[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-nothing-is-taboo":3,"chapter-nothing-is-taboo-nothing-is-taboo-chapter-401":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},2310786,4514,"Chapter 401: Ten-Thousand-Year Corpse Poison (Combined)","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-401",401,"\u003Cp>Three Hejian captains assumed Xu Yuan had left the tent and returned to camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao thought Xu Yuan had merely stepped out for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither side would check accounts; even if they did, in the nights of Ghost Witch Mountain, without timekeeping tools, it would be hard to notice that Master Xu had vanished for half an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another morning, before the decoy team set out, Zhu Zhanlei suddenly felt a thudding sound coming from the copper-iron wood box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not dare delay, immediately opening the box to retrieve the “Heming Lu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Songyu’s voice emerged from the artifact: “For several days straight, you’ve found nothing, wasting manpower—Master Luo has issued stern orders; today you must not slack off again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For days you’ve been running around the mountains like headless flies, dragging four fourth-rankers around like monkeys?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei instinctively crouched lower and obediently replied: “We’ll work twice as hard today—I’m sure we’ll find something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei cursed privately, but when facing fourth-rankers, he was utterly compliant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a principle instilled in every young scion of the great clans from childhood: always respect the strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Son of Heaven’s power holds no sway beyond seven paces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within seven paces, a common man’s rage can shed his skin to drag an emperor from his throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much less so are you, merely a scion of a great clan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei bowed respectfully, listening obediently to Fu Songyu’s reprimand, accepting every order from the fourth-rankers to their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this communication ended, Zhu Zhanlei complained: “If the fish won’t bite, don’t blame the angler—instead, you blame the bait?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei’s lineage gave him the privilege to grumble about the fourth-rankers behind their backs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others had no such standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan patted Zhu Zhanlei on the shoulder: “Come, let’s go relieve ourselves first thing this morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the Hejian captains immediately followed: “I’ll join you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three walked farther, circling several boulders over a zhang tall, blocking Gao Wanli’s view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan gripped Zhu Zhanlei: “Don’t move—I’ll remove the Long Ke from you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhu Zhanlei understood, the captain reached to pull at his clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei startled, but Xu Yuan held him fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Xu Miao privately passed me a method to remove the Long Ke at critical moments,” the captain explained swiftly, producing a “medicine stone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the stone neared the blackened sinews, the Long Ke shuddered violently, retracting rapidly from Zhu Zhanlei’s body and reforming into a lump of flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei exhaled deeply: “Xu… Miao hasn’t gone completely mad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan released him and patted him again: “Good. Now you’re reassured? Put the Long Ke back on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captain retrieved the medicine stone, sealing it inside a stinking pouch, blocking all its aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he handed the pouch to Zhu Zhanlei: “Master Zhu, keep it yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei eagerly took it and pressed the Long Ke back onto his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In high spirits, Zhu Zhanlei rewarded the captain with the honor of urinating alongside himself and Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, three streams of urine shot forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the streams competed fiercely, each trying to spray farther than the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, none of the three dared fall behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a man’s dignity contest—unrelated to rank, status, or power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, Gao Wanli saw the three emerge from behind the boulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei looked triumphant, his gaze radiating the bearing of a warlord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other two looked like wilted eggplants, listless and drained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan was furious—not because he lacked strength, but because his opponent cheated, using tools!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never imagined the Long Ke could affect this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cursed that his Dragon Transformation cultivation was now entirely bound to his skin-dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli found it baffling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s move out,” Zhu Zhanlei ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pressed to hurry, everyone moved faster today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By noon, they reached a slope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao said: “Beyond this slope lies a plot of land—the Gao family’s backup village.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Gao family didn’t remain on their original mountain, they likely moved here. We must be cautious—don’t let Gao Guanzi sense us and flee ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group crouched low, slipping into the grass on the slope, creeping upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blades of grass brushed past them on both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like tiny hands gently brushing over their skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a ghostly claw would lunge out, leaving a thin, bloody scratch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli’s back was slashed open by a long blade of grass; she screamed in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao turned and glared at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli clamped her mouth shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she pulled out an iron ruler two fingers wide and pressed it hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ruler instantly transformed into a light armor, covering her entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as a Craft cultivator, she couldn’t use artifacts without limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many uses would overwhelm her life force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei was cunning—he’d noticed that the wild grass before Xu Yuan seemed to actively part aside as Xu Yuan advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Xu Yuan passed, the grass did not immediately close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stuck closely behind Master Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the slope’s peak, they peered cautiously through the foliage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them lay a village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encircled by dense crimson thorns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the village was utterly silent—no signs of habitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not here?” Bai Lao was surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan was even more surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because according to last night’s agreement, Bai Lao was supposed to appear here, then flee, luring them to Copper Coffin Cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Corpse Empress would appear, scare off the four fourth-rankers, and seize the Long Ke in the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why hadn’t Gao Guanzi appeared as agreed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan volunteered: “I’ll go take a look. You stay here—don’t move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good,\" Zhu Zhanlei felt moved—when it really matters, it's still my brother Xu I can count on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan descended the slope and soon reached the edge of the crimson thorns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing his approach, the thorns writhed like a swarm of snakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All thorns pointed outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan released his sword pellet, slicing through them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the village, the houses had stood for many years; many had collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan circled the village and saw the main house’s door wide open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart stirred—he stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Jing rose from beneath the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled bitterly: “The Emperor wishes to see you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Xu Yuan notice, in the shadows behind the house, a heavy black bronze ancient coffin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan felt dread—but above the coffin, a swirling vortex of cyan-black corpse aura materialized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vortex emitted immense suction, instantly freezing the air within the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan could not flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy, grating sound echoed—the bronze coffin opened, and an ancient female corpse stiffly sat upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was not the Ancient Corpse Empress Xu Yuan had seen on Copper Coffin Cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corpse’s eyes were shut; as she sat up, she turned toward Xu Yuan and suddenly opened them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shadow attached itself to the corpse, sharing its eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing those eyes, Xu Yuan confirmed: the Ancient Corpse Empress had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan bowed deeply: “Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!” The Ancient Corpse Empress sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, Xu Yuan felt an alien force surge within his body—from an unknowable source—capable of controlling everything in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ancient Corpse Empress’s Ten-Thousand-Year Corpse Poison!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the force acted upon his blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire bloodstream surged uncontrollably, his vessels and heart threatening to burst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood gushed from all seven orifices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Jing cried out in plea: “Your Majesty, have mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient corpse empress whirled in fury, her gaze locking onto Tian Jing; her roots reversed, binding her own body, instantly carving deep bloody grooves into Tian Jing’s flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Jing screamed without ceasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty…” Xu Yuan struggled to speak, “your servant has been working earnestly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient corpse empress gazed at him with icy eyes, and Xu Yuan felt again that force gathering toward his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart beat faster, heavier with each pulse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud… thud… thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thudthudthudthudthud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s chest rose and fell violently; his heart was about to burst free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To deceive the Son of Heaven is a capital offense!” The ancient corpse empress finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The various discomforts plaguing Xu Yuan finally eased slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan silently exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Jing’s failure to persuade the ancient corpse empress was precisely what Xu Yuan had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had even anticipated that the ancient corpse empress might order Tian Jing to summon him back to Copper Coffin Cliff for another audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only surprise was that the ancient corpse empress possessed such a possession technique—channeling her power through an ancient corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night, Xu Yuan and Tian Jing had discussed how to persuade the ancient corpse empress to lend aid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their planned excuse: the ancient corpse empress had previously killed the heir’s consort, provoking imperial retaliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Xu Yuan lay four Fourth-Rank cultivators in ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan could not extricate himself, for as the Chief Justice of the Purification Office in Zhan City, he could not evade cases involving malevolent spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Jing would play the villain who secretly practiced the Dragon Transformation Art, luring “Fu Yu Huan” there, whereupon the ancient corpse empress would strike, terrifying the four Fourth-Ranks into retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the chaos, a shattered Ru Tianye ticket would be dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan would ensure Zhu Zhanlei and Gao Wanli witnessed this scene firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court would then believe Tian Jing was protected by Ru Tianye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the blame could be directed at Ru Tianye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, a man who secretly practiced the Dragon Transformation Art and moved through Wushan Mountain as easily as a fish in water would naturally raise suspicion that Ru Tianye was behind it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does Your Majesty say such things?” Xu Yuan looked deeply wronged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where did you get this ticket?!” The ancient corpse empress spoke again, her voice colder still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan understood—she suspected this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out the ticket and recounted its origin, concluding: “If Ru Tianye learns I intercepted the ticket holder, he will surely kill me. I have already severed ties with him—I would never betray Your Majesty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the ancient corpse empress’s power, Xu Yuan could speak Ru Tianye’s name without the latter sensing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient corpse empress’s gaze softened slightly, yet Xu Yuan’s discomfort did not further lessen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“During your time outside the mountains, why have you taken no action against that traitor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan knew this was the true cause of her rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recounted everything: his plan to begin with the Fish Guild, how An Chengyuan had arrived just as he began laying his trap, forcing him to delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan believed the ancient corpse empress possessed some uncanny ability to discern truth from lies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And everything he said was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly wished to confront Ru Tianye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for the ancient corpse empress—but for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, every word he had spoken to her, every promise he had made—whether last time or now—was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when he would fulfill them… Xu Yuan himself did not know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he spat out more blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he finished, the ancient corpse empress stared at him for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the agonizing sensation of his heart pounding to burst from his chest slowly faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, it vanished entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan collapsed onto the ground, drenched in sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient corpse empress had invested too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already killed the heir’s consort and others for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the short term, she could not find another person with Xu Yuan’s cultivation and status who would willingly aid her from beyond the mountains in avenging her against Ru Tianye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan at least had her beloved concubine vouching for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone else would be less trustworthy than Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty!” Xu Yuan pleaded earnestly, “This is truly an excellent opportunity. Once the ticket is discovered, the court’s wrath will surely turn toward Ru Tianye!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has seized this vast Wushan Mountain—the court has long resented him, but has never mustered the resolve to launch a campaign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it is confirmed that he shelters one who practices the Dragon Transformation Art and murdered the heir’s consort, the court can no longer remain passive!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially… the one on the Canal—he would rage if he learned Ru Tianye was meddling in the Dragon Transformation Art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient corpse empress asked: “Do you truly believe this plan will work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant has at least a seventy percent chance of success!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then proceed as planned.” The ancient corpse empress closed her eyes; the ancient female corpse reclined backward, and the bronze coffin slammed shut with a thunderous boom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vortex of corpse qi above vanished silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the earth rippled like water, and the bronze coffin sank and disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Jing exhaled sharply, muttering, “That was too close.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan said: “Hurry to the next location and prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I’m off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Jing stretched his roots and burrowed into the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the house, Xu Yuan used the fire in his dantian to dry his sweat, then tidied his appearance before leaving the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei and the others waited atop the slope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did it go?” Zhu Zhanlei asked urgently as Xu Yuan returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The village has been abandoned for a long time,” Xu Yuan shook his head. “Let’s move to the next location.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned to Bai Lao. Gao Wanli grew tense and asked: “Are there any other locations?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao stroked his chin: “There is one more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where?” Gao Wanli asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She feared Bai Lao would say Copper Coffin Cliff or Qidou Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao: “San Shu Cha. The Gao family has another backup village there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao rose and led the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei was astonished: “Does the Gao family have so many backup villages?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao replied: “The Gao family is different from us. Gao Guanzi believes in the proverb ‘a clever rabbit has three burrows,’ and he always suspects the mountain’s malevolent spirits are secretly watching the village, waiting for a chance to break in and devour its people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he prepared multiple backup villages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We don’t lack the desire—but only the Gao family has the resources; their villagers…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Bai Lao suddenly fell silent, ending the topic with two dry chuckles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost gave it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei was about to ask more, but Xu Yuan waved him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t pry into others’ secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two backup villages were far apart; halfway there, Fu Songyu used the “He Ming Lu” to press for an update.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Songyu had been pressed again by Luo Gongqiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Gongqiao pressured him, so he pressured Zhu Zhanlei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Songyu was annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Gongqiao’s behavior treated him like a subordinate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True, you hold an official rank, but we are all Fourth-Ranks, and the Fu family came here to assist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To act like a superior is inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei humored Fu Songyu verbally while swiftly heading toward San Shu Cha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As dusk fell, they reached the confluence of three small rivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five li from the river, on a gentle slope to the west, a stone wall enclosed a small village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though equally aged, this one showed signs of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So they’re here!” Everyone perked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli gritted her teeth: “We sneak in quietly—don’t let Gao Guanzi escape…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei began issuing orders, but Bai Lao waved him off: “I only guide you to them. I must live in these mountains—I cannot let the Gao family see me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he retreated into the forest, his feathered cloak flickering as he merged seamlessly with the trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget him,” Zhu Zhanlei said. “We’ll handle it ourselves. Just a mountain village—we’ll take it easily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei, Xu Yuan, Gao Wanli, and three Captains each took one direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he quietly crept toward the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli was the most diligent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We must capture Gao Guanzi here—under no circumstances let him be taken to places like Tongguan Cliff or Qidou Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she neared the village to within about two li, suddenly a figure emerged atop the village’s stone wall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure moved like a monkey, leaping over the wall and sprinting full speed toward the distant forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli immediately screamed: “Gao Guanzi’s running!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the village erupted in the clanging of bronze bells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Villagers surged out in chaos—men from every household, wielding hoes, manure forks, and the like, rushing to secure the village gate and walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one paid attention to the village—Gao Wanli immediately gave chase after Gao Guanzi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei and the others also rushed after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan changed direction and charged over, shouting at Zhu Zhanlei: “Call for backup—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei slapped his forehead, stopped, and pulled out the “Heming Lu,” shaking it to summon help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Guanzi tried to dash into the forest but was blocked by three Captains; he changed course and fled along the riverbank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli pursued relentlessly behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This chase and flight quickly carried them over ten li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As night loomed, Gao Wanli grew anxious: “Why haven’t the Fu family arrived yet!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gritted her teeth and pulled out a craft artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The artifact resembled a bellows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She strapped it to her back, and it violently blasted a strong wind backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force propelled Gao Wanli forward in a sudden lurch, her speed more than doubling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still clutched two powerful craft artifacts and wore a craft artifact armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once combat began, this was her guarantee of invincibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her life force was too weak—adding another artifact greatly increased the risk of being overwhelmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she had no choice but to risk it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect was immediate—in a few breaths, she closed the distance to Gao Guanzi’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the entire pursuit party, Gao Wanli and two others led, while the three Captains lagged hundreds of zhang behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Farther back, Fu Songyu and Fu Bai Zhou followed at a steady pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From their posture, the two fourth-rank cultivators moved with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Fu Songyu’s hand hung a thin golden chain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppet dragon Fu Hongyu hovered hundreds of zhang above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli was now only three zhang from Gao Guanzi; she raised a large ladle in her hand and scooped it through the air toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, a phantom black claw materialized, snatching Gao Guanzi midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaah—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Guanzi shrieked, flailing helplessly in midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli rejoiced—then suddenly, a root surged from nowhere, agile and powerful, like a dragon’s tail, striking the black claw with a whip-crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ghostly claw shattered, dissolving into wisps of black smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Wanli cursed: “What devilry is this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she realized—her heart dropped—and she spun around to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The villain’s here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan and Zhu Zhanlei nearby also saw the dragon-tail root.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After rescuing Gao Guanzi, the root sank into the earth—then a clear bulge appeared on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It rapidly spread toward Zhu Zhanlei!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei’s soul nearly left his body: “Ah! No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ran backward while pulling a medicinal stone from his pouch, pressing it to his chest, then sprinted off without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Long Ke” craft artifact shrank rapidly into a ball and fell to the ground with the stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the bulge, a root shot out, wrapping around Long Ke—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a roar like thunder exploded: “Where do you think you’re going!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A streak of lightning shot down from the sky!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It struck the root directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the root shattered and exploded into fragments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Songyu descended from the air, wreathed in mist and clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw clearly—the broken root bore scales like those of a dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’ve stolen my family’s secret art! I won’t spare you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Songyu roared, raising his hand as bolts of lightning rained down like furious serpents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning pierced the ground, driving the thing beneath into desperate retreat—until, after dodging seven or eight strikes, it plunged deep underground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Songyu lost its trail but remained calm: “Hongyu, nephew!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppet dragon glided over, using its senses to point: “There…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Bai Zhou charged across the ground—his form now one-third dragon, one-third human, one-third ox!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his head curled a pair of black horns—indistinguishable as dragon or ox horns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his hand he gripped a heavy golden eight-faceted mace—a fourth-rank craft artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slammed the mace hard into the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of nearby trees shattered instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shockwave traveled downward—soon, a dark shadow burst from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shadow unleashed a sinister technique—the sky darkened, wind and rain surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then its form blurred and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dragon’s Mist Breath—pathetic trick!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppet dragon easily located the shadow’s position; Fu Songyu and Fu Bai Zhou charged after it together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were eager to capture the villain—completely unaware that the puppet dragon above, its eyes greedily fixed on the fallen Long Ke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3458,"2026-06-20T12:07:25.031Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b42bb743640c794d03b251653fa5256c1a17faba98705cb041a0bd445355062e","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-402","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-400",413,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnothing-is-taboo-cover.jpg"]