Xie Lian was unable to restrain his anger.
He pulled out the sword from his chest.
Just as he was about to stab again, he discovered that there wasn't a trace of blood on the sword. In that instant, his mind became clear. He turned his sword.
He chopped off the head of the white-clothed youth. It was easy to chop it off.
However, after the head separated from the body …
Both sides quickly deflated, turning into a flat bag of skin.
This body …
Was actually an empty shell!
He had seen this thing twice.
He had always used a fake body. His real body had never come out even once. Although he wasn't surprised …
Xie Lian was still filled with hatred.
The long sword stabbed randomly at the soft head and body. The sharp sword energy sliced a bag of skin into pieces, but he still wasn't satisfied. Feng Xin couldn't watch anymore.
He stopped him and said, "Your Highness! This is just a shell. "
However, this shell was exactly the same as Xie Lian's appearance when he was young.
Thus, it looked like Xie Lian was cruelly slaughtering himself.
This scene was somewhat uncomfortable. Xie Lian took a few heavy breaths.
He threw away the sword and sat on the ground. "I know! But he actually dared to use my face! "
He was truly furious.
The two of them squatted down in front of him. After a moment of silence, Feng Xin said, "Your Highness, are you feeling better? Don't take this thing's nonsense seriously. It's just a prank. "
Unexpectedly, Xie Lian said, "No, he said some things. He wasn't pranking me, it's just … …"
Feng Xin was shocked. "He really told you the method to remove the curse?!"
Xie Lian's right hand grabbed his hair and said, "He didn't tell me the method to solve the human-faced plague. What he told me was … … the method to create the human-faced plague!"
The two of them were stunned. "Create?"
Xie Lian nodded his head and looked around. He felt that it was better not to stay on the slope and decided to leave first. Right now, he didn't want to see the evasive gazes of the soldiers. He also didn't want to hear the wails and dissatisfaction of the patients. Thus, he returned to the Crown Prince's palace that had been empty for many years.
After closing the door, Xie Lian barely managed to calm his mind. He sat down and said in a deep voice, "Those 'human faces' on people's bodies are all the souls of the people of Yong An. Some of them died on the battlefield, but most of them died during the drought. "
Mu Qing was not surprised, and said: "No wonder the people of Yong An are immune to the Human Face Plague, of course they wouldn't fight their own people."
Feng Xin frowned. "Those who died in the drought weren't killed by the people of the Imperial City. Even if they have resentment, they shouldn't be directing it here, right?"
Xie Lian sighed and said, "That may be the case, but you all know that when a person dies, their soul will have a chaotic period."
For a period of time after a person died, their soul would be like a newborn child, confused and half-awake. They wouldn't know who they were, where they were, or what they were doing. This period of time could be long or short, and it all depended on the person and their fate. This state was called the 'Chaotic Period'.
Under such circumstances, their loved ones could guide these souls or influence them. The folk custom of calling souls on the seventh day of the month was based on this principle.
Xie Lian said, "He … … told me that the soldiers of Yong An had an extremely strong resentment towards the Imperial City, and many of their parents, wives, and children had died during the drought.
"These souls had no one to rely on, so they would be infected by the emotions of their loved ones. He used the sharp wills of these soldiers to instill hostility towards the people of Xian Le City into these souls, driving them to reside in the bodies of the living, fighting over the nutrients of the living.
"Because these souls of the Chaotic Period had already been repeatedly told one thought: If it weren't for them, you guys could have survived."
Feng Xin said, "What kind of damned thought is this? Who deserves to live, and who deserves to die? "
Xie Lian covered his forehead and said, "Lang Ying had previously unintentionally buried his son's corpse in the Imperial City, and this became the primer for his spell. I asked him to tell me the solution, but after talking for half a day, he actually told me about this curse technique. What does this mean? "
Knowing the technique wasn't enough to break the curse, so Feng Xin scolded, "He's playing a prank on you. What kind of joke is this, f * ck me! "
Mu Qing said, "He's not playing a prank on you. He has indeed already told you the method. "
Xie Lian and Feng Xin raised their heads and turned their heads, saying, "What method?"
Mu Qing said, "The solution!"
His eyes lit up, as if he had discovered some secret, saying, "The curse on Yong An City's side is effective because they have resentment towards Xian Le City. However, on Xian Le City's side, how could they not have resentment towards Yong An City? "
Xie Lian slightly opened his eyes, his breathing slightly stagnant. Mu Qing continued, "Since he told you the method of the curse, then you can use the same method, a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye, and create a Human Face Plague that only infects the people of Yong An City! Think about it, for the Human Face Plague curse to be effective, there must be the support of living people. As long as they are infected with the plague, they can't even fend for themselves, or even if there isn't a single living person left, wouldn't the curse collapse on its own? "
Xie Lian had never thought of this kind of method. Hearing him speak so confidently, he was momentarily stunned. After a while, he blurted out, "Absolutely not!"
Mu Qing said, "Why not? Don't forget, the ones who placed the curse first were them. "
Xie Lian abruptly stood up, saying, "No means no. Also, you're wrong, the soldiers of Yong An City will definitely have a hard time being infected with the Human Face Plague, just like the soldiers of Xian Le City. Don't ask me why, I … … "
Mu Qing very quickly said, "Then even if it only infects the commoners, it's still good! They don't have the complete protective equipment and manpower of the Imperial City. Once the Human Face Plague breaks out, the epidemic will inevitably spread even faster, and they definitely won't have the strength to fight back! Using the safety of the commoners behind them to threaten them to stop the curse and surrender is the same, they can't afford to waste more time than the Imperial City! "
Xie Lian immediately rejected, "Even more not! Don't forget when they attacked the innocent commoners of the Imperial City, what did we say to them? Despicable. If we also do the same thing as them, wouldn't we become the despicable people that we ourselves claim to be? What difference is there between us and them? "
Mu Qing restrained his excitement, saying, "Your Highness, don't forget who it was that used death to lure you into a land of gentleness. It's the 'innocent' commoners that you speak of. "
Hearing this, Xie Lian hesitated for a moment.
To tell the truth, it was impossible for his heart not to care. But in the end, he still said, "Yes, there are indeed people like that. But that's because these people often rush to the forefront and are the most fanatical. That's why you only see these kinds of people. But in reality, even more commoners simply don't understand anything. If you go to the Back Slope and take a look, you'll understand. Many people don't even know why they're fighting. Wherever there's food, they'll go. Mu Qing, what you're suggesting me to do now is to kill another group of innocent people in order to save another group of innocent people. I … … "
He sighed and said, "I'll think of another way."
Mu Qing's tone became a bit bad, saying with a bit of ridicule, "Why should I go to the Back Slope and care about how the enemy commoners live their lives? Forget it. Your Highness the Crown Prince, you're thinking of others like this, yet others have never thought of you. Aren't you being a sucker? "
Xie Lian's heart felt heavy, lowering his head without saying anything. In his mind, however, the image of the leg that was still twitching after it was cut off appeared. After hesitating for a long time, in the end, he still shook his head and said, "In the end, I'm not thinking for others, even if I'm only thinking for ourselves. Curses are in themselves a double-edged sword, harming others but also harming oneself. In order to curse others, the living must be filled with resentment, and the dead cannot rest in peace. They suffered so much when they were alive, and after death, they still have to live in other people's bodies, becoming that kind of monster. You saw the thing on that person's leg that day, those 'human faces' that were struggling at death's door, how much better are they compared to the infected people? Curses will eventually backfire one day, and they won't have a good ending. "
After being rejected again and again, Mu Qing was about to lose his patience, saying, "If they don't have a good ending, you won't have a good ending here! You don't have a third way, and you won't be able to find a second cup of water. Wake up, Your Highness! You don't have time. "
Xie Lian felt his head was a bit hot, closing his eyes, saying, "… … Don't say it first, let me think about it."
"… …"
Mu Qing finally couldn't bear it anymore, muttering and cursing, "You, this person … … The one who is suffering and tangled is also you. Now that the solution has been placed in front of you, the one who isn't willing to do it is also you. You, this person, really … … Are you done? This kind of ghastly appearance, it's annoying to see. Your believer really has eight lifetimes of bad luck! "
Feng Xin had been listening to their argument for a long time, but because he couldn't come up with any good ideas, he didn't interrupt. At this moment, he suddenly raised his hand and slapped Xie Lian, scolding, "Are you done or not!"
Mu Qing retreated a few steps from his slap. Xie Lian said, "Feng Xin?"
Feng Xin said, "Your Highness, don't bother with me!" Then he said to Mu Qing, "What are you so annoyed about? Tell me, what's so annoying about you? I've endured you for a long time, but today, I can't hold it in anymore. I really f * cking can't stand people like you. You're clearly a Deputy General, but if His Highness didn't promote you, who knows where you'd be eating and drinking. Why are you always acting like you're the smartest, you understand the most, and you're stronger than him? If you're really that capable, why didn't you ascend? His Highness ascended instead? "
Mu Qing said, "I … …!"
Xie Lian pulled him back. "Forget it, Feng Xin. Mu Qing is just anxious about the situation … …"
Feng Xin interrupted him, "What's he anxious about! Your Highness, I'm telling you, he's just looking for an opportunity to teach you a lesson. He won't let go of any opportunity to show that he's stronger than you, because in his heart, he truly feels that he's more capable than you! Such a cold person, and I've never seen him love Xian Le Country that much. Now, he knows how to be anxious? "
After he finished speaking, he turned to Mu Qing. "You think I can't see that in your heart, you feel that His Highness is a fool? I've tolerated your usual sarcastic behavior and secretly rolling your eyes. I've also tolerated your actions of never standing where you should stand in the Heavenly Court. If you want to show off, then so be it. In any case, this isn't the first time. Fine, I'll let you show off. In any case, you only have that little bit of skill, so you can't overturn the heavens. If His Highness doesn't bother with you, then I'm too lazy to care about you. But since you've already climbed all over me, don't blame me for being impolite! Listen well: I don't find it strange that you like to use those despicable methods. However, His Highness is His Highness. No matter what he does, you better show some respect. Stop pointing fingers and pointing fingers. Don't f * cking forget who you are! "
While Feng Xin was speaking, Xie Lian tried to stop him several times. However, it was probably because he'd held it in for too long that he couldn't stop Feng Xin at all. Every time Mu Qing heard a sentence, his complexion would turn a shade paler. At first, it seemed as if he wanted to make a move, but after listening to the end, he didn't say a single word. Instead, he stared at Feng Xin with a cold gaze. Xie Lian angrily said, "Are you done yet? Do you want me to kick you both down?! "
Feng Xin's entire face was flushed red. With one look, it was obvious that his blood had rushed to his brain. Stiffening his neck, he said, "Kick me then, I don't care. What does a Heavenly Official count for! If it wasn't for His Highness's order, I wouldn't even want to be one. But even if I were to be kicked down and become a mortal, I would still be loyal and devoted to His Highness. If you say one word, I'll be the first to rush up. I despise ingrates the most! But this person, if he can't bask in your light and can't become a Heavenly Official, he might not be willing to follow you. I reckon he probably won't even have a single good word to say. I'm done! "
Mu Qing originally pursed his lips and didn't say anything. However, after enduring silently for a long time, he finally couldn't take it anymore and retorted, "Bask in your mother's light! You really know how to paste gold on your own face, what do you know! "
Xie Lian went crazy and said, "Both of you shut up!!! Shut up!!! "
The two of them reluctantly shut their mouths. This time, the ruckus was too big. He was afraid that even Ji Long wouldn't be able to be saved. With great difficulty, Xie Lian gradually suppressed his anger and said with a headache, "… … In short, cursing is absolutely not feasible."
Mu Qing sneered, but still said, "En, the decision is up to you."
Feng Xin then said concisely, "I'll listen to you."
Mu Qing recovered his indifferent expression and said, "Whatever the consequences, His Highness will definitely bear them yourself."
Feng Xin scoffed and didn't say anything. Immediately after, Xie Lian said, "Naturally. I've already thought of … … "
At this moment, the three of them felt a violent tremor. As their bodies swayed, Xie Lian asked in astonishment, "What's wrong?"
Feng Xin was the first to react and said, "The earth is moving!"
Once the earth moved, there were bound to be casualties. Xie Lian shouted, "Save them!"
Unexpectedly, just as the three of them were about to rush out, they saw a person hastily roll out from under the bed. The person stretched out his hand and said, "Cousin! Cousin, don't forget me!!! Bring me along! "
When Xie Lian saw this person, he was even more astonished. "Qi Rong, why are you in my palace?!"
How could he understand Qi Rong's strange daily life? Qi Rong spent all day searching for everything related to Xie Lian. Xie Lian didn't know how long Qi Rong had been hiding here and listening, but the current situation was critical and he didn't have time to ask. Xie Lian grabbed Qi Rong and ran, throwing him into an empty space. He saw that the imperial palace was in a mess, and countless palace servants were screaming and running out of the richly ornamented palace. He shouted, "Is anyone hurt? Is there anyone trapped?! "
Fortunately, after a while, the earth stopped moving. After asking around, it seemed like there weren't any casualties. However, before he could relax, he suddenly heard another wave of screams. Many people raised their hands and pointed at the sky behind him. Xie Lian fiercely turned his head, his pupils shrinking. He saw that in the center of the Imperial Palace, there was a tall and gorgeous pagoda that was slowly tilting to one side.
The Sky Pagoda was about to fall!
This Sky Pagoda's full name was "Celestial Pagoda". It had several hundred years of history and was one of the symbols of the Xian Le Imperial Palace. It was also the tallest building in the entire Xian Le Imperial Palace. Located in the center of the Imperial Palace, it was a famous scenic spot. Once this pagoda fell, there would inevitably be countless casualties. The palace people inside the Imperial Palace and the pedestrians on the streets outside the Imperial Palace fled even more crazily. Seeing this, Xie Lian's right hand quickly formed a few seals. Facing the direction of Mount Tai Cang, he shouted, "Come!"
The pagoda continued to slowly tilt. When it tilted a third of the way down, everyone suddenly felt another tremor.
This tremor was also coming from the earth. However, it was different from the tremors of the earth. This tremor had its own rhythm and was getting faster and closer. When the Sky Pagoda tilted a few more times, everyone finally discovered that the tremor was actually the sound of something's footsteps.
A huge golden statue that was more than five feet tall, with one hand holding a sword and the other holding a flower, was currently walking towards the Imperial Palace with large strides!
Immediately, someone cried out in alarm, "Isn't that the Crown Prince statue from Huang Ji Guan's Xian Le Palace?!"
Sure enough, more and more people recognized it. "It's true! That's the golden statue! Look, it's running down from Mount Tai Cang! "
Every step of that golden statue covered several feet, yet it didn't step on a single person. Thump, thump, thump. As if it was flying, it stepped into the Imperial Palace. In one fell swoop, it supported the falling Sky Pagoda and stopped its decline.