

These disciples had not been initiated for long, none for more than a year, and they were genuinely loyal to the Sage.

A disciple thrust his long sword towards Zhou Wencheng's chest. Suddenly, the character "Shatter" materialized on the blade. Though no one saw Zhou Wencheng move his hand, everyone present perceived that he had made no motion.

The disciple's long sword instantly shattered, and the fragmented pieces flew towards the other disciples, immediately riddling them with holes like a sieve.

Several disciples died on the spot. Only one, possessing a robust physique and no vital injuries, managed to pull an awl from his clothing, intending to charge and confront Zhou Wencheng once more.

Just as the awl was about to pierce Zhou Wencheng's clothing, it abruptly dropped to the ground.

The disciple noticed his hand was smoking.

There was no flame, only smoke. The disciple touched his right hand, and his brittle skin immediately crumbled, his entire arm dissolving into smoke and vanishing.

The disciple trembled violently, at a loss for what to do.

Ye Jianhuang cast a glance at him, devoid of any expression.

The disciple's wound continued to emit smoke, and with a mere gust of wind, his entire body disintegrated into a wisp of dust.

The awl lying on the ground was clearly a spiritual artifact. The others couldn't be bothered to pick it up, but Pan Dehai, unperturbed, retrieved it and tucked it into his robes.

Not letting things go to waste was indeed a virtuous act.

Song Deke, who was leading, was so terrified that he wet his pants. Unable to look back, he whispered, "Esteemed seniors, brave heroes, their actions have nothing to do with me. I am genuinely leading the way for you all."

Zhou Wencheng remained silent, and with every step, Song Deke grew more terrified.

Qiao Wuzui chuckled. "Have you lost your nerve? Would you like some good wine to fortify your courage?"

Mu Yuejuan sneered. "I don't believe it's a lack of courage; he's moving so slowly, clearly his legs are failing him. Ah Gui, why don't you chop off his legs and have your ghost servants carry him along?"

Gui Jianchou actually approached Song Deke to discuss it. "I think this arrangement is quite favorable. While severing the legs might cause a moment of pain, you'll never have to walk again; you'll be carried. All in all, it's a net gain."

Song Deke hastily quickened his pace, leading the group to the Sage's private chambers. Along the way, they did not encounter the Sage, only disciples surrendering in droves. From the moment these prominent figures entered the residence, the inner defenses of the disciples had been breached.

Upon reaching the bedroom door, Song Deke called out, "Master, they have arrived!"

Receiving no response from within the bedroom, Song Deke said, "Please wait here, esteemed sirs. Allow me to announce your presence."

Zhou Wencheng simply smiled. Having come this far, what more was there to announce?

With the ghost servants scouting ahead, Zhou Wencheng pushed open the main door and led the group directly into the bedroom.

This chamber, though called a bedroom, rivaled an imperial sleeping palace, featuring multiple layers both inside and out. The group searched extensively but found neither the Sage nor the Imperial Seal.

The Sage had fled; this much they had anticipated.

But where was the Imperial Seal?

If the Sage had intended to use the Imperial Seal to escape, he would have been compelled to leave it behind.

Mu Yuejuan murmured, "Who arrived first?"

Everyone's gaze shifted to Greenwater Beggar, who remained silent, implying that He Jiaqing was likely the one.

Greenwater Beggar wished to reiterate his lack of connection to He Jiaqing, but realized that doing so now would be futile.

Song Deke suggested, "Master might not be in the bedroom. Let's search elsewhere."

The group scoured the mansion from top to bottom, discovering hundreds of magical artifacts and spiritual objects, along with mountains of gold and silver. Yet, they found neither the Sage nor the Imperial Seal.

Greenwater Beggar declared, "Since that old scoundrel has fled, this trip was a waste for me. You all may divide these valuable items among yourselves. I bid you farewell."

A cloud of smoke swirled around Greenwater Beggar as Ye Jianhuang chuckled. "Thinking of leaving? It won't be that simple!"

Greenwater Beggar touched the festering sores on his face. "What, are you giving me trouble?"

Qiao Wuzui took a swig from his wine flask. "He Jiaqing was brought here by you, and he took the Imperial Seal. You at least owe us an explanation, don't you?"

"He Jiaqing and I simply met by chance on the road. If you desire the Imperial Seal, you must seek it from him." Greenwater Beggar started to walk away, but two ghost servants blocked his path.

Gui Jianchou stated, "It's not too late to depart once you've clarified the situation."

Trittick, who had been lagging at the very back and was on the verge of falling asleep, suddenly became alert.

The Sage hadn't been caught, but there was still a catch to be had!

Considering their power, if these individuals truly attacked, Greenwater Beggar's death was certain. Trittick desired nothing else; he merely hoped to preserve his ancestor's complete corpse.

Mu Yuejuan afforded Greenwater Beggar no further opportunity to speak. A "spring painting" materialized in the air before his eyes.

A "spring painting" was not a depiction of the season but a valuable scroll illustrating the crucial process of human reproduction.

The scroll depicted one man and two women. Upon viewing it, Greenwater Beggar's body, covered in festering sores, began to burst uncontrollably, pus splattering in every direction.

Ye Jianhuang packed a pipe, took a puff, and smoke billowed around Greenwater Beggar. All the pus instantly turned to dust within the swirling smoke and fell to the ground.

Qiao Wuzui let out a belch, and the pungent scent of alcohol assailed Greenwater Beggar, making him feel a wave of dizziness.

Ghost servants attacked from all directions, assailing Greenwater Beggar with their weapons. Overwhelmed, Greenwater Beggar was instantly covered in wounds.

Trittick sighed inwardly, lamenting that these four individuals, all superior in strength to Greenwater Beggar, were shamelessly ganging up on him without regard for their status.

What was to be done?

Trittick worried for his patriarch!

A complete corpse was likely beyond saving. At worst, he'd gather what he could from the ground.

Just as Greenwater Beggar was being pushed to the brink, screams erupted from outside the mansion.

"Screech!"

The Blade Labor Ghouls were here.

Perhaps due to his prolonged exposure to them, Trittick no longer found the Blade Labor Ghouls particularly terrifying. Even those who had consumed his potion and become extremely agitated didn't seem so formidable. He was confident these prominent figures possessed means to deal with them.

However, the ensuing scene utterly defied Trittick's expectations.

Zhou Wencheng, the Eight-Dou Ink Scholar, possessed the highest cultivation and reputation among them.

He swiftly divided the dozens of spiritual artifacts on the ground into several portions: he claimed one for himself, the other four prominent figures each received a share, Pan Dehai also got a portion, and even Trittick, who was trailing behind, was given two items.

After distributing the magical artifacts, Eight-Dou Ink Scholar casually waved his hand, inscribing two characters for "Fly." These characters then carried him away on the wind.

Ye Jianhuang puffed on his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke. When the smoke dissipated, he too had vanished.

The remaining individuals froze for a moment. Seizing this chance, Greenwater Beggar entered a nameless place, his form disappearing.

Mu Yuejuan sneered, "That old scoundrel fled, and Green Flower Child ran too. I told you, even counting Zhou Badou, none of you are any use."

A landscape painting flickered into existence in mid-air. Mu Yuejuan was also preparing to depart, when Pan Dehai chuckled, "Senior Mu, please be so kind as to give this old man a lift."

Mu Yuejuan frowned. "Why should I take you? What are you to me? Are you incapable of descending the mountain on your own?"

Pan Dehai showed no anger. "Although I possess the ability to descend the mountain, I am always concerned about unforeseen accidents."

The matter of the Imperial Seal had not yet been clarified, and he wished to avoid any implication in it.

Mu Yuejuan smiled. "Very well, if you address me as 'Grandma,' I'll take you along."

Pan Dehai chuckled. "My most benevolent Grandma, I am your grandson; please take me with you."

Mu Yuejuan waved her hand, and Pan Dehai followed her into the painting.

Gui Jianchou also departed, escorted by his ghost servants. Qiao Wuzui looked at Trittick and asked, "Foreigner, are you Green Flower Child's disciple?"

Trittick nodded.

"Where does Green Flower Child usually conceal his valuable items? Tell me the truth, and I'll take you down the mountain."

Trittick understood that if he remained silent, Qiao Wuzui would kill him on the spot.

He paused for a moment before replying, "Senior, I can no longer descend the mountain. I have become one of them."

Qiao Wuzui looked puzzled. "What do you mean? What do you mean, 'one of them'..."

Trittick's cheeks rapidly swelled, his features blurring and twisting, quickly becoming identical to a Blade Labor Ghoul.

Qiao Wuzui asked no further questions. He took a sip of wine and proceeded straight down the mountain, the potent scent of alcohol radiating from him keeping the surrounding Blade Labor Ghouls from daring to approach.

With their departure, what would become of Song Deke? Of Du Xiangwen? Of the disciples who had surrendered?

No one seemed to care what became of them.

Only Trittick remained curious to observe their ultimate fate.

Amidst an incessant chorus of roars, over thirty disciples, more than five hundred servants, and over a hundred women who had cultivated alongside the Sage, were either torn to shreds or transformed into Blade Labor Ghouls.

Sage Peak was utterly drenched in blood, claiming not only humans but also birds and beasts.

The bloodthirsty Blade Labor Ghouls swiftly descended the mountain, reaching Huai'en Village, the closest settlement to Sage Peak.

Trittick had visited this village before. It was not small, and he recalled it having over five hundred inhabitants.

Today, the village seemed less populated. Trittick, blending in with the Blade Labor Ghouls, walked through the village and estimated that only two or three hundred residents remained.

These two or three hundred people were gathered in the center of the village, listening to an elder deliver a lecture.

"The root of heaven and earth begins with the Sage's heart.The transformation of heaven and earth begins with the Sage's thought.The foundation of heaven and earth begins with the Sage's virtue.The wellspring of heaven and earth begins with the Sage's wish."

He would recite a line, and those below him would repeat it. They chanted these four lines over and over again.

The Blade Labor Ghouls grew in number around them, their roars becoming deafening.

The louder the Blade Labor Ghouls' roars became, the louder the elder's voice grew, and consequently, the louder the voices of those repeating after him.

They stood shoulder to shoulder, gazing fearlessly at the surrounding Blade Labor Ghouls, attempting to repel these abominations with the Sage's teachings and their unwavering faith.

The Blade Labor Ghouls circled the group for a long time. Trittick wondered if the four lines they were chanting possessed some special power.

The elder leading the chant yelled at the Blade Labor Ghouls, "The transformation of heaven and earth begins with the Sage's thought..."

A Blade Labor Ghoul bit through the elder's neck in a single snap, and the chanting ceased abruptly.

The villagers' devout and resolute gazes softened considerably in that instant.

The Blade Labor Ghouls observed them, not out of fear, but from a place of curiosity. To the ghouls, these individuals seemed to possess a certain intriguing quality.

Having grown tired of the spectacle, they no longer wished to observe. They didn't even care to transform these people into Blade Labor Ghouls; they simply wanted to sate their own gnawing hunger.

As he watched the scene unfold and listened to the screams and tearing sounds, Trittick found himself contemplating.

Perhaps, one day, if all humanity were to be eradicated from the world, the Blade Labor Ghouls might prove to be a viable option for that task.

However, the Blade Labor Ghouls were confined by Blade Ghoul Ridge, and their limitations were still too significant.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when someone tugged at his sleeve from behind.

Trittick turned to find a female Blade Labor Ghoul swaying her hips behind him.

Desiring this immediately after a meal...

Trittick sighed inwardly, thinking, "If these unenterprising creatures were to govern this world, how could they possibly be superior to humans?"

Let's see how they behave at the next village.

Li Banfeng led over ten thousand people to Wuyouping.

To escort these over ten thousand people to safety, Li Banfeng deployed more than sixty of his avatars, scouring every corner of Jianren Gang. Only those who could be saved were brought out; Li Banfeng had no time to waste on the unsalvageable.

Over ten thousand people might sound like an ordinary figure, but only by truly experiencing it could one grasp what an astonishing number it represented.

Walking in the very center of the procession, it was impossible to see either its beginning or its end.

Dozens of carts carrying provisions followed the procession. They had initially believed this food supply would last a while, but after three full days of travel, with one meal per day, almost nothing remained.

How should they proceed from here?

Li Banfeng pulled out a map, a gift from Prince Chun, which depicted routes leading to various locations.

If it were just Li Banfeng, he could go wherever he pleased; even borders couldn't impede him.

If he were to bring dozens of cultivated individuals, though their pace would be slower, the challenge wouldn't be insurmountable.

However, leading over ten thousand people with no cultivation, the journey would be far from easy. While there were many destinations accessible from Wuyouping, all required crossing a stretch of new territory. How would these uncultivated individuals possibly navigate this new land?

Clatter! Clatter! Clatter!

As he was deep in thought, a man shaking a rattle drum approached Li Banfeng. "Brother," he said, "where do you wish to go? I will lead you."

Li Banfeng smiled. "Brother Lang, where is your cart?"

The peddler lowered his voice. "I won't be pushing the cart; it's better not to be recognized."

"What are you afraid of? You saved their lives; don't you wish to earn a good reputation among them?"

The peddler scoffed. "What good name could I possibly earn among them? It would be a blessing if they don't curse me later. In all of Puluo Prefecture, I suspect only you and I are left who still feel pity for these poor wretches."

In Greenwater City, Wan Jinxian had just emerged from his residence when he spotted a beggar standing at the entrance.

Old Wan knelt without hesitation, a thud echoing as he hit the ground.

Green Flower Child smiled. "My lord, why do you kneel before a beggar such as myself?"

Wan Jinxian repeatedly kowtowed, proclaiming, "Your disciple greets the Grand Patriarch!"

Greenwater Beggar replied, "How could I possibly deserve that? Aren't you a member of the Fraternity Alliance?"

Wan Jinxian repeatedly waved his hand, insisting, "Your disciple merely feigns courtesy with others, but with the Grand Patriarch, I am utterly sincere!"

Greenwater Beggar nodded. "Very well, I will trust you one more time. Immediately summon He Jiaqing to me."

Wan Jinxian dared not delay. He swiftly attempted to contact He Jiaqing but could not reach him.

"Grand Patriarch, I truly am not lying. I haven't been able to contact He Jiaqing for several days now."

Greenwater Beggar looked at Wan Jinxian and smiled faintly. "Perhaps two disciples are indeed a bit too many for our Taoist sect."

In Medicine King Gully, Qiu Zhiheng entered Lu Family Bookstore, intending to buy a few newspapers, but his attention was drawn to a landscape painting on the wall.

"Boss Lu, is this painting by Mu Yuejuan?"

Boss Lu nodded repeatedly. "Boss Qiu has a keen eye. This is an authentic work by Mu Yuejuan, which a friend sold to me."

Qiu Zhiheng praised, "Among Mu Yuejuan's paintings, this one is considered a masterpiece. Boss Lu, do you have any intention of selling it?"

Boss Lu chuckled. "Boss Qiu, you must know there are certain considerations when bringing Mu Yuejuan's paintings into one's home. Aren't you concerned your wife might be displeased?"

Qiu Zhiheng offered no explanation. He certainly didn't desire the painting for a romantic rendezvous with Mu Yuejuan; he had an entirely different purpose for it.

Boss Lu sighed. "Boss Qiu, I mean no disrespect, but this painting has already been reserved, and I've accepted a deposit for it. Should I acquire another such fine piece in the future, you will be the first to know."

Qiu Zhiheng did not press the matter. He purchased his newspapers and left the bookstore.

As it was getting late, Boss Lu closed his shop for the day.

By candlelight, as he was tidying the books, the scroll on the wall shimmered, and Mu Yuejuan, the Hundred Flowers Painter, stepped out of the painting.

She stood beside Boss Lu and smiled faintly. "Did this act of mine play out convincingly?"

Boss Lu continued to organize the bookshelves, his gaze unwavering. "Miss Mu, you've put in considerable effort. On top of the third bookshelf, you'll find a token of my gratitude."

Mu Yuejuan proceeded to the third bookshelf and retrieved a package from its uppermost shelf.

The package contained eleven magical artifacts. Before departing from the Sage's mansion, Zhou Wencheng, the Eight-Dou Ink Scholar, had divided the artifacts into several portions. These eleven pieces constituted the share Zhou Wencheng kept for himself, and they were also of the finest quality.

Mu Yuejuan accepted the eleven magical artifacts and then addressed Boss Lu. "There is one matter I wish to inquire about: Did you acquire the Imperial Seal, or the old scoundrel's head, or did you manage to secure both?"

Boss Lu neatly arranged the books and then smiled at Mu Yuejuan. "Miss, my shop is now closed. If you wish to purchase books, please return tomorrow."

Mu Yuejuan frowned slightly but said no more. She leaped back into the painting, and the entire scroll vanished.

Luo Zhengnan returned to Greenwater City. At the former headquarters of the Jiangxiang Gang, he convened several old friends to discuss their next course of action.

The various branch halls of the Jiangxiang Gang had largely been suppressed, but unexpectedly, a group of mountain bandits had emerged in Greenwater Bay, whose main members turned out to be remnants of the Jiangxiang Gang.

Were they trying to revive themselves by simply changing their name?

Luo Zhengnan found this intolerable. He and his old friends devised a plan to utterly eradicate these mountain bandits within the month.

After concluding their official business, the group engaged in some casual conversation. One individual, needing to relieve himself and unfamiliar with the Jiangxiang Gang's headquarters, couldn't find a latrine immediately and resorted to using the rock garden.

He wasn't sure if he had misheard, but he distinctly felt there was some movement beneath the rock garden.

He had not misheard; there was indeed movement beneath the rock garden.

The secret chamber beneath the rock garden had excellent soundproofing; even Li Banfeng with his Whispering Earrings couldn't detect any sound from within.

However, this secret chamber had now sustained damage, though it was very minor.

Inside the secret chamber, the emaciated He Jiaqing was at that moment scraping away at a wall brick with his fingernails.

If he could extract this single brick, he would be able to escape from the basement.

However, he had only managed to clear a single brick seam, and was still far from his goal of removing an entire brick.

He Jiaqing's hands were trembling; he was nearing his breaking point.

After a brief rest, he chewed on his fingernails and resumed scraping at the brick seam.