Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 2(45)
The onlooking heavenly officials muttered, half guessing, half confused. “What State Preceptor? Who’s the State Preceptor?” Some were more astute and immediately figured it out.
Lang Qianqiu was the Crown Prince of Yong’an, and the State Preceptor of Yong’an during his time was the second of the Dual Evil Masters: the State Preceptor Fangxin. No one knew his origin or his background. Yet in this moment, Lang Qianqiu had Xie Lian in his grip and called him “State Preceptor.” Did this mean…that Xie Lian was the evil cultivator who brought ruin to Yong’an—the State Preceptor Fangxin?!
However, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of Xianle. The Kingdom of Xianle had fallen at the hands of the Kingdom of Yong’an, so why would he become the State Preceptor of Yong’an?
His Highness Tai Hua was renowned in the Upper Court for his optimism and cheerfulness. He was never calculating, nor did he make things difficult for anyone, and he had never before shown such an expression: half despair, half rage…half enmity, half hatred.
Lang Qianqiu had Xie Lian in a death grip, his breathing growing harsher, and finally he said in a strained voice, “You… I killed you with my own two hands. Sealed you in that coffin myself. You…State Preceptor, you certainly are remarkable!”
Heavens. It would appear that something big was about to go down today!
Chapter 18:
The Villainous State Preceptor, Gilded Banquet Awash in Blood
FENG XIN WAS STANDING the closest to the two, and he looked at Xie Lian with unconcealed shock. Mu Qing’s eyes were glimmering, however, and his restrained shock contained a faint underlying excitement.
Shi Qingxuan laid Ming Yi down and said, “Qianqiu, did you make a mistake? If His Highness was the State Preceptor Fangxin, why would it take you until now to recognize him?”
Another voice rang out from the sidelines, “Qingxuan, you don’t know? Legends say the State Preceptor Fangxin was aloof, mysterious, and cold. He never showed his face in public and always wore a mask of silver. I’m sure His Highness Tai Hua must’ve never seen his face.”
The one who spoke had his arms crossed and stood on the sidelines. It was Pei Ming. The mere sight of him annoyed Shi Qingxuan, and he swung his whisk.
“If that’s the case, that means no one ever saw what the State Preceptor Fangxin looked like. Why must General Pei make it sound like it’s a sure thing that His Highness Xianle is this State Preceptor Fangxin?”
When Shi Qingxuan and Xie Lian worked together, it was a ridiculous and hilarious affair, but in the Heavenly Court they were composed, calm, and poised, very mindful of their demeanors.
Just then, a snow-white figure appeared from the back hall.
Upon his arrival, everyone settled down. The chattering officials quickly returned to their respective places and bowed.
“My Lord.”
Jun Wu motioned with one hand, and everyone straightened up once more. He walked willfully, and as he passed by Xie Lian, he tapped on his right shoulder. Fresh blood was still dripping down Xie Lian’s sleeve, but with that tap, it ceased immediately.
After briefly checking over Ming Yi, Jun Wu stated, “It is nothing serious. Settle the Earth Master first.”
Thus, four medical heavenly officials came over to gather Ming Yi up and carry him away. Shi Qingxuan looked as if he wanted to follow, but seeing such tension in the Palace of Divine Might, he couldn’t not worry and decided to stay after all.
With hands clasped behind his back, Jun Wu returned to the throne before he spoke again.
“So, tell me. What has happened now? Why is Tai Hua refusing to let Xianle go, and why is Xianle bowing his head?”
Lang Qianqiu took another glance at Xie Lian and saw that he was still silent. As they were surrounded by heavenly officials and there was no need to fear his escape, Lang Qianqiu released his wrist and turned to Jun Wu with a bow.
“My Lord, many centuries ago, this man assumed the name of Fangxin, slaughtered my blood clan, and brought ruin to my kingdom. I demand a duel and ask My Lord to be our judge!”
Within the Palace of Divine Might, even those who had never heard the name Fangxin hurried to research the name within the communication array. It was a good thing Ling Wen was present to answer everyone’s query, as what was uncovered was truly an astonishing tale.
“The State Preceptor Fangxin was both the savior and teacher of the Crown Prince of Yong’an, Lang Qianqiu. He was eventually named as one of the Dual Evil Masters because of the infamous Gilded Banquet Massacre of the Yong’an monarchy.”
“What’s a Gilded Banquet?” Shi Qingxuan asked.
“Lord Wind Master,” Ling Wen replied. “This Gilded Banquet was a tradition taken from the nobility of Xianle. It was called as such because every wine cup, every utensil and piece of cutlery, and every other such serving tool was of the highest grade of gold, incomparably extravagant.
“At the very beginning, when the Kingdom of Yong’an was established, they vowed to the world that they would put an end to the culture of excess from the old kingdom. They swore that they would never repeat the same mistakes, that they would focus solely on the people. And yet after only a few decades, the old ways were relearned, including that culture of excess.”
Ling Wen continued, “On the night of the seventeenth birthday of the Crown Prince of Yong’an, the palace threw a Gilded Banquet in celebration. The State Preceptor Fangxin…it was at that feast, with a sword in hand, that he slaughtered every member of the royal family in attendance.”