novelapdf Chapter 193 Shangguan Luoxue: Start Repairing
Chapter 193 Shangguan Luoxue: Start Repairing
Prince Sheng turned his head and smiled apologetically at He Shan'er:
"Madam He, please don't take it to heart."
As you know, Daoist Jiu was once an inner elder of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. He values the sect's honor highly, so his words are inevitably a bit blunt. "Your Highness is too kind. Daoist Jiu is a highly respected senior and a man of principle. I naturally will not hold it against him."
He Shan'er smiled sweetly.
Prince Sheng nodded, then his expression turned serious, and he got to the point:
"Actually, the reason I came to Huzhou City this time is because I received a secret letter from Elder He. The letter said that the sword I asked him to forge is almost finished."
He pointed to the two people beside him and said:
"Therefore, I specially invited Master Jiu and Master Kuhai together."
Both of them are highly accomplished masters of their time, possessing profound knowledge of sword rituals and consecration ceremonies.
I just don't know when I should go up the mountain to retrieve the sword.
In his letter, Master He stated that if I were to arrive too early or too late, my fate would be diminished. Why is this?
He Shan'er explained softly:
"The prince's destiny belongs to the fire element, and it is extremely yang fire."
The sword embryo was born from a spiritual mine beneath Huzhou City, and its nature is extremely yin. If one arrives too early, before the yin energy of the sword embryo has condensed, the prince's life fire will be too strong and will instead burn the sword embryo.
If you arrive too late, the sword embryo will have fully developed its Yin energy, forming a sword aura that the prince's life fire will find difficult to suppress, inevitably leading to a backlash from the sword heart.
The auspicious time to open the furnace and retrieve the sword is when the water vapor is at its peak and yin and yang are in harmony, a time of "water and fire in balance".
Prince Sheng suddenly realized and clapped his hands, saying, "So that's how it is."
"But Your Highness, rest assured, it won't be long."
He Shan'er's eyes sparkled as she softly said, "My father asked the prince to wait in the city for the time being, hoping that the prince could first get used to the local geomantic energy."
After all, the sword blank came from a local spirit mine and was tainted by the mortal aura of Huzhou City.
"If Your Highness moves around more in this place and absorbs some of your presence, the sword embryo will become familiar with Your Highness's aura in advance, thus preventing future rejection by the sword heart." Upon hearing this, Prince Sheng felt relieved.
Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly remembered something and asked in a low voice:
"However, recently, more than a dozen bizarre murders have occurred in Huzhou City, causing a great uproar throughout the city."
"And I have heard that forging divine weapons often requires blood sacrifices..."
He Shan'er's expression hardened, and she solemnly shook her head:
"Your Highness, rest assured, the blood and souls used in the sword-making ceremony are all demon blood and demon souls. The blood is used to feed the sword, and the soul is used to nourish the spirit."
Those cases within the city have absolutely nothing to do with the sword-forging techniques of the Divine Sword Sect. I am willing to vouch for this with the reputation of the Divine Sword Sect.
Prince Sheng stared at her for a long while, then slowly nodded and smiled:
"I naturally trust Lady He."
On the way, Yan Fenghuo explained Prince Sheng's situation to Jiang Mu:
"Old Jiang, there are some things you may not be aware of. This Prince Sheng is no ordinary idle member of the imperial clan."
When the late emperor passed away, the princes fought for the throne, resulting in a bloody and violent struggle.
At that time, the emperor was still a rising star, and it was this Prince Sheng who stepped forward at the critical moment to provide support for the emperor.
It can be said that Prince Sheng made a great contribution to His Majesty's smooth ascension to the throne.
For this reason, after His Majesty ascended the throne, he bestowed great favor upon his uncle, even granting him the special privilege of entering the capital at any time to meet the Emperor without prior notice. However…”
Yan Fenghuo pursed his lips and continued,
"Despite the favor bestowed upon him, this prince held no real power whatsoever. He had neither a private army nor any say in court politics. He was just a wealthy idler who spent his days traveling around, collecting antiques and weapons."
Jiang Mu asked thoughtfully, "Then what is he doing in Huzhou City?"
"How would I know?"
Yan Fenghuo rolled his eyes.
Jiang Mu's mind suddenly flashed with the recent series of murders. His eyes narrowed, and he said to Yan Fenghuo:
"Old Yan, when you get back, you can try to find out when this Prince Sheng came to our Huzhou City." Yan Feng was not stupid and immediately understood the deeper meaning in Jiang Mu's words.
"Really?"
His brows furrowed into a deep frown, and he asked with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty,
"He's the Emperor's own uncle, he can have anything he wants, why would he bother coming to our Huzhou City to commit murder?"
Jiang Mu said calmly, "Anyway, there's no harm in investigating further. We're just investigating secretly, not about making an immediate arrest."
Yan Fenghuo pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, I will investigate personally."
Jiang Mu suddenly stopped and pointed at Duanmu Li, who was following behind her, and asked:
"This girl is Duanmu Li, the eldest daughter of the Heavenly Blade Sect."
Judging from He Shuangdiao's tone just now, it seems this girl is wanted by the imperial court? Is it true or not?
Yan Fenghuo had been curious about the cold and beautiful girl carrying the exaggerated tomb knife all along. Now, after hearing Jiang Mu's introduction and recalling the relationship between Jiang Mu and Tang Guixin, he suddenly understood.
He shook his head and said:
"Our Demon Slayer Division has not received any official documents regarding the arrest warrant for the eldest daughter of the Heavenly Blade Sect."
I reckon it was either a secret order received by the local government, or an arrest warrant issued privately by the Imperial Guards.
"Inner guard?"
Jiang Mu felt a chill run down her spine.
If she really is an Imperial Guard, then this girl's situation is in danger.
Those mad dogs in the inner guards, once they bite their prey, will never let go easily.
After parting ways with Yan Fenghuo, Jiang Mu crossed her arms and looked down at Duanmu Li, asking:
"You're wanted by the police, why didn't you tell me?"
The girl looked up at the clouds on the horizon, her profile as delicate as a porcelain doll's, yet her expression was taut, exuding a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay. She remained silent in the face of Jiang Mu's question.
Jiang Mu didn't mind and said:
"Don't worry, I won't hand you over. You're safe with me. However, you'd better stay home and try not to go out, so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble."
"……Thanks."
A melodious voice, tinged with a hint of coolness, suddenly drifted over.
Jiang Mu was taken aback, looking at the girl as if she were an alien, then chuckled:
"So you're not mute after all."
"I want to join the Demon Slayer Division," the girl said.
Jiang Mu blinked, thinking she had misheard: "What?"
Duanmu Li stared at him with her clear, autumn-water-like eyes and said, word by word, "I want to join the Demon Slayer Division. You must agree." Jiang Mu sighed.
This girl's brain is completely out of sync.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, I have to become a demon slayer.
Could it be...
Is she trying to take over her mother Tang Guixin's mantle and carry on her legacy?
Jiang Mu said, "Why don't you discuss it with your father first?"
Duanmu Li did not respond, but just stared at him.
Jiang Mu felt uneasy under her gaze, so he rubbed his temples helplessly and relented:
"Alright, alright. I'll go and talk to the Master later. If you really want to become a Demon Slayer, although you're a bit young, with your current fifth-realm cultivation, you could be directly appointed as a hall master."
"I won't be the leader of the hall, I'll only follow you."
Duanmu Li's answer was very straightforward.
Looking at the girl's earnest and stubborn expression, Jiang Mu found it inexplicably amusing and felt a slight urge to reach out and ruffle her hair. But as soon as he raised his hand, he saw the girl slightly narrow her almond-shaped eyes.
Jiang Mu coughed awkwardly twice, withdrew his hand, wiped it on his clothes, and said with a serious expression:
"Let me make this clear beforehand. Since you've decided to follow me as a demon slayer, you'll have to abide by my rules. You'll do whatever I tell you to do, with absolute obedience. Can you do that?"
"it is good."
The girl's answer was still just a single word.
Back at the clothing shop, Yuan Aqing was anxiously looking out the door, holding two dresses.
Seeing Jiang Mu and the other person return, she breathed a sigh of relief and jogged over to greet them:
"Sister A-Li, are you alright? You scared me to death."
Seeing that she was only holding two pieces of clothing, Jiang Mu frowned and said, "Why did you only pick two?"
Yuan Aqing lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly and muttered softly:
"Sir, I don't need any more clothes..."
Looking at this thrifty and hardworking young woman, Jiang Mu was too lazy to waste any more words trying to persuade her. He simply turned to the female boss and said:
"Based on their body measurements, wrap up all the latest and most fashionable fabrics and styles in your store for me."
And those close-fitting garments like tube tops and halter tops, pick the best ones.
Upon hearing this, the female boss immediately beamed with joy: "Alright, sir, please wait a moment, I guarantee both ladies will be satisfied."
After buying the clothes, Jiang Mu took the two women to a shop that specializes in shoes and socks, and bought each of them several pairs of fine soft-soled embroidered shoes and deerskin boots.
Then he led them to his family's jewelry store.
Anything that looked pleasing to the eye was completely swept away.
During this time, they also specially selected a large bracelet for Bai Xiang.
When Jiang Mu returned home, she was carrying large and small bags, followed by two girls who were also laden with purchases.
He looks just like a mountain bandit who has just returned from a robbery.
After dinner, Jiang Mu went to the sandy area in the backyard and began practicing the "Blood Frenzy Blade Technique" move by move.
After practicing for about half an hour, drenched in sweat, he sheathed his sword and returned to his study.
Light the oil lamp on the table.
He picked up the file that Wang Ershang had compiled and began to look through it.
Having witnessed the horrific state of the brothel woman during the day, Jiang Mu developed a great interest in the mastermind behind the crime, while also vaguely sensing a sense of danger.
While he was analyzing the case files.
Ji Hongyuan, dressed in a long gold and red dress, sat on the desk in a languid posture.
"I didn't realize you were so dedicated."
The woman bent one leg, her black-stockinged leg sticking out high and swaying gently in the air.
Her toes were hooked on an exquisite high heel, teetering precariously.
Jiang Mu didn't even look up, her gaze still fixed on the dossier, and said calmly:
"Shut up, don't bother me."
Ji Hongyuan wasn't annoyed, and leaned closer to Jiang Mu, smiling:
"Little guy, do you know that today the young lady from the Heavenly Blade Sect provoked your family's butler?"
It seems that girl is planning to join the competition for the emperor's favor. Your inner quarters are likely to be anything but peaceful from now on.
With a "thud," the high heel that was hooked on the toe suddenly fell to the ground, revealing a foot.
The toes curled up inside the thin socks, like a few worms wriggling in a gauze bag.
Jiang Mu finally looked up from the file and glanced at her sideways:
"Aren't you too idle? The mighty Zombie Queen, spending all your time eavesdropping and gossiping, is that really interesting?"
"Why isn't it interesting?"
Ji Hongyuan pouted her red lips slightly, revealing the posture of a wronged little girl.
She simply lay down on the desk, resting her chin on her hands.
That stunningly beautiful face was less than an inch away from Jiang Mu, her dark golden eyes shimmering with a seductive charm.
"Sister, I've been wandering in this dark and hopeless world for so long, and I've finally found some fun. Can't you even let me watch a show?" she said, sticking out her slightly protruding tongue and gently licking her red lips.
She was clearly flirting with the man in front of her.
Jiang Mu, however, ignored her.
Watching a character who can't even get meat is just torture.
Ji Hongyuan pursed her red lips, gave a soft hum, and changed her position, lying on her side on the desk.
He rested his chin on one hand, his long legs crossed and curled up.
Her black-stockinged legs lay across the light, glistening like freshly cooked sausages, dazzling to the eye.
Feeling utterly bored, she gracefully landed and walked barefoot behind Jiang Mu.
Suddenly she leaned down and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind.
The scorching breath sprayed against Jiang Mu's ear.
Then she opened her red lips, revealing two sharp teeth, and gently bit down on the artery on the side of the man's neck, beginning to absorb his yang energy on her own. Jiang Mu was too lazy to struggle.
He let her ravage his neck like a greedy vampire.
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea has passed.
Ji Hongyuan finally opened her mouth, satisfied.
She stuck out her pink tongue and licked the corner of her lips with lingering satisfaction, a sickly flush appearing on her face.
It felt as if I had just enjoyed an unparalleled feast.
"Burp~"
The woman let out another unladylike burp, patted her stomach, and said coquettishly:
"The little one is getting more and more energetic, I'm almost stuffed."
Jiang Mu said expressionlessly, "There are places with even more yang energy; I wouldn't mind sending you more."
Ji Hongyuan giggled and said:
"Alright, that's enough for tonight. I'll come visit you again in a few days, and we can consider going somewhere else then."
After saying this, the woman's graceful figure turned into a wisp of red smoke and disappeared.
"A female hooligan..."
Jiang Mu touched her neck and muttered to herself.
He refocused his attention on the files on the table.
After nearly two hours of careful analysis and repeated deliberation, Jiang Mu finally made a discovery.
Fifteen murders, plus the one today.
The information on a total of sixteen deceased individuals was rearranged and recombined in my mind.
The first person to die was a very fat man who loved to eat.
The second was a young widow who secretly had affairs with multiple men and led a decadent life.
The third one was a burly man with a bad temper.
The fourth is a black-hearted pawnshop owner who will stop at nothing for money and is notoriously stingy.
The fifth one was a conceited young master from a powerful family who often bullied others.
The sixth one is a lazy bum who loves to eat and do nothing.
The seventh is a shrew who is extremely jealous, can't stand seeing others do well, and often spreads rumors and causes trouble behind their backs.
"Gluttony, lust, wrath, greed, pride, sloth, and envy..."
Jiang Mu tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her eyes sparkling.
The Seven Deadly Sins.
This killer is indeed committing murders systematically.
After killing seven, the murderer began a new round of slaughter, in the same order.
Today is the third round.
The courtesan who died in the street corresponds to the second type of crime.
Lust!
"In other words..."
Jiang Mu quickly calculated what would happen next in his mind.
"If the killer was indeed committing murders in this order, then the next target would inevitably be someone with a volatile and easily angered personality." Interesting.
Jiang Mu leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest:
"Why did the murderer go to such lengths to create such a ritualistic killing pattern?"
Some kind of sacrificial ritual?
Regardless of the other party's purpose, as long as he grasps this set of murder rules, he will no longer be a headless fly.
Just as Jiang Mu was immersed in thinking about solving the case, a whooshing sound suddenly came from outside the door.
"Who?!"
Jiang Mu instinctively drew the Blood Frenzy Blade that he had just placed at his waist, rushed out of the study, and cautiously looked around the courtyard.
The night breeze rustled the leaves of the trees in the yard.
Jiang Mu released his divine sense and carefully sensed the surroundings, but he did not detect the presence of any living person or demon.
"Am I just overthinking it?"
He frowned, looked around the neighborhood again, and returned to the house.
But I caught a glimpse of it.
A leaf was prominently displayed in the center of the desk!
Jiang Mu gripped the long knife tightly, carefully walked back to the study, and gently picked up the leaf with the tip of the knife.
On the back of the leaf, a lifelike peach blossom is painted.
Jiang Mu frowned.
A cool and beautiful figure immediately appeared in my mind.
Lady Peach Blossom!?
Just as he was wondering, the peach petal drawn on the leaf seemed to come alive, slowly spreading out on the paper and turning into a pink mist.
next moment.
Jiang Mu felt an invisible force pulling at his soul like a whirlpool.
A wave of dizziness washed over me.
Countless pink peach petals danced wildly in my field of vision.
After an unknown amount of time, when Jiang Mu regained consciousness, she was shocked to find that she was no longer in the study.
The surrounding area was pitch black.
Silence.
Jiang Mu used his supernatural powers, and his eyes glowed with a faint starlight, finally allowing him to see his surroundings clearly.
This is a spacious temple hall.
The surrounding walls are carved with various Buddhist murals.
Although there were no people chanting scriptures or reciting Buddhist prayers, one could still feel the solemn and dignified atmosphere.
In the center of the main hall, a huge Buddha statue is enshrined.
The Buddha's face appeared somewhat blurry in the darkness, yet it exuded an imposing and dignified aura.
Strangely, not a single candle was lit in the hall.
"Don't be afraid."
A woman's voice, both magnetic and icy cold, suddenly rang out in the empty hall.
Jiang Mu turned around and looked.
The woman stood quietly in the corner, dressed in a long dress, her cascading black hair casually tied up with a single wooden hairpin.
She resembled an ethereal ice sculpture, a snow maiden untouched by worldly concerns.
It was Lady Peach Blossom.
Pink peach petals fluttered around her, making her appear even more ethereal.
"From this day forward, we will practice together here."
Shangguan Luoxue spoke in a flat tone.
Jiang Mu asked curiously, "Is this also the Purple Mansion Divine Realm?"
During this period of time, every night when he was resting, this woman would pull him into the Purple Mansion Divine Realm to discuss the Dao.
This is the first time I've been to another place.
Shangguan Luoxue glanced at him indifferently with her clear, purple eyes, and parted her lips slightly:
"Take off your clothes."