Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 84: The Siege
Ji Zichen brought Lin Chuyu to the back mountain of the Holy City. As Yuxuan introduced, this was the highest peak of the Holy City, known as Moon Viewing Peak. The terrain around Moon Viewing Peak was undulating and exceptionally complex, with a Moon Viewing Pavilion perched atop it, meticulously designed and constructed by the Jade Pavilion.
Hanging outside the Moon Viewing Pavilion was a Crescent Moon, and the moonlight shimmered like a mirror on the water's surface, illuminating the rocks with a sparkling glow.
Lin Chuyu lay peacefully on the stone platform of the Moon Viewing Pavilion, while Ji Zichen stood beside her, gazing blankly at Lin Chuyu. Shen Bifan entered from outside, forcing himself to muster some spirit, and reproached, "Why haven't they arrived yet?"
Ji Zichen's expression was wooden, devoid of any emotion as he replied, "They will come."
Even so, Shen Bifan could still detect Ji Zichen's dissatisfaction stemming from the wait. Seeing his mood, Shen Bifan gently asked, "Brother Zichen, are you unhappy about Sister Chuyu being revived?"
Ji Zichen walked slowly toward the corridor outside the pavilion, burdened with thoughts. "Of course I'm happy; don't jump to conclusions."
As Ji Zichen stepped out of the corridor alone, he thought to himself, "Indeed, this is something to be happy about. But will she really become a Vermilion Bird in the future?"
Shen Bifan quietly followed behind him without interrupting.
Yukang and Yuxuan approached from the other side of the corridor. Yukang had changed into a brocade robe adorned with a Crescent Moon pattern. His right hand wore a bracelet that also featured a Crescent Moon charm.
Yukang walked over with a slight smile. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Seeing Yukang finally arrive, Ji Zichen's face darkened. "What took you so long?"
Yukang remained unfazed and replied calmly, "This is a significant matter; of course, we need to prepare thoroughly."
Ji Zichen couldn't push too hard. Her chest rose and fell strongly, and after calming down a bit, she continued, "Are you ready?"
Yukang nodded. "I am ready," he said, pointing at Crescent Moon. "But we still need some time. The revival requires the light of the full moon and the blood of the Vermilion Bird. I have obtained the blood from the Vermilion Bird that attacked us. I calculated that three days from now will be the full moon. The Revival Technique is essentially a life for a life; we just need to wait patiently."
Even though they had found a way to revive her, Ji Zichen was still worried. She asked, "Do you really have confidence?"
Yukang smiled bitterly. "To be honest, I don't have confidence because I've never revived anyone before. I only know this method; whether it works remains a mystery. However, according to records, it should be feasible. But now you have something to do."
Ji Zichen was taken aback. "What do I have to do?"
Yukang replied, "It's about Lin Chuyu. Yuxuan has told me everything. If I can truly bring her back to life, she will be like the Vermilion Bird, close to others."
Ji Zichen asked, "Others? Who are they?"
Yukang sighed.
Yuxuan interjected, "It's my Second Uncle. He wants to find the Phoenix Resurrection and the Evil God."
Ji Zichen frowned. "Evil God?"
Yukang's expression turned serious. "The Evil God is the demon worshipped by Desolate Evil Hall. To ensure Lin Chuyu can live comfortably after her revival, you must kill my Second Imperial Brother. Only then can we prevent him from reviving the Evil God. Since we are already at the Moon Viewing Pavilion, I believe my Second Imperial Brother knows what I intend to do; he will definitely send troops to attack Holy City in three days."
---
In the Evil God Hall of Desolate Evil Hall, the High Priest and thousands of Cult members knelt on the ground, holding a memorial ceremony before the statue of the Evil God. The statue resembled a nightmarish figure with eight arms, its face twisted in a fierce expression, exuding an aura of malevolence.
The High Priest knelt before the statue, arms outstretched in prayer. "Oh, our great Creator God, the offerings have been prepared. Please bathe us in your glory."
He gestured to two members of the Cult standing nearby. The two Cultists had two young girls hanging upside down beside them. With a swift motion, one of the Cultists slashed their throats, and blood poured down, spreading along the channel on the ground toward the statue of the Evil God.
As soon as the blood touched the statue, its originally cold surface turned a deep crimson. The Evil God statue trembled slightly, and the High Priest gasped, "What’s happening? The Evil God is angry!"
The High Priest then shouted, "The Evil God demands more blood, more sacrifices! Bring forth the offerings!"
Several young girls were brought forward as the Cultists chanted in unison, "Kill... kill... kill...!"
The Arbitrator stood on a platform opposite the statue of the Evil God in the hall. He did not directly participate in the ritual. A Cultist approached him from behind and reported, "Arbitrator, we have received word that they have arrived at the Moon Viewing Platform."
The Arbitrator smiled faintly. "Good. My brother has finally opened the door; it was worth my wait all these years."
He turned to the Cultist and instructed, "Go, inform the Three Seats to come see me."
"Yes," replied the Cultist before departing.
Before long, three figures appeared behind the Arbitrator: one man and two women. The Great Seat was a man in his forties, tall and robust, with piercing eyes and a steady gait. The Two Seats was a stout woman in her late twenties, her waist thick like a barrel, her eyes glinting coldly when wide open.
The Three Seats wore black veils that obscured their faces and were dressed entirely in black. They were slender and graceful, exuding an ethereal charm mixed with an unsettling aura that created an intriguing allure.
Standing behind the Arbitrator, he said, "Three Seats, the time has come for us to launch our attack on Holy City. You must relay this order and gather our forces."
Hearing that the Arbitrator had finally given the command to attack Holy City filled the Great Seat with joy. "Arbitrator, we have waited long for this moment; it is time for us to make our move."
The Arbitrator was the one giving orders, yet his expression was blank, as if everything was unrelated to him. He glanced at the three of them and said, "A great matter is approaching, and we will rely on your strong support."
Though his words sounded like a call for unity, it was clear they carried an undertone of intimidation.
The Fat Woman, known as Two Seats, spoke up, "Let me take the lead." Her voice was grating, like a broken gong that made it hard to listen.
Seeing Two Seats volunteer, the Arbitrator appeared quite pleased. He nodded and said, "The operation will take place three days from now on the night of the full moon. This time we must obtain the Vermilion Bird Blood; the wish to resurrect the Evil God is about to be fulfilled!"
---
Three days later, the full moon hung high in the sky. Yukang stood in the corridor of the Moon Viewing Pavilion and said to Ji Zichen, "Just as I expected, my Second Imperial Brother has sent people to besiege the city. It's almost time; you should go help Yuxuan defend it. If they breach the walls, they will definitely take Lin Chuyu with them. I don't know if my Second Imperial Brother is personally overseeing the battle, but if he is, this will be your opportunity."
Ji Zichen appeared relaxed, seemingly unconcerned about the situation. He replied, "I want to see her."
The two returned indoors, and Ji Zichen's gaze fell on Lin Chuyu. He asked, "You haven't done this before; can you handle it alone?"
Yukang smiled confidently. "I've already asked for help."
At that moment, light footsteps approached as Shen Bifan entered from outside. Ji Zichen was taken aback. "Bifan?"
Yukang couldn't help but smile as he said, "She has learned healing techniques; she will be of help to me. Once the ritual begins, no one can enter here, including you."
Shen Bifan felt greatly excited by Yukang's regard and was filled with ambition.
Ji Zichen nodded. "I understand. I can't be of much help with the Revival Technique, but I will assist in defending the city and hope to buy some time."
Ji Zichen gazed deeply at Lin Chuyu for a moment before turning to leave the house.
When Ji Zichen arrived at the entrance of Moon Viewing Peak, Yuxuan was already waiting there. Upon seeing him, Yuxuan's eyes sparkled as she said, "You finally made it!"
Ji Zichen asked in surprise, "You were waiting for me?"
Yuxuan nodded, "Of course I was waiting for you. We both have people to protect in Holy City, and I hope you can help without holding back."
Ji Zichen's expression tightened slightly. Although he appeared indifferent, war was a matter of life and death. Yuxuan waiting for him here must have been arranged by Yukang. He smiled lightly and said, "Are you waiting for my help or are you here to protect me?"
Yuxuan replied with a smile, "Both. I have many soldiers around me who can protect us."
Ji Zichen's demeanor became serious as he extended his hand toward Yuxuan and said, "We might as well consider our past grievances settled."
Seeing Ji Zichen reaching out to shake hands with her, Yuxuan's face flushed, but she still extended her hand to clasp his. "Settled."
Ji Zichen found her reaction amusing and remarked, "You seem quite serious about this."
They released their hands, and Yuxuan thought shyly to herself, "His hands are so big."
Holy City was already under martial law; soldiers surged into the streets, heading toward the city walls to prepare for battle. The captain commanded, "We can't fall behind other teams; let everyone see how well-trained we are."
The citizens of the city were already aware that the Hall of Malevolence was about to launch an attack, and many were cheering on the soldiers.
"Go for it, soldiers!"
"Kill them all cleanly!"
Yuxuan and Ji Zichen arrived in the bustling streets. Ji Zichen noticed the citizens cheering for the soldiers, a look of admiration in her eyes. "The people of Holy City truly share a common hatred for the enemy."
Yuxuan's eyes reflected helplessness, but he managed a slight smile. "Holy City is surrounded by walls, and there are thirty thousand elite soldiers within. Over the years, the citizens have not been fond of my Second Uncle, nor my brother. However, due to Second Uncle's tyranny, my brother can only endure in silence. We have no way to deal with the Hall of Malevolence."
Yuxuan pointed to a side path. "The council chamber is this way."
The road was deserted as they walked side by side. Yuxuan's face flushed as she looked at Ji Zichen and said earnestly, "I'm sorry, it's my fault. If I hadn't brought her back, things wouldn't be like this now. I never thought my brother would..."
Ji Zichen interrupted her, sighing inwardly. At this point, what good would it do? "I was very angry before, but this situation is beyond your control. Don't blame yourself too much; you're not the only one who wanted to capture her. Fortunately, she still has a chance to come back to life. Let's put the past behind us and not bring it up again."
As Ji Zichen and Yuxuan made their way to the council chamber, the first battle at the city gate had already begun.
On the city walls, a hundred archers unleashed a rain of arrows upon the Hall of Malevolence Cult below, causing many to fall instantly. The commander on the wall laughed heartily. "Ha ha! Just sending archers to deal with you is more than enough!"
"Die, you monsters!"
The Cult below seemed possessed; despite the heavy casualties, they showed no fear. Another wave of them charged forward with a battering ram towards the city gate.
Comment 0 Comment Count