[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-nothing-is-taboo":3,"chapter-nothing-is-taboo-nothing-is-taboo-chapter-381":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Nothing Is Taboo",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2310766,4514,"Chapter 381: How to Cultivate the Dragon Transformation Method (Combined Three Parts)","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-381",381,"\u003Cp>Mr. Piao drifted returned to the highest stone chamber and knelt down. “I beg Your Majesty to punish me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient corpse empress snorted. “You’re awfully generous to these friends of yours!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The more generous I am to them, the more devoted I am to Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter was let drop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Yuan had asked the ancient corpse empress for the Dragon Transformation Method, she would have used it to control him, forcing him to produce results before granting him parts of it bit by bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why Xu Yuan secretly asked Mr. Piao drifted for help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Piao drifted had truly done him a great favor this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s journey to Ghost Witch Mountain was arduous and costly, yet his gain was only the Dragon Transformation Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Yuan was very satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portion of the Dragon Transformation Method known to the princess consort could only be cultivated up to the Fourth Rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for Xu Yuan, it was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After parting from Tian Jing, Xu Yuan returned to Zhan City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly swapped identities back with Lang Xiao Ba.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lang Xiao Ba reported: “My lord, High Official Gao was summoned by the princess consort several days ago and hasn’t returned yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded slightly. “I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Xu had anticipated that Gao Wanli would return later than himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Ghost Witch Mountain well, while Gao Wanli had fallen into the river and might have drifted anywhere—she would surely be slower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Master Xu paid a visit to Wang Shen and his stepmother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanmo was still in seclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was still refining the other artifact for Master Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen, seeing Xu Yuan return safely, quietly exhaled a breath of relief and didn’t ask what he had been doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiao Ba, who had come with the master, quietly returned the heart to Wang Shen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan chatted with Wang Shen for a while, then returned to his room to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ghost Witch Mountain journey had drained much of his mental energy; Xu Yuan was mentally weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waking from sleep, Xu Yuan began studying the Dragon Transformation Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This method was vastly different from the usual cultivation methods of Law cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it transformed an entire life into another form of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The life form of a dragon was many levels higher than that of a human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan carefully studied the Dragon Transformation Method several times and marveled: purely from a cultivation standpoint, the Dragon Transformation Method could rightly be called “harder than climbing to heaven!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the very first step, each stage was a transformation of life form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could say that once you entered, you were no longer a “human” life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difficulty was thus unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many families in the Huang Ming realm cultivated the Dragon Transformation Method and achieved steady progress—not because their descendants were geniuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But because the River Dragon King, besides granting the Dragon Transformation Method, also provided detailed cultivation guidelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So detailed that every step’s execution and how to respond during level-ups were spelled out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even every possible unexpected situation at each stage came with a solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Families had to prepare extensively for their descendants’ cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every disciple cultivating the Dragon Transformation Method was essentially built up by the family’s manpower and resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, many still failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan had not yet truly begun cultivating the Dragon Transformation Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another point: Xu Yuan had no desire to become a monstrous hybrid of man and dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he reached the First Rank, would he truly become a true dragon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The princess consort’s half of the Dragon Transformation Method offered no answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Xu Yuan was skeptical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But without raising the level of the Dragon Transformation Method, he could not help his family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan studied the Dragon Transformation Method carefully, seeking a suitable method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did have one idea: combine Fu Chongjiu’s dragon pearl with the Skin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let his consciousness sink into the Skin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Use the Skin Dragon as a “proxy” to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Method!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed highly fitting—but if it failed, the precious Skin Dragon proxy would be destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Chongjiu’s dragon pearl would be destroyed too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many precious materials would also be consumed, needless to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Xu Yuan did not act rashly; he kept thinking and simulating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Xu Yuan set aside the Dragon Transformation Method and summoned Miao Yan and Lang Xiao Ba: “How is the infiltration of the Canal Guild and the Fishing Guild going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan had previously ordered Miao Yan to plant several spies within the Canal Guild.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Yan immediately replied: “Four people have infiltrated already; one has become a minor leader in the guild.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Xu nodded. “Good. I have tasks for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan wouldn’t exert himself too much on the promise made to the ancient corpse empress, but he had to show some signs of “progress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Xu Yuan had long wanted to deal with the Fishing Guild.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These bastards dared to breed and sell demonic entities!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They truly didn’t know how to write the word “death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan gave his orders, and Lang Xiao Ba and Miao Yan went to carry them out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his end, Xu Yuan checked that night travel was not prohibited, then waited quietly until evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gao Wanli still hadn’t returned…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At nightfall, Xu Yuan appeared at the Little West Temple Old Market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t wander; he headed straight for Zhang Lao Ya’s shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya sat inside, legs crossed, sipping tea and smoking leisurely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several strange entities sat beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had recently hired a shop assistant—a clever two-faced ghost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its front face was a fearsome green-mossed fang, its back face a comical grin, like the white-faced clown in opera, but even more absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it was a business, it usually showed its back face to customers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya was a man of considerable ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he reappeared in the old market, some strange entities came to provoke him, trying to seize his business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an undead soldier, Zhang Lao Ya felt no fear; after a few rounds, not only did he keep his shop, he also acquired a small courtyard at the western end of the old market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With some renovations, it could open a new shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya had never mentioned this courtyard to Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya, true to his merchant nature, believed it was his own hard-earned gain—none of it belonged to Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he deliberately ignored the fact that he himself was Xu’s undead soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he amassed wealth rivaling a kingdom, what use would it be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya was now an undead soldier; he could no longer enjoy many things of the mortal world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his desires exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was somewhat like… a eunuch, after losing his manhood, suddenly developing an insatiable craving for power and wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya could smoke, so he bought the most expensive tobacco regardless of cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tea was the finest available in the old market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t drink it, but he could savor its fragrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All these expenses were naturally counted as shop operating costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya spent his days soaking in tea and smoking; when idle, nearby shopkeepers would come to borrow some smoke and tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His shop was often lively, thick with eerie energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was no different—he was chatting and smoking with several ghostly friends when suddenly Master Xu entered. He immediately rose, signaled the strange entities with his eyes to leave quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strange entities dove into the ground and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan glanced at the tea and tobacco on the table but said nothing; he simply said: “Come with me to the back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya instructed the two-faced ghost to watch the shop and followed Xu Yuan into the side room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan got straight to the point: “Do you have any dragon-related materials in stock?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya froze, instinctively wanting to ask why he needed such materials—but Xu Yuan’s gaze silenced him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Zhang Lao Ya said. “We rely on you for our supplies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know perfectly well what materials we have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan asked again: “Can they be bought in the old market?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao Ya thought for a moment: “I heard Yin Yang Zhai recently received a shipment. I’ll go ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll wait for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao ya went to get it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xu Yuan heard it was the Yin-Yang Studio, he didn’t want to show his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time he’d offended them badly; the Yin-Yang Python probably didn’t want to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Lao ya moved quickly and returned shortly, saying: “There really is one—a shell from an old turtle that’s already grown dragon horns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Buy it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The turtle was already a fifth-rank evil spirit; the material wasn’t cheap, but since Xu Yuan had spoken, Zhang Lao ya had no choice but to buy it—the money hurt him deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan picked out several materials and artifacts he’d collected recently but didn’t need, and handed them all to Zhang Lao ya: “Put them up for sale in the shop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With new stock, Zhang Lao ya perked up: “Got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan then took the turtle shell and left the Old West Temple Market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d found a dragon-affiliated material, but Xu Yuan still hadn’t decided whether to use the skin dragon to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning to the yamen, Xu Yuan slept half the night, woke at dawn, and took out the Dragon Transformation Scripture to study it carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By noon, Xu Yuan came out to eat and asked: “Has Gao Wanli returned?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan began to worry—had Gao Wanli died in Ghost Witch Mountain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re a sixth-rank, for heaven’s sake!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her skill level was solid—that’s why he’d trusted her to return alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she really died in Ghost Witch Mountain, Tian Jing’s whole act would’ve been wasted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the mid-afternoon, Yu Yun suddenly reported: “My lord, Deputy Chief Zhang has returned. But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yun bit back a laugh, hesitating to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it? Speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s wrapped herself up completely—seems like… she’s too ashamed to show her face,” Yu Yun said bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan quietly exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Gao Wanli returned, it was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she’d truly not come back… no one would have carried the news that the killer of the Prince’s Consort was a Ghost Witch Mountain evil spirit back to the Xiang Prince’s Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xiang Prince’s Mansion wouldn’t send people to seek revenge or trouble the Ancient Corpse Empress, leaving her too distracted to notice him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And no one would tell the Fu family that it wasn’t Master Xu who secretly practiced the Dragon Transformation Scripture…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan went out to find Gao Wanli, planning to feign concern—really, he wanted to find out why she’d returned so late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli was utterly gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was wrapped tightly in clothing, wearing a veiled hat with a rim of black gauze hanging down, not the usual white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White gauze couldn’t fully hide the face; others could still glimpse it faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli was seething with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d fallen into the river and been devoured by vengeful spirits and ghosts; scars covered her entire body—including her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was completely ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d never been beautiful to begin with; now she was unrecognizable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wandered for days in Ghost Witch Mountain, getting lost multiple times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d been attacked by evil spirits so many times she’d lost count.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not all the evil spirits there craved flesh and blood—their methods were bizarre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange tongue hanging from midair had permanently licked away a piece of Gao Wanli’s soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Gao Wanli had never figured out where that tongue came from!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It simply appeared out of thin air, then vanished back into nothingness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her two feet had been turned into pig’s hooves by a monkey dressed in a bright, ornate funeral robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body had also contracted a strange wasting disease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She barely escaped the mountains, found the main road, and stopped a caravan to hitch a ride back to Zhan City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The caravan fled in terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Evil spirits from the mountains have come down—run!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enraged, Gao Wanli pulled out a small iron frog artifact, wound the spring, and hurled it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The iron frog leapt over ten zhang, caught up to the caravan, opened its mouth—and from its open jaws appeared a five-zhang-wide mouth in midair!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rows of iron teeth gleamed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It snapped down, biting one cart and its occupants clean in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood sprayed everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unlucky merchants, severed at the waist, screamed in agony—yet didn’t die immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the iron frog obliterated the caravan, Gao Wanli finally felt some relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She retrieved the iron frog, satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first Western artifact she’d ever encountered; she loved it dearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also the first artifact she’d crafted herself after becoming an Artisan Cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought it superior to all old artifacts made by the Ming imperial artisans!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The iron frog’s nostrils kept drawing in, sucking the vengeful souls of the dead into its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the “cost of use” for the iron frog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Gao Wanli chose a horse and rode back to Zhan City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She dared not return directly to the yamen; instead, she first visited her subordinates, bathed, changed clothes, and wrapped her entire body tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, she wrote a secret letter and had her subordinate deliver it at once, before finally returning to the yamen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secret letter, of course, reported the deaths of the Prince’s Consort and her Seventeenth Uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli was determined to firmly establish: the killer was the evil spirit hiding in Ghost Witch Mountain—the thief who secretly practiced the Dragon Transformation Scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she failed to make the Xiang Prince’s Mansion and the Fu family believe this, her own suspicion would skyrocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A whole group entered Ghost Witch Mountain, yet only you returned alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your strength may not have been enough to kill the Prince’s Consort and your Seventeenth Uncle—but who knows if you conspired with the mountain’s evil spirits?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps even your family, the Gao clan, backed you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli didn’t know—this was precisely the situation Master Xu wanted to create.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Chief Gao…” Xu Yuan’s voice sounded outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli sat alone in her room, staring blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This incident… was too big!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli felt she wouldn’t easily clear her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, she didn’t even have the energy to hate Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mind was filled only with Ghost Witch Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Xu, please come in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan entered and, seeing Gao Wanli’s appearance, barely held back a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Chief Gao disappeared for several days without a word—don’t you owe the yamen an explanation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli was in terrible spirits, and this dog Xu came straight at her with accusations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to scream back: What’s it to you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then she thought… her situation was already dire; better not make more enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli said coldly: “The Prince’s Consort summoned me to accompany her… some matters are too secret to discuss. Master Xu, don’t press further—you’ll know soon enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan snorted and swept out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He now understood why she’d returned so late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though wrapped tightly, some injuries couldn’t be hidden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli was a sixth-rank, but as a scion of a great family, she’d lived in luxury since childhood, never entering any wild land alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She suffered terribly, alone in Ghost Witch Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eat well. Next time, eat even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Xu walked out with a swagger, happily returning to study the Dragon Transformation Scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fu Jingyu came to him, earnestly advising: “You should personally review the yamen’s documents—you can’t leave everything to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu was supposed to be on patrol in the Southern City watchhouse, but lately Xu Yuan had dragged him into the yamen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All documents and case files were dumped on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s official seal was also kept with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu handled these duties with perfect reliability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan considered it a masterful application of talent—wise leadership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded agreeably, saying it made sense—but he had no intention of changing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu was utterly helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dismissing Fu Jingyu, Xu Yuan ran through his plan to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Scripture using the skin dragon again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a seventy percent chance…” Xu Yuan weighed his words: “Time waits for no one—rising to the Fifth Tier in half a year is no easy feat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he made his decision: this risk had to be taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What endeavor in this world carries no risk?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he failed and lost the Dragon Pearl of Pi Long and Fu Chongjiu, though deeply regrettable, they were merely external objects, posing no threat to his own safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Yuan did not act immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Princess Consort had died—such a massive event would surely trigger an immediate response from the Xiang Prince’s Mansion and the Fu family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cultivating the Dragon Transformation Scripture using Pi Long required seclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan could not determine how long he would need to remain in seclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Xiang Prince’s Mansion sent investigators to probe the Princess Consort’s death while he was in seclusion—it would look suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Princess Consort’s death also meant another copy of the Dragon Transformation Scripture was lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xiang Prince’s Mansion would surely suspect: Could you be cultivating the Dragon Transformation Scripture?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan did not wait long; the next morning, Zhu Zhanlei arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came alone, in plain clothes, secretly to warn Xu Yuan: “Something huge has happened—I’ve come to let you know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Princess Consort was killed in Ghost Witch Mountain!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The River Office has erupted in chaos—not just our Zhancheng, but Luocheng is also implicated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My third sister has come with her team to assist in investigating this major case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miao Yu was summoned to the docks first thing this morning—I must hurry over too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei finished speaking and hurried off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan was not surprised, but feigned ignorance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carried out his duties at the yamen as usual, and sure enough, not long after, Lang Xiao Ba arrived to report: “Sir, Gao Wanli has been summoned away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded, pulling Lang Xiao Ba aside: “Pause all operations concerning the Fish Guild—the docks have become too chaotic lately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood, I’ll notify Miao Yan right away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By afternoon, rumors spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hejian River Office’s Chizhi branch had personally arrived from Shunhua City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They brought four full battalions of river troops!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chizhi Commander of the Shanhe Office arrived in person, accompanied by nine others, including Zhu Zhanmei, Zhanglu, and Police Inspector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another five hundred Captains!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhancheng River Inspector and Gao Wanli were interrogated repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Gao Wanli’s subordinates, Mr. Lu and Mr. Jiang, were not spared—they were thrown straight into prison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan pretended indifference but closely monitored the situation at the docks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours later, as dusk fell, Xiang Qinghuai arrived from Luocheng, dusty and weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering the Zhancheng yamen, Xiang Qinghuai pulled Xu Yuan into the duty room, shut the door, and said in a low voice: “The Commander has sent me specifically to ask you one thing: Is the Princess Consort’s death connected to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan smiled bitterly and spread his hands: “How could it be? The Princess Consort died in Ghost Witch Mountain—I’ve been in the yamen all this time; even Gao Wanli can vouch for me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s expression shifted slightly, as if recalling something, and he lowered his voice further: “Were those two assassinations ordered by the Princess Consort?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qinghuai waved his hands rapidly: “Not at all. Those two assassinations…” He hesitated, then finally said: “Just know in your heart—it’s clear enough. We have no proof, and you likely won’t find any solid evidence either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou also suspected the Princess Consort was behind it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhancheng is small; the power players inside and outside the city are well known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who else but the Princess Consort, who had just arrived in Zhancheng, could have sent so many strong cultivators to assassinate Xu Yuan twice in a row?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as obvious as lice on a bald head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But without proof, to accuse her openly would be slander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou knew Xu Yuan was a man who never let grievances go unavenged; hearing of the Princess Consort’s death, he was alarmed and immediately sent Xiang Qinghuai to question Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He genuinely feared Xu Yuan might have struck back secretly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had originally wanted Yan Lao to come, but the old man was too aged, so Xiang Qinghuai was sent instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qinghuai couldn’t help asking again: “Truly not you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Truly not me,” Xu Yuan said, pointing outside: “Ask anyone—you’ll find I’ve been in the yamen, diligently performing my duties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qinghuai waved his hand: “Good. The Commander sent me for another reason—the River Office has already consulted the old Commander. This time, we are to fully cooperate with the Shanhe Office.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s eyes widened: “We cooperate with them? Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qinghuai sighed: “The matter is too grave. The Commander’s view is that we must lie low now. Whatever the River Office demands, we comply—don’t give them any excuse to stir up trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Above…” Xiang Qinghuai pointed upward: “Several high officials are furious. Word has it even the Son of Heaven has learned of this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded: “Alright then—we’ll lie low.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By tomorrow at the latest, the River Office will summon you. I’ll accompany you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, a commotion erupted outside: “Hey hey hey, how come this goose is so vicious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan looked out the window: Da Fu was flapping his wings, chasing Zhu Zhanlei and pecking furiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei covered his head and face, but his rear end was exposed—and Da Fu delivered a hard peck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ow—!” Zhu Zhanlei screamed, crashing through the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan quickly blocked Da Fu: “Enough, enough—he won’t eat you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Fu held a grudge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei winced in pain: “Won’t eat, won’t eat—I’ll never speak nonsense again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Fu strutted off, squawking triumphantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan called to Zhu Zhanlei: “Why are you back again? Sit down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Zhu Zhanlei touched the chair, he leapt up with another “Ow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hurt too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan and Xiang Qinghuai both stared at Zhu Zhanlei with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Da Fu pecked your…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei denied it outright: “No way! This goose is weird—how could it hurt this much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He touched the spot on his rear where he’d been pecked—and immediately winced again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Check if it’s swollen,” he turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan and Xiang Qinghuai both waved their hands and turned away: “Absolutely not!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei’s pants had a hole torn by Da Fu’s beak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei cursed under his breath and turned back: “Forget it—I won’t sit. I’ve come to deliver news—I’ll leave after.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The River Office meant to summon you this afternoon, but then they discovered the Princess Consort had sent assassins after you twice…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3842,"2026-06-20T12:07:24.624Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c78d4813fce735dca3de1a52078b7e05008aaa4552b475c91168e093898baba3","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-382","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-380",413,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnothing-is-taboo-cover.jpg"]