Chapter 566: Three Sacrifices Lead the Way, Zhong Kui Dances

Prince Xiao Jinghong's heart skipped a beat.

He twitched his lips, "Big brother, what do you mean by that?"

Li Yan, upon hearing this, narrowed his eyes.

Sometimes one had to admit, the Shu Prince's lineage had exceptional genes—compared to the fat Chang'an Prince's heir, the bear-like Wuchang Prince's heir, the Shu Prince's sons and daughters all possessed superior bearing.

The eldest prince stood half a head taller than Prince Five, with pale skin and handsome features, yet his brow carried a sharp, cruel edge that made one feel uneasy.

He idly turned a Siamese blood amber scepter in his hand; sunlight glinted off it, casting a crimson glow across his face, "Little Five, stop pretending."

"We've been fighting here tooth and nail, yet you've quietly outmaneuvered us—all along. Impressive tactics…"

The secret's out!

Xiao Jinghong finally understood what was happening.

He had always kept a low profile, staying clear of disputes, yet had already made his arrangements—so long as nothing went wrong, he would be the ultimate victor.

Who knew that at the last moment, so many variables had arisen.

At this moment, Ming Shanzi's face was equally grim.

As for Li Yan, he silently studied Xiao Jinghong.

He felt nothing for this prince of silk and jade—whether he lived or died meant nothing to him—but without realizing it, their fates had become bound.

Whether capturing yin criminals and celestial fugitives, or helping the Dragon Princess build a temple and gather incense, he could not do it without this man's aid.

If something went wrong, the tasks ahead would become even harder.

Fortunately, Xiao Jinghong could still bear the pressure.

Facing the glares of his brothers and sisters—some envious, some cruel, some furious—Xiao Jinghong straightened his back, no longer hiding, sighed, and gazed toward the palace, "Don't overthink this."

"Our father is in good health, destined to live a hundred years. To squabble here over festivals is just asking for ridicule."

"Oh, little brother, how filial of you."

Another prince smiled faintly, his words laced with barbs.

This was Prince Four; unlike the eldest prince, who was close to the military, he enjoyed a better reputation among Confucian scholars and was also a disciple of the great Sichuan scholar Yang Duo.

Though he still maintained his composure, murderous intent had already stirred within him.

He had always treated Yang Duo with utmost respect, sending lavish gifts during holidays and frequently visiting to seek counsel.

Yet he never expected the old man had secretly thrown all his weight behind Prince Five.

A sense of betrayal coiled in his heart like a venomous snake.

Xiao Jinghong remained expressionless, shifting the topic with a meaningful tone: "How long has it been since any of you saw our father…?"

Saying this, he ignored the others entirely, closed his eyes, and stood still in the line.

Seeing his demeanor, the others' expressions varied.

They weren't truly foolish—Xiao Jinghong had mentioned "our father will live a hundred years" twice, and it wasn't without purpose.

Upon reflection, since the Shu Prince fell ill, no one had seen him.

Could it be… their father was feigning illness to test them?

Instantly, their gazes flickered with uncertainty.

This minor disturbance did not disrupt the sacrificial ceremony.

A eunuch holding the imperial seal stepped forward slowly, clutching a golden scroll.

The deep purple hem of his robe dragged through the snow, leaving a winding trail, as he announced in formal court speech:

"The auspicious hour has arrived—begin the rites!"

No sooner had he spoken than distant drums thundered.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The large drumskins shook the soul; nine cannon blasts echoed outside the Duanli Gate.

The great affairs of state lie in war and sacrifice.

The people of Shenzhou held great reverence for festivals and rituals; the nobility and imperial family treated them with even greater solemnity.

After the cannon fire, thirty-two bare-chested strongmen appeared, carrying a sandalwood palanquin through the snow; atop it rested a gilded shrine holding the three sacrificial offerings:

A Liaodong boar with black mane and blue hooves, its eyes inlaid with red rubies,

A ram whose horns were wrapped in Sichuan brocade banners inscribed with "Bountiful Harvest,"

And an ox whose head bore sixty-four gilded bells.

Just the adornments on these three offerings were enough to make an ordinary family wealthy.

As the drums rolled in rhythm with the strongmen's steps, the trinkets hanging from the offerings clinked and chimed.

Twelve boys in yellow robes walked ahead of the palanquin, scattering gold-foil cut "Zao Ma" paper horses; instantly, the snowy ground was covered in countless golden scales.

This was what was known as "Three Sacrifices Lead the Way."

"Please proceed to the Chengyun Hall!"

After the three sacrifices passed, the chief eunuch announced again in a loud voice.

Everyone moved, passing through the side palace gates.

The central palace avenue was reserved solely for the Shu Prince and the Emperor; at such times, it was called the Divine Path—the realm of the gods, where mortals must step aside.

Beyond the Chengyun Gate lay the Chengyun Hall.

This was also the heart of the princely palace.

Two hundred Zao Sacrifice soldiers stood in formation before them, holding banners painted with vermilion ink depicting the Zao Jun treading clouds, each waist-hung with peach-wood short halberds wrapped in red silk soaked in rooster's blood wine.

A towering flag-bearer, nearly as tall as Wu Ba, waved a three-zhang-high banner inscribed with "Lord of the Eastern Kitchen."

The Zao Sacrifice formation instantly unraveled like a dragon's tail, scattering across the snow—chaotic to the eye, yet from above, forming the character "Shou."

The thudding of cowhide boots harmonized with the drums.

The bronze bells hanging from the Chengyun Hall's bracket arms shed snowflakes with each vibration.

The Shu Prince had once led troops to victory, so the Zao Sacrifice ceremony incorporated military elements—solemn, imposing, carrying a faint edge of slaughter.

Li Yan had never seen such a spectacle before, and watched with keen interest.

Yet the princes and princesses, along with Chengdu officials, seemed distracted, frequently glancing back toward the closed doors of the Chengyun Hall.

In past years, the Shu Prince always appeared to observe the ceremony.

But this year's spectacle far surpassed last year's, yet the Chengyun Hall's doors remained shut—and with Prince Five's earlier words, unease stirred in everyone's hearts.

If Cheng Jianxian did not show himself, the Jianghu of Sichuan would grow increasingly chaotic.

Likewise, though the Shu Prince's actions often displeased people, every move he made could trigger a storm in Chengdu.

Especially since news of his illness spread, factions stirred, secretly courting favored princes.

If this was all a ruse… they were in trouble.

The Zao Sacrifice ceremony lasted a full hour.

When it ended, many were dizzy from standing, especially the older officials.

Common folk never saw such things.

But for them, it was a grueling ordeal.

And this was not yet over.

In the afternoon, Zhong Kui would dance.

At night, there would be shamanic Nuo dances with torches to drive away evil.

In short, it would last all day.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Just as they were about to collapse from fatigue, the doors of the Chengyun Hall behind them finally opened, drawing every eye.

The chief eunuch, expressionless, called out:

"Please proceed to the Chengyun Hall for the banquet."

Only then did they notice the grand hall's sides were already lined with long tables and chairs, arranged strictly according to protocol.

Under the guards' direction, everyone entered in order.

Seating, of course, carried strict meaning.

The princes and princesses were seated in front, followed by Chengdu officials, seated by rank.

Fortunately, the Shu Prince's household wasn't stingy.

Behind the front seats, additional seating had been arranged—though cramped, Li Yan and Ming Shanzi at least had places to sit.

Then, maids arrived carrying lacquered food boxes.

They opened the boxes, took out each blue-and-white porcelain dish, and quickly filled every table.

The Shu Prince's banquet, of course, needed no introduction.

The braised beef was sliced paper-thin, layered like stacked petals, drenched in amber sauce, gleaming with oily luster…

The pickled goose feet were crystal-clear and jellied; pickled bamboo shoots and salted melon strips were arranged in a bagua pattern; brined peanuts were plump and perfect; the Zao Sacrifice sugar cakes were small and sweet.

Every cold and hot dish was exquisitely prepared.

Even the wine, Luzhou old jar, aged sufficiently, released waves of fragrance.

Li Yan sniffed, nodded to Ming Shanzi and the others, then swiftly grabbed a slice of beef and shoved it into his mouth.

At any time, he never let good food go to waste.

Yet the princes remained distracted.

The eldest prince glanced at the empty throne above, finally asking the chief eunuch, "Eunuch Liu, won't our father be joining us?"

The chief eunuch bowed his head and replied, "The Prince is unwell…"

"What about the Empress Dowager?"

The Grand Prince abruptly rose, his face already showing impatience.

Every single word, every single line, every single detail—every one must be checked!

Among the several princes, he was most dissatisfied with the Prince of Shu.

By right, he should have been named heir long ago; his mother is still alive, a proper Princess Consort, and her clan hails from a military family.

Yet now he must fight others for it.

The second son knows how to navigate society, cultivating ties with numerous officials and merchants.

The third son is cruel and ruthless—thankfully, he was killed by a single spear.

The fourth son is admired by scholars, frequently hosting poetry gatherings.

The quiet fifth son, meanwhile, quietly accomplishes great deeds.

If rules were followed, there would be no such trouble.

Xiao Jinghong's reminder stirred doubt in him: if the Prince of Shu was ill, fine—but upon closer thought, the Princess Consort of Shu had also long vanished from sight.

Seeing his expression, the Chief Eunuch quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, please calm yourself. The Princess Consort says she must attend to the Prince, and today…"

"I don't care!"

The Grand Prince's gaze burned fiercely. "I must see my mother today—I dare anyone to stop me!"

The Chief Eunuch's face twisted in distress. "I shall report this immediately."

The Grand Prince's outburst was watched by all; they exchanged glances, all silent.

They, too, wanted to know what had happened.

During the banquet, only Li Yan ate with full satisfaction; others whispered among themselves, and before they knew it, it was the hour of Wei.

The Chief Eunuch reappeared and called out:

"Please all proceed outside to witness the ceremony."

Everyone filed out of the hall, but the Chief Eunuch lagged behind, bowing to the Grand Prince: "Your Highness, the Princess Consort says you must perform the Zhong Kui dance first, then proceed to the inner palace for an audience."

"Fine."

The Grand Prince snorted coldly and nodded.

The crowd exited the hall and stood behind the stone balustrades outside.

Eighteen ceremonial drums arrived from Duanli Gate, their thunderous beats accompanied by golden gongs playing opera music.

Amid the music, a man stepped forward with measured strides.

He wore a bright red official robe, with crimson hair, a wild black beard, and a dark face; he wore official boots, his shoulders hunched, holding a massive umbrella embroidered with the Yin-Yang Bagua.

He stepped in the Yu Bu, while five men dressed as demons leapt and somersaulted ahead, bamboo tubes on their bodies spewing multicolored smoke, creating a bizarre spectacle.

The "Zhong Kui" leapt into the air, letting the demons flip beneath him, yet always stepping upon their backs as he advanced.

It looked as if he were running through empty air.

"Such lightness!"

"We never had such a spectacle before."

"Which troupe is this?"

Many nearby were drawn in, whispering and asking questions.

But Li Yan narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp with murderous intent.

Ming Shanzi sensed something amiss and whispered, "What's wrong?"

Li Yan's lips moved slightly, making no sound.

But Ming Shanzi's pupils shrank sharply.

He could read Li Yan's lip movements: Ghost Opera Troupe!

The man playing Zhong Kui was Situ Qian. Though Li Yan had never met him, his movements were identical to those of Situ Bo, the late master of the opera troupe.

So these demons truly hid within the Prince of Shu's mansion.

At such a moment, one must not speak aloud—lest someone detect it with spiritual power—so Li Yan and Ming Shanzi communicated silently with lip movements.

"What do you plan to do?"

"Cover for me later."

"Alright. Be careful."

Their lips moved slightly; the plan was set.

Li Yan had come to the Prince of Shu's mansion not merely to watch a show.

The outer perimeter of the mansion also bore powerful talismanic wards; using magic to enter would inevitably draw attention.

After the Zhong Kui dance, there would be a shamanic exorcism ritual at night—perfect timing to sneak in under cover of darkness and scout the mansion's secrets.

As for the others, some were captivated by the dazzling Zhong Kui dance, others distracted, murmuring quietly.

In past years, during the Kitchen God Festival, Zhong Kui dances involved not only live performers but also paper Zhong Kui effigies; at the third watch of Shen hour, the Prince of Shu would dip his vermilion brush and dot the eyes of the effigy.

But judging by today's scene, that ritual was likely canceled.

Finally, the Zhong Kui dance ended.

All eyes turned to the Grand Prince.

And this Grand Prince, unused to such focused attention for so long, let out a cold snort, shook his python robe, and followed the Chief Eunuch toward the inner palace.

No one noticed that Ming Shanzi suddenly stepped forward several paces; those around him seemed affected, shifting their gazes as if completely oblivious to his presence.

This was the Cheng family's Gang Step: A Single Leaf Obscures the View!

A basic cultivation technique for Sword Immortals—even without activating the Gang-Sha Qi, it could make others unconsciously look elsewhere.

When mastered deeply, it became the legendary Shadowless Sword.

Meanwhile, Li Yan swiftly retreated, leapt upward, stepped upon the beams, and vanished into the dark recesses beneath the hall's bracket set.

He used the Dragon-Snake Tablet to suppress his aura, fixing his gaze on the distance.

Chengyun Hall was the highest point in the mansion; everything around it was visible.

He saw the men beating drums and gongs leave from the right side of the square, pass through a side gate, and enter a side hall.

These were palace guards training; outside the side hall, they stripped off their costumes, laughing and chatting as they changed into military uniforms.

Meanwhile, the "Zhong Kui" and his five "demons" walked out boldly.

Their direction: the inner palace.

Li Yan pondered, quickly formed a hand seal, and whispered softly: "By the decree of the Great Emperor of Fengdu, Fengdu spirits, Fengdu spirits, descend swiftly! Golden hammers whirl, iron staves cross—Fengdu generals and officers, hasten to appear…"

Whoosh!

From his waist pouch, eight paper figures leapt into the air, dark Qi rising, swirling around him.

Infiltrating the Prince of Shu's mansion was like entering a dragon's den and tiger's lair.

Only with the power of the Eight Outer Altar Generals could he proceed more safely.

Summoning the power of the Eight Outer Altar Generals, Li Yan was instantly wrapped in black mist.

Even with the Dragon-Snake Tablet masking his aura, Ming Shanzi below sensed something—his mind stirred, and he flicked his finger lightly.

Hss~

Inside Chengyun Hall, the curtains burst into flame.

It was a simple fire incantation, meant to light incense and candles; Ming Shanzi used it without leaving a trace.

"Fire!"

Someone smelled smoke and cried out.

Guards and palace maids rushed into the hall to extinguish the flames.

Amid the chaos, no one noticed the black mist dissipating from the dark recesses beneath the hall's bracket set—Li Yan had vanished…

(End of Chapter)