Xie Lian turned his head and looked at the dejected, kneeling stone statue not far away. He said, "Qi Rong is right about one thing. I'm quite a failure."
Hua Cheng said calmly, "You believe the words of a loser like Qi Rong. Besides being invincible and fast-moving, what else does he have to offer? He hasn't even managed to become a master in over eight hundred years. Beating him up would be too dirty."
Xie Lian twitched his lips, thinking, "If you can't kill them, you'll run away fast. Isn't that the same for him? Hadn't he been around for over eight hundred years, and only ended up like this?"
He had been quite pleased to see Lang Qianqiu ascend as the Eastern Martial God, now a celestial official in the Upper Heavens. He was still the same, still straightforward, still prone to dozing off during boring meetings. However, from this moment on, he wondered how Lang Qianqiu would change. He would pursue Qi Rong, and after catching him, how would he deal with him when he returned?
Xie Lian stood up and slowly walked over to the stone statue. Turning to the front, he saw that the face was indeed identical to his own, only carved into a weeping expression, tears streaming down its face, its features distorted by weeping, a truly unsightly sight. After staring at it for a moment, Xie Lian sighed softly, placed his hand on its head, and poured a stream of energy into it.
As he removed his hand, two cracks crept up the statue's cheeks, and then the weeping face shattered. The statue collapsed, breaking into countless small stones that fell to the ground, never to be put back together again.
When Xie Lian turned around again, his usual gentle and calm expression had returned. He rubbed his brow and said, "I'm afraid there are still many living people hiding in Qi Rong's lair. I'll go and find them and release them all."
Hua Cheng also stood up and said, "Let's go."
There had been a great commotion, and the Green Lantern ghosts in Qi Rong's lair had fled in all directions. Those who hadn't escaped hid in the shadows, afraid to come out. The two searched the area, capturing a few unlucky ghosts and forcing them to lead the way. They found several caves used to store "fresh food." A rough count revealed that Qi Rong had captured no fewer than three hundred people, either nearby villagers or passing travelers, to devour.
The two walked along, opening the prison doors and releasing the trapped people. Doing these things, Xie Lian calmed down a little. Plus, he had some free time now, so he chatted with Hua Cheng for a while. After thinking for a while, he said, "By the way, Sanlang, there's something I still want to ask you."
Hua Cheng said, "What?"
Xie Lian asked, “How did you know that Qi Rong was behind the incident at the Gilded Palace?”
Even if he hadn't known at first why Hua Cheng had brought him and Lang Qianqiu to the Green Ghost Nest, he knew now. Hua Cheng's goal was to let Lang Qianqiu hear Qi Rong reveal the true story of the Gilded Palace incident.
Xie Lian said, "Qi Rong doesn't know about my relationship with Fang Xin. If he knew, he would have come to haunt me long ago. Although I discovered that the former royal family of Xianle was secretly carrying out many actions, I didn't know that Qi Rong was the mastermind behind it. How did you know this? How long ago did you know this?"
"Not early." Hua Cheng, walking side by side with him, said, hands behind his back, "I've dealt with Qi Rong several times and know his background well. Qi Rong was a native of Xianle during his lifetime and extremely hostile to Yong'an. He was accustomed to using divisive tactics to fan the flames and create trouble. He was behind several large-scale assassinations against the royal family and nobles in Yong'an, but he kept it well hidden."
Xie Lian shook his head and said, "So he already has a criminal record. It's a good thing he hid it well. If he hadn't, and the people in Heaven knew he was meddling in these human affairs, they would have forgiven him long ago."
Hua Chengdao said, "The bloodbath at the Gilded Palace is consistent with his usual style, so I've always believed that he was the mastermind behind this incident, and that Imperial Preceptor Fangxin was one of his followers. However, Lang Qianqiu identified Imperial Preceptor Fangxin as you in the Heavenly Court. So, Fangxin and Qi Rong can't be from the same faction."
Xie Lian's steps slowed slightly. It seemed Hua Cheng, though not in the Heavenly Realm, was fully aware of what had transpired in the Divine Martial Hall. Furthermore, he was also well aware of Xie Lian and Qi Rong's past and present relationship.
Hua Cheng continued, "But I still tend to believe that Qi Rong was the mastermind behind this incident, or at least he must have been the one who initiated it. The ordinary Xianle survivors' circumstances improved greatly after Lang Qianqiu's father ascended the throne, and they no longer dwelled on revenge and restoration of their country like before. The only ones who might still have wanted to rebel were the Xianle royal family. At that time, the only descendant of the Xianle royal family left was Prince Anle. If Qi Rong wanted to instigate rebellion, it would have been him. And what a coincidence, this person inexplicably died of illness shortly after the Gilded Banquet, and he had no history of any illness. Isn't this obviously strange?"
Xie Lian nodded. Hua Cheng continued, "So he was most likely murdered, and the reason for his murder is related to the Gilded Banquet. My initial guess is that it was the Yong'an royal family, but if it was them, then it doesn't make sense that the Xianle survivors were implicated and suffered. After much thought, I can only come to this conclusion."
Xie Lian smiled and sighed, “With so few clues, you’ve managed to deduce it with such accuracy.”
Hua Cheng said, "It's not difficult. I just have enough understanding of the people involved beforehand."
Xie Lian said, “I do understand everything. However, there’s a very important premise in your deduction that I don’t quite understand.”
Hua Chengdao: "Which one?"
Xie Lian asked, “Why are you so sure that Qi Rong was the first to set up the Gilded Banquet?”
Hua Chengdao: "I don't believe that he definitely did it, I just believe that it definitely wasn't you."
Hearing this, Xie Lian suppressed his smile.
After a moment of silence, he asked, "Why?"
Hua Chengdao said, "If you admit that you had other reasons for the bloodbath at the Gilded Banquet, then it's possible that you did it. I believe it. But the Yong'an King is diligent in his administration and deeply loved by the people. However, Lang Qianqiu said that the reason you gave him at the time was that you 'couldn't bear to see them sitting in this position.'"
He said, "This is indeed a very standard declaration of a usurper. But if it came from you, it would be a clumsy self-desecration."
Hearing the word "self-defilement," Xie Lian gave a silent laugh and said, "Self-defilement? Have you ever considered that I might actually be thinking that way? Perhaps deep down, I harbor a few traces of resentment, too?"
Hua Cheng said, "So what if you want to? You won't do that."
Xie Lian kept his mouth shut. After a long pause, he said, "Sanlang, I'm actually not what you think I am."
"You—" He closed his eyes and shook his head, as if he didn't know whether to say it or not. Hua Cheng said: "You can say it, it's okay."
After hesitating for a moment, Xie Lian finally said, "I think it's best not to place too much hope on anyone in this world."
Hua Cheng said, "Oh," and said, "What do you mean by 'holding too high hopes'?"
Xie Lian said, "Don't imagine someone to be too perfect. If you never meet them in your life, and you only look at an illusory shadow from afar, that's fine. But if you do get to know them and gradually get to know them, one day you'll discover that they're not what you imagined, or even the complete opposite. At that point, you'll be deeply disappointed."
Hua Cheng said, "Not necessarily. I don't care whether others are disappointed or not. But for some people, the existence of someone in this world is hope in itself."
Although he didn't specify who the "some people" were or who the "someone" was, and his tone was calm, as if it was just a casual rebuttal, Xie Lian's heart suddenly floated and drifted.
He paused, speechless for a long time. After a while, he suddenly asked, "Sanlang, who are you?"
Huacheng also stopped and looked back at him.
Xie Lian met his gaze and said seriously, "You know who Qi Rong is, and his background. You know who I am, and that I can paint the Prince's Pleasing God Picture. You know me inside and out. You know a lot. Perhaps even more."
Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow and said, "Have I always known a lot?"
Xie Lian shook his head and said, “That’s different.”
He supported his right elbow with his left hand, stroking his chin with his right hand, lost in thought as he spoke, "I've always had a feeling you're an old acquaintance. You must have known me a long time ago, perhaps during my first ascension, no, perhaps even earlier. But... I truly can't remember ever meeting someone like you before."
Someone like Huacheng, once met, would absolutely never be forgotten. Xie Lian hadn't lost his memory from a fall, so if he had met him, there was no reason why he wouldn't remember him.
Xie Lian stared at him, slightly bewildered, and asked, "Who are you? Have I ever seen you before?"
Hua Cheng didn't answer, just smiled faintly. Xie Lian immediately realized that this question was truly inappropriate.
The real name of a ghost is usually a secret. Unless it is a patient like Qi Rong who cannot be guessed by common sense, how could it be told to others casually?
He hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, don't mind it, I was just asking casually. You don't have to answer me, and it doesn't matter who you are."
At that moment, Hua Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly. Xie Lian sensed something and looked back. A commotion erupted from a cave not far behind them. A clear, female voice said, "I told you, taking on a female form not only increases your magical power, but also improves your luck! You still refused. See? You made the right choice this time, didn't you?!"
It was Shi Qingxuan’s voice. Xie Lian blurted out, “Master Fengshi!”
Sure enough, a woman in white rushed out of the cave. Upon seeing Xie Lian, her eyes lit up and she exclaimed, "Found it! His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is here!"
However, she immediately spotted Hua Cheng behind Xie Lian. Her expression changed immediately, and she leaped back, holding the Wind Master's Fan horizontally in front of her. Before Xie Lian could say anything, a man's voice rang out from within the cave, saying, "Have you found it? How's it going?"
Footsteps approached, and a figure flashed out. It was Feng Xin. He held a black longbow in his left hand. Upon seeing Hua Cheng, he immediately drew the silver-white bowstring and assumed a defensive stance. Hua Cheng scoffed, offering no comment. Xie Lian hurriedly said, "Let's talk it over. Put away your weapons first."
The four of them met in a narrow passage within the Green Ghost's lair, facing each other. Feng Xin drew his bowstring to its full length, a ray of spiritual light condensing into a feathered arrow in his right hand, aiming at Hua Cheng. He spoke first, his voice deep, "Your Highness, come here first."
Feng Xin's bow, a gift from Jun Wu, was called the Wind God Bow, a truly troublesome magical weapon. Xie Lian, fearing he might actually release an arrow, dodged in front of Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng pulled him back from behind.
This pull startled both visitors. Shi Qingxuan immediately raised his hand and said, "Huacheng! Blood Rain Tanhua! You, you, don't mess around. Your Paradise was burned down accidentally. If you have any complaints, let's discuss it. We can go to the Heavenly Court and compensate you. The Emperor can still pay. Release His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and everything will be fine."
The author has something to say: I casually flipped through the comment section, and it was so chaotic that I didn’t want to read it anymore, so I’ll say a few words.
The purpose of the scenarios in this article is to force the characters to make choices under extreme circumstances. What is an extreme situation? No matter which choice is made, someone will die. It all comes down to who you think is best to die, and how many people should die. There are no shortcuts, unless he stands by and does nothing. In that case, people will still die, just not at his hands. Under this premise, everyone has different experiences and perspectives, and it is normal to have disagreements about "who deserves to die and who doesn't." So, no matter what choice is made, there will always be people who disagree. After all, who is born to die?
Of course, the decisions are personal to the characters, not the author. The author's stance on any character's actions is neither supportive nor opposed, nor does it encourage or persuade anyone to approve of them. I simply write. Besides, neither the reader nor the author will encounter such extreme situations, so just read it casually and avoid substituting different and sensitive real-life examples. Reading is a leisurely after-dinner pastime, and a few discussions are just for discussion. Be gentle and casual. Don't take it too seriously.
Then, let's go. I'll be honest from the beginning, writing this was quite painful for me, otherwise it wouldn't have taken so long and I wouldn't have wasted so many drafts. Since I'm still groping in the dark, anything is possible, and it wouldn't be surprising if I took the wrong path and ended up in a mess. I'm not kidding, seriously. To be honest, even now that I'm serializing, it's still very difficult and painful for me to write, writing and revising as I go along. But please don't flatter me by saying that this is because the author is serious and responsible. Don't say that. It's purely because the author's ability is limited, and even if I end up in a mess, I want to make it look a little more beautiful to save my reputation.
So, in the first chapter, I advise against any expectations. I'm embarrassed to hear people calling out, "There's bound to be a thrilling, earth-shattering reversal later on!" "I trust the author won't let me down!" "Stay tuned, stay tuned!" And while I'm grateful for your trust, I have to say this seriously: I can't guarantee that.
If you've already formed a preconceived notion before reading a novel, and the novel doesn't live up to that impression, it's a frustrating experience for both parties. After all, this isn't "The Villain's Scumbag 2" or "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 2." The writing impulses, dynamics, rhythms, directions, and intentions of each novel are all different. The author has only two novels under her belt, so who knows what she'll come up with in her third? All I can say is: the main characters will definitely be deeply in love, and there's definitely a happy ending. As for other things, like whether the characters' values align with yours, whether you enjoy the story, or the quality of the writing, I never dare to comment. How can an author consistently write books that are to your liking?
But despite this, I'm still eager to try out all kinds of people and situations. If you're worried about the plot being unbearable or the reading experience being a bit off, I completely understand. I can only suggest giving it a try or simply putting it aside. If you happen to think of it after it's finished, I'll reconsider whether to read it. Even if this book doesn't work out for me, maybe one day I'll write a story with a murderous, toxic male protagonist (no) and we might be able to meet again. Anyway, thank you all for your support.
In fact, for me, writing feels a bit like shooting. The target is right in front of me, clearly visible, and I can aim well. However, subtleties like angle and movement are difficult to grasp. Pulling the trigger and you're unlikely to hit the rim. Onlookers shout from the sidelines, "You're wrong! I see you're off! A little higher! A little lower! Oops, you got it wrong!" While these voices are all driven by a desire to see the shooter hit the target, they're all in vain. I have to do it myself, and I'm the only one in control. I'm the one holding the gun. If I do it myself, I might be terrible, only 50 points, but if I'm influenced by others, I might not even get 40 points. I'll write as I should, so don't worry about being influenced by my outline.
However, I still hope that everyone will avoid tit-for-tat when discussing. I've always disliked arguments in comment sections. Disagreements can be exchanged peacefully, and comments with excessive language can be ignored and reported. Jinjiang comments are blocked when they're closed, and I only read the comments section occasionally; it's impossible for me to be there every day to protect the peace. It's better to ignore the arguments instead of getting anxious or impatient, and express your opinions with reason and evidence. Don't get angry or explode. Come as you please, leave as you please. Come and go as you please, just laugh it off.
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