Embers of Sword

Chapter 439 Yuchi Youde
"grown ups!"

"Suburban inspection complete!"

Yuchi Youde, the left guard of Lingqu City, stepped into the mansion and frowned slightly. He smelled a faint smell of blood in the air.

A weak voice was heard in the darkness.

"……how?"

"There is indeed a Yin God who self-destructed."

Yuchi Youde knelt on one knee and whispered, "The identity is unknown. Only broken sword fragments were found at the scene."

"understood."

A tired voice of dismissal rang out from the pavilion: "Back off."

"Master foster father."

Yuchi Youde did not leave just like that.

He raised his head and looked at the attic screen with some hesitation: "What's wrong with you?"

"laugh!"

The darkness was illuminated by the light of fire.

Zongbi held a candle and slowly walked out from behind the screen.

In the big sleeves, blood flowed down the arms, slid to the fingertips, and finally fell drop by drop onto the ground.

Yuchi Youde looked strange.

He knew that Zongbi seemed to be practicing some strange and bizarre martial arts, and sometimes strange noises would be heard from the attic of the City Lord's Mansion...but this was the first time he had seen this scene.

The Yuchi family followed Zongbi to Lingqu City for many years.

some years ago.

Yuchi Youde's father was a brother who participated in the Battle of Drinking Poison with Zongbi. The two depended on each other for life and death and entrusted their lives to each other. That battle was too tragic, and many people stayed in the northern border, and even their bodies were not brought back. Zongbi was brave enough and lucky enough to come back alive from Beijun, and since then he became famous in one battle... He did not forget the "brothers" who followed him.

Thereafter.

The Yuchi family obtained a large amount of resources for cultivation.

As the descendant of a close friend, Yuchi Youde was also given great importance and was valued. Zongbi treated him like his own son and showed him great love. The two met in private on weekdays and even called each other foster father and son.

There have been many rumors about the city lord over the years.

At first, Yuchi Youde heard it and ignored it.

His father was an upright man, loyal and brave throughout his life, not to mention his adoptive father, who was extremely righteous and incorruptible.

If you walk the right path and sit upright, how can you be slandered and defamed by those despicable people?
But gradually, he realized that something was wrong.

As the Left Guard, Yuchi Youde was in charge of patrolling Lingqu City. Every once in a while, refugees in Lingqu City would report that their children were missing... These cases were handed over to the City Lord's Mansion for interrogation, and then there was no news. Yuchi Youde had asked his adoptive father in person, and Zongbi's response was convincing.

Lingqu City is located on the border of southern Xinjiang. The poor mountains and bad waters give rise to unruly people. Many refugees are actually treacherous people in disguise. These people have been reporting false cases for years. Since there is no household registration, it is impossible to find out whether the child is lost. As an official of Lingqu City, you only need to be responsible for the people in the city. As for those refugees without household registration... you don't have to care.

He believed in his adoptive father unconditionally.

But once, he found some fresh bloodstains outside the attic door of the City Lord's Mansion.

Some people outside say.

Zong Bi, the Lord of Lingqu City, colluded with evil practitioners, practiced sorcery, ate children, and refined elixirs.

Yuchi Youde didn't believe it at first!
But that time... after he took the bloodstain, he asked an alchemist to identify it, but it confirmed the seemingly ridiculous "rumors" from the outside world.

This blood is truly the virgin blood of a young child.

Since that day, Yuchi Youde could no longer look at his adoptive father as he used to.

"Youde, don't worry."

Zongbi, who was holding a candle, had a pale face, dark pupils, and a wooden expression: "It's just that there were some mistakes in the practice... It's nothing serious."

"Father..."

Yuchi Youde gritted his teeth and said, "What on earth is foster father practicing?"

"..."

Zongbi did not respond, but just looked down at his adopted son.

This silence did not last long.

"Youde shouldn't ask too many questions."

The young man kneeling on the ground said in a hoarse voice: "If foster father has no further instructions... Youde will leave first."

……

……

After Yuchi Youde left.

Zongbi watched the young man leave, and the candle in his hand was blown out by the wind.

He stood in the shadows again, blending into the darkness.

After a long time.

The dark color deep in Zongbi's pupils slowly faded away.

It takes some time for the soul-retaining technique to take effect. The self-explosion of the evil spirit on the outskirts of the city gave Xie Xuanyi the opportunity to take action, but time was not sufficient. Yuchi Youde came at an inopportune moment, so Xie Xuanyi could only manipulate Zong Bi to show up for a brief meeting. As for more conversation, they would need to wait until the soul-retaining technique was completely completed.

"Who is he?"

Xie Xuanyi walked out from the darkness and looked in the direction where Yuchi Youde left, as if thinking about something.

"grown ups."

Zongbi's expression became much more natural.

He said respectfully, "This is the son I adopted thirty years ago. His father fought with me against the demon tribe, going through life and death together. After the rise of the clan, I treated him as my own son."

"Since the relationship is so close, what you did..."

Xie Xuanyi narrowed his eyes.

"Sir, these things have nothing to do with him, and Youde is not aware of them."

Zong Bi whispered, "The matter of the Spiritual Marrow Fruit is of great importance... In the entire Lingqu City, apart from me and Taoist Qianyuan, there is no third person involved."

This is where things get interesting.

As long as you put aside your moral bottom line, it is actually quite easy to deal with the matter of offering the spiritual marrow fruit.

The loss of a few young children in the city can be considered a big deal or a small matter... With Zongbi's means, he can cover it up without causing any trouble at all.

He only needs to attack the refugees and then wipe out all the related people, and it will not arouse suspicion at all.

If Zongbi wanted, he could even raise a group of "tributes".

Now that the Lingqu City incident has been exposed and discovered by the library, it seems like it was "intentional."

"How many people have you killed in these years, and how many Spiritual Marrow Fruits have you refined?"

Xie Xuanyi put his hands behind his back and said expressionlessly, "Have you ever thought about keeping the news low?"

"A total of three hundred and fourteen were killed."

Zongbi's voice trembled slightly.

After the soul-retaining technique took effect, he could no longer lie, and as the dark sword intent between his brows spread out like ripples, Zong Bi's trembling voice returned to normal.

He said slowly: "Initially I wanted to build a mansion specifically for raising tributes, but this idea was rejected by Taoist Qianyuan."

"Why reject it?" Xie Xuanyi frowned.

"Each tribute is designated by Taoist Qianyuan."

Zong Bi lowered his eyes and said, "Every month, Taoist Qianyuan will draw up a list and send it to the City Lord's Mansion. I need to send tribute to the Hehuan Sect according to the list. The list is divided into two parts."

One part is the human cauldron that needs to be sent to the Hehuan Sect.

The other part is the "Spirit Marrow Fruit" that Zongbi himself needs to refine.

Taoist Qianyuan knew that Zongbi was disgusted by this move.

But in order to drag Zong Bi into the water... Lingqu City Lord Mansion must personally participate in the refining of the "Spiritual Marrow Fruit", which is what Zong Bi hates the most, but is also the most powerless thing. He did not let anyone participate in this matter, and no one in the entire Zong family knew about it, even Yuchi Youde, who was the closest to him on weekdays, was completely unaware.

Xie Xuanyi said calmly: "Where is this month's roster?"

"Logically, it should have been delivered ten days ago."

Zongbi was also a little confused.

He murmured, "Master Qianyuan seems to have disappeared out of thin air... No matter how I tried to send him a message, there was no response. Perhaps it was because of the dispute between him and me?"

Xie Xuanyi found another rattan chair and sat on it, tapping the tabletop with his fingertips: "Continue." "Two months ago. The one in Renshou Palace announced a retreat."

Zong Bi said respectfully, "The Spiritual Marrow Fruit is an optional tribute... Since he has announced that he will be in seclusion, there is no need to rush the tribute. I proposed to 'rest' for a while. But Taoist Qianyuan disagreed. Because of this, we had a quarrel. Later, he sent the list to the mansion, but I ignored it and did not send the furnace and cauldron as requested."

"What happens next?"

"Later... Taoist Qianyuan disappeared."

Zongbi murmured, "I am lucky. Although the tribute was not delivered on time, the Imperial City Office did not punish me. Now I think it must be related to your mission."

"Ah."

Xie Xuanyi sneered.

It is actually related to my diplomatic mission.

Yuan Jimo was beheaded by himself in Qujiang... Regarding the tribute from Lingqu City, who would come to hold him accountable and punish him?

"From today on, your life is no longer yours."

Xie Xuanyi stared at Zong Bi, his voice dignified and unyielding: "Regarding the offering of the 'Spiritual Essence Fruit'... no need to consider it. If the Hehuan Sect sends another message, inform me immediately."

"Yes."

Zongbi's voice was respectful, without the slightest hesitation.

……

……

After leaving the City Lord's Mansion, Xie Xuanyi did not feel relieved at all, but felt even heavier.

Be honest.

Zongbi is definitely a meritorious official. The victory in the battle of drinking poison was not only because the major holy lands and families worked together to fight against the demon clan... but also because there were many people like "Zongbi" who were willing to shed their blood for Da Chu. After the soul-retaining technique took effect, Zongbi no longer had any secrets in front of Xie Xuanyi.

This is a poor man.

After the war, he came to Lingqu City with full of enthusiasm, but was eventually forced into corruption.

Lingqu City is very prosperous and lively.

Most of the people here have food to eat, clothes to wear and houses to live in.

Compared to Yuanzhou.

It's very peaceful here.

It’s a pity...this peace is just a facade.

The number of "Spirit Marrow Fruits" that Zongbi has refined over the years is actually not that many. That's because Taoist Qianyuan knows this person's character. If he wants to get Zongbi to be with him, he can only do it slowly... If he hadn't killed Yuan Jimo, what would Lingqu City be like now?
Perhaps Zongbi will surrender completely.

Or maybe, Renshou Palace has lost its patience.

With just one imperial decree, the Zong family would be razed to the ground overnight, and the new city lord might not be able to do a better job than Zongbi.

Xie Xuanyi returned to the courtyard.

He searched out a pill box from the building in the City Lord's Mansion.

What is contained in this pill box is the "Spiritual Marrow Fruit" that Lingqu City needs to offer on time.

But it's only the size of a knuckle, and looks pure white...

Only those who know the truth about refining know the mysterious nature of this elixir.

“It’s almost ineffective.”

Xie Xuanyi looked at the Spiritual Marrow Fruit with a somewhat sad expression: "It's just for fun..."

Keep youthful?

If a great cultivator at the Yangshen realm wants to change his appearance, he only needs to pass his divine thoughts through it and he will be able to do so easily.

When one cultivates to the realm of Saint Queen, there is no need for Spiritual Marrow Fruit at all!

"Click."

Xie Xuanyi shook his head and crushed the pill box.

This pinch contained the state of destruction.

The pills in the pill box were shattered into powder and fell through fingers.

After Emperor Chu passed away, the governor of the northern border was dismissed, and all the old subordinates who participated in the Battle of Drinking Poison were redistributed and punished.

Those wise people who can judge the situation and are willing to humble themselves can still find a place in the imperial city if they move to it.

Those "stupid people" with hard bones will be devoured until not even a bone residue is left.

Be it the Spiritual Marrow Fruit or the offering...what Zongbi encountered was nothing more than a test under the overlooking of Renshou Palace.

If you surrender and kneel down, you will be given a lifetime.

At this moment.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door outside the courtyard.

Xie Xuanyi opened the door, and the person standing outside was none other than Yuchi Youde who had just left the City Lord's Mansion.

"Xiao Sir."

The tall man wearing white scale armor and holding a long sword on his waist bowed and saluted. His voice was full of respect: "I am the adopted son of Lingqu City Lord Zongbi, and the then Lingqu City Left Guard Yuchi Youde. I admire your style, but it's a pity that I couldn't meet you at the banquet tonight. I want to see you tonight because I have something to report."

"..."

Xie Xuanyi looked at the man in front of him silently.

Under normal circumstances, this door would never open.

Not to mention the Left Guard of Lingqu City, even if Zongbi asked for a meeting in person and put himself in a very humble manner, it would be useless.

If he doesn't want to see it, then he won't see it.

But... tonight is an exception.

Yuchi Youde didn't know that his conversation with Zongbi in the tower of the City Lord's Mansion was seen by Xie Xuanyi.

Xie Xuanyi decided to give the person in front of him a chance: "What's the matter?"

"this."

Yuchi Youde was a little hesitant.

He stood outside the courtyard, looked around, and indicated that it was not convenient to talk here.

"Enter."

Xie Xuanyi stepped aside to make way.

Yuchi Youde strode into the yard in a hurry. After entering, he did not hesitate at all. As soon as Xie Xuanyi closed the door, he knelt on the ground with a plop.

This movement was somewhat beyond Xie Xuanyi's expectations.

This guy kneels down so quickly?
"Master Xiao Xie, you are worthy of being the Great Sui Sword Immortal, the new master of Xuanshui, and the Great Chu Sword Master!"

Yuchi Youde said sincerely, "Youde has heard of your great reputation for a long time. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary and stunning... With such a great demeanor, it's no wonder that you are favored by the Holy Queen and awarded a title of nobility!"

Clearly, this guy doesn't take compliments well.

This seemingly coherent and fluent flattery may sound passable in the first half, but the latter part leaves one speechless.

Seriously, which pot should not be opened?

"..."

The corners of Xie Xuanyi's lips twitched slightly: "If you have something to say, just say it."

Yuchi Youde also felt a little embarrassed and touched his cheek subconsciously... After leaving the City Lord's Mansion, he was entangled all the way, and finally chose to "visit" Xie Zhen. He wandered around the courtyard for a long time and finally came up with such a set of flattering words.

He heard that Xie Zhen liked to be alone and quiet.

Given my status and position, it would probably be difficult for me to meet him.

Thanks to God, our meeting now is going much more smoothly than I imagined.

He felt relieved to receive this reply.

It seems that Master Xie doesn't buy it.

Very good very good.

"Master Xie, the demons in the southern border are about to be wiped out. If there is nothing serious, I dare not disturb you..."

"But demons are not differentiated between inside and outside. I'm afraid there is a great evil in Lingqu City."

Yuchi Youde took out a jade slip from his bosom and reported in a deep voice: "The Left Guard is responsible for patrolling the city. This is the case file that I have investigated and compiled. Because I am weak, I am very cautious and dare not use it. I am glad to see you today. I hope these unusual cases can be redressed..."

(End of this chapter)