“If that’s the case, that means no one ever saw what the State Preceptor Fangxin looked like. Why must General Pei make it sound like it’s a sure thing that His Highness Xianle is this State Preceptor Fangxin?”
When Shi Qingxuan and Xie Lian worked together, it was a ridiculous and hilarious affair, but in the Heavenly Court they were composed, calm, and poised, very mindful of their demeanors.
Just then, a snow-white figure appeared from the back hall.
Upon his arrival, everyone settled down. The chattering officials quickly returned to their respective places and bowed.
“My Lord.”
Jun Wu motioned with one hand, and everyone straightened up once more. He walked willfully, and as he passed by Xie Lian, he tapped on his right shoulder. Fresh blood was still dripping down Xie Lian’s sleeve, but with that tap, it ceased immediately.
After briefly checking over Ming Yi, Jun Wu stated, “It is nothing serious. Settle the Earth Master first.”
Thus, four medical heavenly officials came over to gather Ming Yi up and carry him away. Shi Qingxuan looked as if he wanted to follow, but seeing such tension in the Palace of Divine Might, he couldn’t not worry and decided to stay after all.
With hands clasped behind his back, Jun Wu returned to the throne before he spoke again.
“So, tell me. What has happened now? Why is Tai Hua refusing to let Xianle go, and why is Xianle bowing his head?”
Lang Qianqiu took another glance at Xie Lian and saw that he was still silent. As they were surrounded by heavenly officials and there was no need to fear his escape, Lang Qianqiu released his wrist and turned to Jun Wu with a bow.
“My Lord, many centuries ago, this man assumed the name of Fangxin, slaughtered my blood clan, and brought ruin to my kingdom. I demand a duel and ask My Lord to be our judge!”
Within the Palace of Divine Might, even those who had never heard the name Fangxin hurried to research the name within the communication array. It was a good thing Ling Wen was present to answer everyone’s query, as what was uncovered was truly an astonishing tale.
“The State Preceptor Fangxin was both the savior and teacher of the Crown Prince of Yong’an, Lang Qianqiu. He was eventually named as one of the Dual Evil Masters because of the infamous Gilded Banquet Massacre of the Yong’an monarchy.”
“What’s a Gilded Banquet?” Shi Qingxuan asked.
“Lord Wind Master,” Ling Wen replied. “This Gilded Banquet was a tradition taken from the nobility of Xianle. It was called as such because every wine cup, every utensil and piece of cutlery, and every other such serving tool was of the highest grade of gold, incomparably extravagant.
“At the very beginning, when the Kingdom of Yong’an was established, they vowed to the world that they would put an end to the culture of excess from the old kingdom. They swore that they would never repeat the same mistakes, that they would focus solely on the people. And yet after only a few decades, the old ways were relearned, including that culture of excess.”
Ling Wen continued, “On the night of the seventeenth birthday of the Crown Prince of Yong’an, the palace threw a Gilded Banquet in celebration. The State Preceptor Fangxin…it was at that feast, with a sword in hand, that he slaughtered every member of the royal family in attendance.”
The golden goblets toppled, and blood spilled like wine.
“Because of his late arrival to the feast, only the Crown Prince of Yong’an escaped death. But he too was almost killed.”
This coup was no doubt a huge blow to Yong’an. If it wasn’t for Lang Qianqiu, whose arduous efforts won the people’s hearts, the country would have certainly been plunged into chaos. It was with great difficulty that the upheaval was settled, and soon after, the Yong’an monarchy released a bounty for the capture of the fugitive murderer. When he was at last apprehended, Lang Qianqiu killed that evil cultivator, the State Preceptor Fangxin, with his own two hands. He then sealed the corpse within a triple-layered coffin before condemning it to rest deep within the earth.
However, the roots of the monarchy had been gravely damaged. It saw an inevitable, gradual decline until it was at last replaced by the next dynasty.
Lang Qianqiu’s glare was locked firmly on Xie Lian. “I never understood why you did what you did. You said it was because you couldn’t stand seeing us on the throne, but I didn’t believe it, and I never thought you wanted to overthrow the monarchy and take our place. But now I finally know why.”
The heavenly officials gasped, muttering to each other.