Сhарtеr 262 Guangchun Наll 7
Тhе sсent that had just driftеd оver with the fluttеring of sleеvеs wаs sо fаmiliаr—Zhu Yan had nеver forgotten it.
She reсаlled thе first time shе mеt Маdam Таng оutsidе thе Westеrn Brightness Tеmрle. Тhe dignified and еlegant Мadam Таng hаd соvеrеd her faсе with a silk fаn, аnd thе fragrаncе еmanating frоm hеr was еxactlу this scent, onlу mоrе intensе.
Pinewoоd, аgаrwoоd, сеdаr, аmbеr...
Thеsе werе supрosed tо be inсеnsе offеrings in tеmрlеs, meant to сalm the mind and soothе the spirit. Yet, оn this persоn, it cаrriеd an аura of death—identical to the aura of death surrounding Lai Luofu—linking these individuals tightly together.
The peculiarity of this fragrance lay in the fact that, while it should have originated from temples, transcending worldly attachments, it was not the kind that clung to robes and skin from long-term contact with monks in ordinary temples. Instead, it seemed to seep into the very flesh and bones, as if—as described in that distant legend—those favored by the gods would emit a fragrance from their bodies, a supernatural phenomenon unlike anything of this mortal world, a sign of attaining the great Dao.
Never did she expect to smell it on Wang Buzui today. Connecting this to Lai Luofu, could it be that the legend was true?
Seeing Zhu Yan staring fixedly at him, Wang Buzui sneered coldly, "What trick are you trying to pull now?"
Zhu Yan opened her mouth, intending to ask about the origin of this body fragrance, but before she could speak, she was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a Half-Faced Ghost.
The newcomer bowed and reported, "Helm master, a corpse was discovered in the shrubbery of the backyard. After investigation, it was confirmed to be one of our own. It seems someone has infiltrated secretly."
All members of the Half-Faced Ghost were followers of the Fire Moth Party, each with a fire moth tattooed on their left shoulder. This was how they determined that an intruder had slipped in.
Wang Buzui glanced at Zhu Yan and ordered, "Since they infiltrated silently, they must not want to alert us. Pass down the order: conduct a thorough search, narrow down the scope, and capture this person alive."
"Yes."
The Half-Faced Ghost acknowledged the order and withdrew once more.
Zhu Yan couldn't help but worry—could that person be Shen Du? Had he come to rescue her? At the same time, she felt a tinge of reproach. If it really were him, charging in alone would be nothing short of suicide. How could the esteemed "White King of Hell" act so recklessly?
Wang Buzui did not miss the change in Zhu Yan's expression. He waved for a subordinate and commanded, "Bring the sacred object. We begin immediately—no more delays."
If it truly were Shen Du, he dared not take the risk. The longer they waited, the more likely complications would arise.
Upon learning that Wang Buzui was finally about to begin the revival process, the several Half-Faced Ghost guards present showed excitement. "Helm master, please do not forget your promise to us—that once successful, you would help us revive our loved ones."
These individuals had joined the Fire Moth Party, willingly serving under their command, all for the sake of the so-called Revival Secret Technique to bring back their dearest relatives.
Wang Buzui felt somewhat irritable. This was the first attempt at revival, and success was far from certain. To ensure stability, for reviving his sister alone, he had prepared three vessels, one of whom bore a seventy to eighty percent resemblance to his sister. Let alone the numerous loved ones they wished to revive.
However, he understood one principle well: you cannot make a donkey turn the mill without feeding it grass. Thus, he softened his tone as much as possible to reassure them:"Rest assured, everyone. Once I, the helm master, give my word, it is as good as done. But a meal must be eaten bite by bite, lest one choke. Moreover, since this is the first time using this secret technique, what if it fails? Wouldn’t that harm you all? For your sake, I am willing to test it on myself first. If the divine technique succeeds and I fulfill my wish to revive my loved ones, I will certainly help you reunite with your own families. You have my word!"
His speech was filled with righteous fervor. If Zhu Yan hadn’t known that the so-called secret technique he spoke of was nothing but wicked sorcery, she might have been swayed by his words.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, the crowd found his reasoning sound and immediately showed gratitude. "Thank you, helm master, for considering us so thoughtfully."
Having placated the crowd, Wang Buzui let out a sigh of relief and pointed at Zhu Yan, Du Xiaowan, and Xiuxiu, giving the order: "Alright, bring in the medicinal broth. Have these three drink it first. Once the auspicious hour arrives, we will begin immediately."
Once they were drugged, they would lack the strength to cause trouble, preventing any disruption to his plans.
Someone from Guangchun Hall had already infiltrated this place, proving their capabilities were not to be underestimated.
Although he had ordered a thorough search, there was still a risk of oversight. If the intruder managed to break into the Dark Hall, it would spell trouble.
Huddled in a corner, Xiuxiu’s eyes dimmed upon hearing these words, her spirit utterly deflated.
As expected, he had chosen her.
Seeing the Half-Faced Ghosts bustling about once more, Zhu Yan quickly deduced that Wang Buzui feared Shen Du would find this place and intended to advance the revival ritual ahead of schedule.
She needed to find a way to stall for time.
"Deputy Helm Master Wang, since the revival secret technique truly exists, what about Lai Luofu? Why not bring him here—someone with a proven record of successful revival? With him present, wouldn’t it be twice as effective with half the effort?"
Zhu Yan was certain that behind Wang Buzui’s schemes, there must be someone overseeing everything, and that person could only be Lai Luofu, who never showed his face in Yingzhou City.
If Wang Buzui was tempted and actually decided to summon Lai Luofu, she would have bought Shen Du and the others considerable time for rescue.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing Zhu Yan mention Lai Luofu, Wang Buzui’s face twisted with rage. He strode toward her and slapped her across the face.
"You are not worthy of knowing."
Caught off guard by Wang Buzui’s sudden violence, Zhu Yan took the slap head-on. A clear palm print appeared on her fair cheek, and a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.
"Pah." Zhu Yan spat and mocked, "What? Did mentioning that person strike a nerve?"
"What revival secret technique? Clearly, it’s just a ploy to win people over. Yet these fools are so bewitched they listen and believe."
It was utterly unreasonable!
"You…"
Wang Buzui clenched his fists, veins bulging on the back of his hands. He exhaled sharply, forcing down the rage Zhu Yan had provoked.
Just then, a Half-Faced Ghost brought in the medicinal broth. Wang Buzui personally took a bowl and forced it down Zhu Yan’s throat.
As the broth slid down her throat, the effects took hold almost instantly. Zhu Yan suddenly felt her entire body go weak, as if all her strength had been drained away.
The moment Wang Buzui released her, Zhu Yan collapsed to the ground, letting out a pained groan.
The other Half-Faced Ghosts then forced the broth down Xiuxiu and Du Xiaowan’s throats, leaving them equally limp and powerless.
Without Wang Buzui needing to lift a finger, the others carried the three of them onto the altar table.Provoked to anger for no reason, Wang Buzui's patience had run out. "Go check, why hasn't that person arrived yet?"
Everything was ready except for the east wind. Besides requiring a special ritual, all parts made into the Human Preserve had to be stitched together, and finally, a soul had to be infused. This was a massive undertaking, and not a single step could be omitted.
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