Chapter 183: 183. Chapter 183: Emergency Report!

183. Chapter 183: Emergency Report!

After burying Mr. and Mrs. Yue Qing, the sky had gradually begun to brighten.

Chu Yang and the others had originally planned to take Xia'er away, but she insisted on staying at Yunjian Temple to keep watch over her parents' spirits.

Everyone had no choice but to bid her farewell and return to Jinling City.

Lu Xiaofeng and Hua Manlou returned safely, and with the silver note case fully settled, Magistrate Xu of Jinling City—who, as the city's parent official, had been walking on thin ice these days—couldn't stop smiling.

Never mind anything else; the disappearance of the Seventh Young Master of the Jiangnan Hua family alone was enough to announce the end of his official career.

Besides the great demon, people have also returned; he now not only bears no fault, but can even earn a merit on the record, his official prospects promising further advancement—it's practically a windfall.

Therefore, Magistrate Xu generously played host, inviting Lu Xiaofeng, Chu Yang, and their companions to the finest restaurant.

Lu Xiaofeng was no polite either, directly ordering a large table of fine food and drink, leaving Magistrate Xu grimacing in pain and constantly sucking in cold air while eating.

After three rounds of drinks.

Magistrate Xu, unable to hold his liquor, was the first to leave the table; after he departed, Chu Yang and the others finally opened up and chatted casually.

"I never imagined you two would ever leave the capital; I thought you'd grow old and die in that pleasure ground."

Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but sigh.

"The pleasure ground..." Chu Yang sighed, "That description is apt; if not for this trip, I wouldn't have known the outside world is such a hell on earth."

"Demons run rampant, great demons roam freely, countless civilians can only survive in the cracks; on our way we encountered a deserted village..."

Lu Xiaofeng and Hua Manlou silently listened to Chu Yang's account, and a thought arose in their hearts: he truly knew nothing of the outside world.

"It's hard to believe you've never stepped outside the capital your whole life, never having seen the outside world."

Hua Manlou exclaimed in disbelief, "It looks like you've been very well protected."

"Protection?" Chu Yang stared for a moment, then burst into loud laughter, "Nothing more than a caged bird!"

"In those past years, the greatest defiance I could muster was to pile more bird droppings in the cage, making the person who cleans it feel disgusted—nothing more."

Hua Manlou mused, "I wouldn't have thought Brother Chu also harbors his own inner turmoil."

"That was before, but not now." Chu Yang shook his head with a laugh, "From the moment I stepped out of the cage, nothing can confine my heart anymore."

Lu Xiaofeng raised his cup and laughed loudly, "Then here's to Young Master Chu being free from now on!"

Li Ge Xiao rose with a complex expression, joined in raising his cup, and nodded at Chu Yang.

Hua Manlou also silently rose.

The four drank together.

"To be honest, I'm quite moved—I didn't expect the two of you, having left the capital, to come straight to me; if it weren't for you, I doubt I could have escaped this calamity, and looking at it this way, my connections really aren't bad."

Lu Xiaofeng began to chuckle and boast again.

"Over these years of revelry, most of the friends I've made are drinking and eating buddies; few are those I can truly talk with, and you, Lu Xiaofeng, are indeed one of them."

Chu Yang lowered his head, rubbing the wine cup, his face showing a hint of nostalgia.

Hua Manlou smiled faintly, "Brother Chu, could you count me in as well? From today on, we ought to be considered friends, right?"

Chu Yang nodded, "Of course; although we see things differently, it doesn't prevent me from admiring your character—the world needs people like you."

Hua Manlou wore a thoughtful expression.

Lu Xiaofeng curiously asked, "Where do you plan to go next?"

Chu Yang said, "This journey is merely a passing whim, with no fixed destination—just follow the heart—but right now my enthusiasm has already waned."

Lu Xiaofeng seemed to understand Chu Yang's thought, and said, "Originally it was meant to be a pleasant outing, but as soon as I stepped out the door I saw beggars filling the streets; although their poverty has nothing to do with me, hearing their pleas leaves a bad taste, so the outing lost its appeal."

Chu Yang's lips curled upward, "Your analogy is quite interesting."

Lu Xiaofeng, speaking with the tone of someone who's been there, advised, "I'll tell you this: when one's strength is limited, it's already enough to draw the sword and help when seeing injustice on the road; don't imagine tying the peace and happiness of the entire world to yourself."

"You lack that ability; even if you had it, doing so would only exhaust yourself to death—better to be like me, carefree and at ease."

Li Ge Xiao slapped the table and laughed loudly, "The world's biggest busybody, Lu Xiaofeng, actually tells others not to meddle, and claims you're carefree—I haven't seen you carefree at all, that mouth of yours loves to spout nonsense."

Hua Manlou also burst into laughter.

Lu Xiaofeng's old face flushed red as he snapped, "You drunkard, after years of friendship, you're just going to ruin my reputation like that?"

Li Ge Xiao shook his head, chuckling, "Mainly, what you said is too outrageous; besides, your advice doesn't suit a young master—some can choose to be carefree like you, while others are born without that option."

"They bear the destiny of the Human Race from birth, unable to escape, and must ultimately face it."

Having said that, Li Ge Xiao's expression grew solemn as he gazed at Chu Yang and earnestly said, "All along the way you've seen much of the world's variety; I know you don't wish to enter the cage again, wanting to be carefree as Lu Xiaofeng described."

"But if you truly abandon everything, the world will no longer have any chance to escape the present situation."

"The one who hides in the pleasure ground, dreaming, will not concern himself with the life or death of the common folk outside."

Chu Yang gave no reply, setting down his wine cup.

He silently walked to the window, gazing out at the constant flow of carriages and horses, people coming and going.

He truly has no interest in the throne; after being trapped in the capital for so many years, finally attaining genuine freedom, forcing him to return would be a great cruelty.

Beside him, Lu Xiaofeng listened and grew increasingly uneasy; combined with earlier events, strange ideas began to surface in his mind.

Just as he hesitated, unsure how to speak, a sudden shout came from outside.

"Emergency report!"

"The Qi Family Army is ambushed in East Sea Wanglong City!"

"Japanese pirates and great demons have joined forces, laying a formation to encircle the Qi Family Army!"

"The Sea Tribe great demon is about to lead troops to attack Jinling City!"

"General Qi has issued orders: mobilize all forces to defend Jinling City to the death!"

"Jinling City must not fall!"

"If Jinling City falls, the Human Race will have no cities left along the coast to stop the great demons from invading the Central Plains!"

A soldier drenched in blood, riding a horse equally soaked in blood, bellowed at the top of his lungs as he charged straight toward the government office.

It was only that they hadn't reached the destination yet; the soldier seemed to have suddenly lost all strength, fell from his horse, crashed heavily onto the ground, and his breathing grew weak.

The common folk and the shopkeepers on the street spontaneously took out medicines from their houses, intending to treat the wounded soldier, and no one despised the filth on his body.

Everyone understood that the soldier's wounds were borne for them.

Unfortunately…

The injuries were too severe; the soldier was exhaling more than inhaling, and it was clear he was about to die.

Someone began to sob softly, and the crying spread like contagion, with more and more people gathering around the dying soldier.

"Defend Jinling City to the death…"

Just as the colors in the soldier's eyes were turning pale, someone tightly grasped his hand, and a warm current surged into his body. Chu Yang, holding a hand slick with blood, turned his head to glance at Li Ge Xiao on the restaurant.

As if saying…

Fine! This world is mine! ……

Just now, the drunken Magistrate Xu, still not properly dressed, rushed out of the yamen with his men.

"Quickly tell the Deputy Magistrate to close the city gates!"

"Hurry!"

"Immediately send riders at full speed to deliver the news to the capital; we need a massive reinforcement!"

"Damned! How did this Demon Race manage to attack!"

"That Qi fellow is truly useless…"

Magistrate Xu hadn't finished speaking when a hand suddenly shot out, slapping his face hard, causing his vision to go black and nearly knocking him unconscious.

An elder from behind embraced Magistrate Xu, his view completely blocked, and hurriedly said, "Who dares to assault an imperial official! Aren't you afraid of beheading?!"

Regaining his composure, Magistrate Xu covered his mouth and stared; the one who struck him was none other than the Brocade Guard who had just been entertaining in the restaurant.

"Chu, how dare you hit me? You've drunk too much and are raving at the county magistrate!"

"Even if you are a Brocade Guard, I will capture you today; assaulting an imperial official is a grave crime! As a Brocade Guard, breaking the law adds an extra degree of guilt!"

Chu Yang coldly stared at him, "General Qi is fighting bloodily at the front; as the county magistrate you not only fail to soothe the people's emotions, but also speak disrespectfully to the Qi family army. Shouldn't you be punished?"

Magistrate Xu, his authority bruised and chastised, fumed so fiercely his seven orifices seemed to emit smoke, roaring, "What are you still standing there for? Capture him at once!"

The yamen guards wielding fire-and-water staffs surrounded Chu Yang.

Because the south has long been plagued by the Demon Race and demon fiends, each town's yamen guard count is far greater than in the north; a crucial hub like Jinling City, even without counting the army, already has thousands of guards.

The guards are all martial artists; thousands of them form a formation to besiege. Ask any jianghu master—who could win? Let alone a single Brocade Guard.

This is why Magistrate Xu is so overbearing.

In this tiny quarter of Jinling City, with General Qi's army absent, he was a genuine local tyrant! Li Ge Xiao, Lu Xiaofeng, and Hua Manlou didn't even think before leaping down from the restaurant, landing before Chu Yang and shielding him.

"This isn't the capital; no one will spare your young master Chu's face, and that slap was way too harsh," Lu Xiaofeng complained, then turned the conversation, laughing heartily, "But it was well done, truly satisfying. I've been in Jinling City for many days and have long grown weary of this magistrate's deeds."

"This scoundrel, taking advantage of General Qi's absence from the city, dared to slacken the defenses; including the Deputy Magistrate, a group of officials control the city gates, secretly taking bribes, allowing high‑priced travelers to enter without inspection. This is outrageous!"

When Magistrate Xu heard Lu Xiaofeng publicly expose his deeds, he instantly became frantic, shouting, "Lu Xiaofeng, don't think that solving one case gives you the right to spew slanders about this magistrate here!"

Lu Xiaofeng chuckled, "Is it slander? Haven't you figured that out yourself?"

The usually pleasant Hua Manlou also couldn't help but turn a cold face, saying, "Magistrate Xu, my Hua family may be wealthy, but we also understand proper ways of making money; some money can be earned, some must not be touched at all. Jinling City is the southern gateway, defending the Central Plains against the great sea demon; how can you act like this?"

"If the court learns of this, they will surely exterminate your nine families!"

The words "exterminate nine families" gave Magistrate Xu a massive shock; he realized his exposure would not end well, his face flushed red, and, both startled and angry, he pointed at Hua Manlou and raged.

"What does it matter that you're a scion of the Jiangnan Hua family? Even if you offend the Hua clan, I cannot let you leave Jinling City today!"

The massive number of guards had already surrounded Chu Yang and his companions three layers deep inside and three layers outside; the common folk who had been watching the spectacle were pushed to the periphery, unable to hear the few's conversation, only faintly catching Magistrate Xu's shouts.

Seeing the guards multiply, the townspeople realized trouble was imminent and gradually retreated, fearing they might be dragged into it.

"The moment I first saw you, you corrupt official, I felt uneasy; never thought that after all these years not being a Brocade Guard, my eyes haven't dulled."

Li Ge Xiao drew an embroidered Spring Blade, pointed it at Magistrate Xu, and scolded.

"You're not Brocade Guards?" Magistrate Xu was momentarily stunned, then his whole body trembled with excitement, a wild grin spreading as he said, "Impersonating a Brocade Guard is a grave crime; today I will execute you. Not only am I blameless, I am meritorious—truly heaven aids me!"

Lu Xiaofeng glared at Li Ge Xiao in irritation, saying, "Are you ill? Why are you chatting about this with him? Now look at his smug expression!"

Li Ge Xiao, unfazed, said lightly, "He must become a clear‑headed ghost."

Hua Manlou gave a faint smile, "Brother Li, perhaps you could say more; you've only spoken half, he's still a muddled fool."

Li Ge Xiao looked at Hua Manlou with some surprise; although Hua was clearly blind, Li felt his gaze was extraordinarily bright, as if he saw through all worldly affairs.

Chu Yang laughed, "You invoking my name now won't work; he's already a cornered dog, only forcing his resolve to kill us."

Li Ge Xiao smacked his lips, "Trying again costs nothing; how much worse can the situation get?"

The next moment, he shouted, "Xu, I have a reminder for you—consider this my great mercy, giving you a chance, lest you later implicate your nine families and hold a grudge against me in the underworld."

Just as Magistrate Xu was about to order the guards to swarm him, he signaled his subordinates to hold back a moment. A smug smile curled his lips; with absolute advantage, arrogance filled him as he laughed, "If you're dying, say whatever you wish now—consider it my great mercy."

"By the way, I have no such unfilial offspring as you!"

Lu Xiaofeng said with a teasing tone, "His mouth never gives you even a scrap of advantage."

Li Ge Xiao let out a dry cough.

"Grandson, listen carefully!"

"The one who just slapped you was the late emperor's appointed prince, the current emperor's brother, His Royal Highness the Worthy King!"

The words "Worthy King" fell like a heavy bomb among the guards!

The next moment, voices rose in a din!

A clamor erupted! Magistrate Xu hadn't expected such a turn, his face showing panic.

"Worthy King!"

"Isn't that the useless prince who has always stayed in the capital?"

"How did he suddenly appear here…"

County Magistrate Xu's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he scolded, "You damned thief, first you pretended to be a Brocade Guard, and now you spread demonic words here to mislead the crowd!"

"Who in the world doesn't know that the Virtuous King never leaves the capital, so it's impossible for him to travel all the way to Jinling City!"

"Even if he came, he couldn't have come with only two or three people; everyone knows the Virtuous King spares no expense, and when he travels his entourage is massive, and the Prince's ceremonial troops would not be lacking in the slightest."

"The Prince who rode into the city on horseback, who are you trying to fool?"

With those words finished, the previously panicked clerks gradually settled down.

Chu Yang said helplessly, "You say you can fight, then you fight, but you have to drag me in, and I get scolded for no reason."

Li Ge laughed, spreading both hands.

Lu Xiaofeng whispered, "Really?"

Chu Yang nodded, "Indeed."

Remembering his earlier insolent words, Lu Xiaofeng felt that even just beheading themselves would take several tries, so they closed their eyes, looking utterly despondent.

"Now that's the end of it, huh." (End of chapter)