Chapter 587 - 283: The Third Human Pillar from Twenty Years Ago?

Chapter 587: Chapter 283: The Third Human Pillar from Twenty Years Ago?

"I suppose so."

"What is Dark Iron used for, exactly?"

"He never mentioned it, but I’d guess it’s for nothing more than warding off Filthy Qi."

After his conversation with Feng Bei, Zheng Xiu’s questions were still not fully answered. Even if it was to ward off Filthy Qi, why would the Great Emperor use this material to build Siege Equipment?

He couldn’t be planning to invade the Darkness, could he?

The theory seemed plausible, but it was utterly absurd.

Even the Night Lord of old had been deeply wary of the Darkness, regarding it as he would a venomous snake or a savage beast. Now that Venerable Wei Yang’s throne was secure, why would he do something so foolish?

With the next full moon approaching, and not long after Gu Qiutang had witnessed the "Hundred Ghosts March," Zheng Xiu hesitated. He debated whether he should find an excuse to leave the city, meet up with Gu Qiutang, and investigate this "Hundred Ghosts March."

But even so, Zheng Xiu hadn’t really thought it through. What would he do if he found it? And what if he didn’t?

If that place was truly a Ghostly Realm, what would he find playing out within? A world-shaking battle?

Or the moment his father died?

If he went in...

Zheng Xiu closed his eyes, his mind a tangled mess as he considered the countless, complicated possibilities.

Yue Linglong’s occasional visits to the Red King Mansion, though always late at night, did not escape the notice of certain people.

Year 33 of the Zun’an reign, the thirteenth day of the Twelfth Moon. Thin clouds hung in the sky like a mist, and a light, willow-down snow danced in the air, bringing with it a winter chill.

As night fell, Yue Linglong arrived as promised. She stood at the gate for a while, stubbornly waiting for the Red King. Zheng Xiu knew she was out there, but he had no intention of seeing her.

Second Lady invited Yue Linglong inside and served her a bowl of hot ginger soup. The young woman was overwhelmed by the gesture and stayed until midnight.

CLIP-CLOP, CLIP-CLOP, CLIP-CLOP.

Not long after Yue Linglong had settled in for the night, a luxurious carriage crunched through the snow and stopped at the gates of the Red King Mansion.

"Whoa~"

Zheng Xiu was surprised to see the visitor. It was Venerable Wei Yang.

The coachman, Huo Huo, had been here a few times and knew the routine. He knocked on the door, then went back to the carriage, casually propping his legs on the horse’s rump and closing his eyes to wait for the Red King.

Zheng Xiu climbed into the carriage. The compartment was dim. He hadn’t seen Venerable Wei Yang in some time, and the man seemed to have aged several years, his wrinkles now deeper. Yet his sharp, piercing gaze shone in the pitch-black carriage like two glowing embers, sending a chill down the spine.

Venerable Wei Yang always preferred to discuss matters right outside the Red King Mansion, a habit Zheng Xiu had grown accustomed to. This time, Zheng Xiu hadn’t dressed in fine robes for an imperial audience; he wore a simple robe and entered the carriage unadorned.

Venerable Wei Yang smiled. "The wife We bestowed upon you—are you fond of her?"

"I don’t like her."

Zheng Xiu replied without a second thought.

"Oh?" Venerable Wei Yang glanced toward the Red King Mansion, a smirk playing on his lips. "She’s not to your liking?"

Zheng Xiu shook his head again. "Not to my liking."

"HAHAHA!" To Zheng Xiu’s surprise, Venerable Wei Yang wasn’t offended. Instead, he burst into a hearty laugh. "Excellent! It’s good that she’s not to your liking. That’s exactly right! We knew We hadn’t misjudged you. You may appear to be a dashing romantic surrounded by women, but you are clearly not the kind of man to let personal affections blind you to the feuds of our nation."

Zheng Xiu remained silent.

Venerable Wei Yang laughed happily for a moment, but then his expression abruptly changed. One second, he was laughing like a kindly uncle; the next, his face was grim. In a tone that brooked no argument, he said to Zheng Xiu, "The terms have been agreed upon."

Zheng Xiu sighed, his breath forming a white plume in the icy air. A chill settled in his heart. "Please, continue," he said calmly.

"The wedding must be conducted according to their customs."

"You must travel to the northern wastes, cross the border, and journey due north."

"According to their customs, when the daughter of the Wolf King is wed, she must journey to their Holy Mountain—Bagnamo Mountain."

"On Bagnamo Mountain, legend speaks of a reclusive ’Great Celestial Witch’ who lives there."

"The daughter of the Wolf King must receive the blessing of the ’Great Celestial Witch’ for the marriage to be considered official."

In the darkness, Venerable Wei Yang suddenly leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "We have two tasks to entrust to you. They can only be done by you."

"First, We have received word that Bai Qiuyue is still alive. He is currently in the Northern Kingdom Wilderness. Find him. We want him alive."

"Second, confirm whether the Great Celestial Witch of Bagmo Mountain is still alive."

Though surprised, Zheng Xiu didn’t ask any questions. After a moment of silence, he simply nodded his assent.

WHOOSH~

The invisible pressure on his shoulders vanished. Venerable Wei Yang smiled, pleased.

"We are placing Our highest hopes in you."