[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-roaring-dragon":3,"chapter-the-roaring-dragon-the-roaring-dragon-chapter-45":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Roaring Dragon",{"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},2281901,4463,"Chapter 45","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-45",45,"\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan stopped walking, turned to look at his own house with its white walls and blue tiles, sniffed the air, but detected no unusual scent, and frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi looked slightly bewildered and followed suit, scanning left and right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There seems to be blood-sha energy in the courtyard—haven’t you noticed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood-sha energy is typically generated by cruelly stripping away blood and qi; whenever it appears, nine out of ten times it’s tied to demonic or monstrous forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the question, Lin Wanyi furrowed her brow and carefully sensed the air, then asked blankly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan couldn’t sense it, but if the Night Demoness said it was there, it was there—he shook the bodyguard clinging to his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wake up and get to work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gukki?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meiqiu opened her large, sleepy eyes, glanced around, then spread her wings and flew high to scout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan pressed his hand against the Tian Gang Club, listened outside the wall, confirmed no ambushers lurked within, then silently leapt into the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi followed right behind, landing in the front yard—everything in the courtyard appeared normal, save for a few fallen leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing unusual—could it be coming from the Princess’s mansion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan had initially thought so too, but the Ghost Bride had already appeared beside him; now, following the source of the blood-sha energy, they quickly reached the bedroom and pointed beneath the bedframe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan stepped forward, glanced briefly, then lifted the bare wooden bedslat—beneath it lay a small box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the box were several letters and a yellowed booklet, its cover inscribed with “The Pharmacopoeia of Human Flesh,” detailing the medicinal effects of various human organs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drawer held several vials of medicine; one appeared uncapped, oozing dark red fluid from its rim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi leaned in for a closer look, her face paling slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blood Essence? How did you come to possess this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood Essence is refined from living beings through secret methods—it holds high medicinal value but is also essential for demonic cultivators crafting high-grade Transformation Pills; the imperial court strictly forbids it, and only the Taiyi Academy and Imperial Medicinal Supervision are permitted to hold it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan frowned, picked up the letters, and found them all were warm, affectionate messages from “him and his master,” subtly mentioning affairs in Danyang…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These aren’t mine—someone is framing me, falsely accusing me of ties to demonic bandits!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi was baffled: “You? With those thick eyebrows and honest eyes? A demonic bandit? Who’s so bored they’d frame you with this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan was also pondering who might be framing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bao Fei of Jinghua Manor might be seeking revenge…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d investigated the Li family—they might have obtained these banned medicines and texts…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demonic bandits, furious he’d destroyed their corpse cave and knowing they’d been framed, might be using their own methods against him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan couldn’t yet identify the culprit, but setting up such a trap meant the government office would arrive soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the government office found this, they’d be obligated to conduct a full internal and external investigation to clear suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d escaped suspicion until now thanks solely to Yang Dabiao vouching for him with his own head, plus his constant record of punishing evildoers without seeking reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they truly investigated, he couldn’t explain his recent history, the exact location of the Spirit Wind Valley, or who his master was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he’d be labeled a prime suspect, the Great Demon of Purple Banner Mountain would be captured on the spot, the Li family and demonic bandit crises would resolve themselves—and they’d probably say, “Xie Gong’s great righteousness,” and burn him two extra bundles of spirit money…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan realized the situation was dire and stood up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since this is a frame-up, the government office could arrive any moment—we must dispose of this evidence first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi didn’t believe Xie Jinhuan had ties to demonic bandits; she frowned: “You’re being framed—destroying evidence just makes it look worse. I can testify for you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan knew better than anyone framing him—he wasn’t innocent at all:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re from the Witch Cult—you’re terrified of exposing yourself. How can you testify for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi realized he was right: “Then I should leave first? You’re upright—no shadow to fear. Even if they investigate, you’ll be fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How would I be fine? Xie Jinhuan said solemnly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know who’s behind this—if it’s someone from the imperial court, they’ll find any excuse to condemn me. Even if I’m perfectly honest, I’ll lose a layer of skin—and might even expose your identity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi thought it over and sighed: “Then what do we do? We can discard the items, but you can’t hide the blood-sha energy—the government office will come sniffing it out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan knew this energy was hard to remove—he had no access to Daoist arts, so he glanced at the ghost beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang sat sideways on the bed, legs crossed, seemingly deep in thought—but quickly offered a solution:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blood-sha energy stems from forcibly extracted blood and qi essence. You can use ‘Pouring Wax Backwards’ to reverse the flow, forcing the essence out of your body to fake it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that alone is too flimsy—the government office will still suspect your background.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, under normal circumstances, the one framing you is the same person who led the government office here—they’ll likely be among them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must play along, act the part—I’ll observe their expressions and help you uncover the framer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You must go along with the act and play your part; I’ll observe their expressions and help you uncover the one framing you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi noticed Xie Jinhuan suddenly zoning out, staring at the empty bed, and grew suspicious—she turned toward Ye Hongshang’s direction:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you looking at? Is someone here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impossible—I was just thinking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan snapped back, placed his hands on Lin Wanyi’s shoulders:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wanyi, we’re on the same boat. So I need you to endure a little—help me play a scene.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi, with his hands on her shoulders, clenched her hands against her chest, her eyes tense:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you planning? Pretending I’m deflowered won’t work—it won’t produce blood-sha energy, the government office won’t believe it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deflowered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder she’s a physician—her thinking is truly unconventional! Xie Jinhuan frowned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I deflower you? It’s just a quiet act—I won’t make you sacrifice your virtue. Later…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned close and whispered in her ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi felt the male scent rush toward her, her heart tightening slightly—but soon her brows knitted:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can that work? Pretending to be your lover—if word gets out, how will I ever marry? Last time I bathed in your room, I still haven’t explained that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan said seriously: “I’ve already caught the attention of the Pill King—he was last night discussing what reward to give me. I plan to accumulate more merit and directly request the Martial Scripture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wanyi, you don’t want this incident to ruin the Pill King’s impression and wreck your plans, do you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi stared at the “Double-Headed Dragon” right before her, her robe bulging—she wanted to refuse, but after struggling silently, she finally conceded, warning in a low voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m a witch cult demoness—if you trick me, do you think I won’t curse you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I believe you, I believe you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan patted her shoulder:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I lie to you, I’ll buy you ten sets of magical undergarments.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~ Who wants you to buy me that stuff?! You must obtain the Martial Scripture within a month—or this deal’s off!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll do my best—quick, pack up…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wencheng Street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jing walked slowly, leading his horse, a three-foot sword hanging at its side, a wine flask dangling from his waist—he looked more like a commoner drunk in the marketplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This elderly man, who served as Vice Director at the Academy, was approachable; many students unfamiliar with his background called him “Old Man Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But anyone with even a little experience knew that someone holding the position of Deputy Head at the Confucian elite academy must have extraordinary seniority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou He followed behind, speaking with utmost deference, yet tinged with urgency:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, you and Minister Li both hail from the Hualin Li clan—centuries ago, you were kin. Now you teach at the Academy, and the Li family has always treated you with respect. But now the Li family is in trouble…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hualin Li clan was one of the great families of Daqian, with descendants scattered across north and south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically, Li Jing and Li Gongpu shared the same ancestor—but hundreds of others in Danzhou shared that same lineage too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the request from the Crimson Scale Guard, Li Jing spoke calmly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m a man of the rivers and lakes. My role at the Academy is only to teach. The scheming of court politics isn’t the Academy’s concern.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou He nodded vigorously: “Master is right. But the Li family is falsely accused by demonic bandits. Young Master Li is frail—he can’t withstand torture. Confucianism teaches ‘virtue as primary, punishment as auxiliary, mercy and caution in sentencing.’ If the government office tortures him into confession, Mr. Li, as a senior Confucian, cannot stand idle…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jing wasn’t moved at all: “Everyone knows Confucian sages were learned—but they forget Confucianism values the ‘Six Arts’—literature and martial skill combined. Every master who left his name in the texts was no pushover.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A scholar studies literature to reason with others; he studies martial arts to make those who refuse reason sit down and listen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the Li family is innocent yet framed, the Academy won’t ignore it. But if they lie and hide to escape blame, according to Academy tradition, they’ll be beaten until they admit fault.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though countless schools and philosophies existed, Confucianism, Mohism, and Military Strategy differed only in thought—not in cultivation methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confucianism didn’t seek immortality—but promoted “toughen the body, civilize the soul,” so most Confucian disciples were martial cultivators, some even dabbling in the Immortal Path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou He, with all his eloquence, couldn’t match these Confucian warriors with their fluid moral standards—he fell silent, searching for words, when suddenly he frowned, pulling a palm-sized compass from his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The compass, known as the “Demon-Seeking Compass,” could detect changes in yin-yang and five-element energy, tracking demonic and ghostly traces—it was a tool used by the Crimson Scale Guard to hunt evil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its center held several rotating needles; now two of them trembled slightly, pointing toward the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jing frowned, stepped back half a pace, and studied it closely:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Imbalance in the five elements brings disaster. Water and yin both moving—this is the sign of blood-sha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imbalance of the Five Elements brings disaster; movement of water and yin breeds deadly qi. This is the sign of blood sha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished speaking, he turned to look at the princess’s mansion by the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou He’s expression turned grave: “Old Li, is there demonic energy over there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the blood sha energy was too faint for Li Jing to sense, he took the demon-detecting plate from Zhou He and began tracking it by direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou He followed closely and urgently instructed his attendants:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something is amiss here; quickly notify the local government office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The accompanying Chilin Guards obeyed and immediately ran back…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1889,"2026-06-20T01:38:11.747Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","66c96507b33f8b35db1b327e13d6b921567e53e8194d5edc6702843131b75890","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-46","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-44",252,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-roaring-dragon-cover.jpg"]