Chapter 317: Meeting Big Uncle! (1/2)
Chapter 317: Meeting Big Uncle!
Silence drifted in the night.
The shadows in the vicinity of the spirit vein slowly retreated.
“AHHH...!”
From time to time, a shout of agony would sound, but peace would swiftly be restored to the mountain range.
The spiritual energy in the spirit vein was extremely concentrated, but no one dared to approach it. After the emergence of dozens of corpses after the first day, everyone learned a formidable existence occupied the spirit vein.
It was as if those who had dared to barge onto the grounds had disappeared into another world. The area would be completely silent for a few moments before a corpse was abruptly tossed out of the mist. These corpses revealed the gruesome manner in which those invaders had died, and it sent shivers down the spines of those watching.
Thus, those foolish enough to barge in rapidly halted.
As dawn slowly set onto the world, the crowd gradually retreated.
---
On the mountain where the spirit vein was centered, in the midst of a thick layer of mist, the Demonic Emperor Old Man gazed into the distance beyond the mountain before exhaling deeply. From the onset of the night until now, he had dealt with many waves of malicious spies.
However, the number of men beyond the mountain only continued to increase. Even the Demonic Emperor Old Man couldn't help but feel a little troubled over this matter. Without any forceful methods, it would be difficult for him to keep them under control. It was fortunate that he had managed to deter most of them after putting his heart into slaughtering a few of the invading experts.
Otherwise, if anyone could come and go freely from the spirit vein, it would be a huge mess.
The training regimes that Wang Chong had planned would be affected as well.
”Let's hope that they will be deterred with this,” the Demonic Emperor Old Man sighed, before fetching a pigeon from his loose sleeves. Lifting his hands up, he sent the pigeon into the sky.
Whether the matter here was a blessing or a disaster, he would inform Wang Chong and allow him to decide for himself.
------
As the day approached afternoon, a green carriage slowly drove through the bustling streets and eventually stopped at the residence of an influential official of the royal court, Wang Gen.
Opening the carriage, Wang Chong walked out.
After spending half a day dealing with other crucial matters, Wang Chong finally arrived at Big Uncle Wang Gen's residence.
Towering walls surrounded the residence, and two massive crouching lions stood at the gates. By the sides hung two large red lanterns.
Through the slit in between the gate, he could vaguely see a refreshing and elegant bamboo garden.
Big Uncle Wang Gen was an academic official, and perhaps due to Duke Jiu's influence, he had great interest in aesthetics as well. The bamboo garden was laid out in a fashion identical to that in the Four Quarters Embassy, seemingly revealing his inclination toward the plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo*.
This wasn't Wang Chong's first time here, but the emotions he harbored at this moment were very different from any other occasions.
It is also about time to talk to big uncle about that matter, Wang Chong thought as he gazed upon the majestic residence. He had received Big Uncle Wang Gen's pigeon yesterday, but he didn't reply immediately. Instead, he chose to pay him a visit personally.
Flinging his robe behind him, Wang Chong walked up to the entrance.
”Gongzi!”
Four sturdy Wang Clan guards stood at the entrance to the residence, two on each side. Upon seeing Wang Chong, their faces tightened, and they hurriedly bowed deeply in respect.
This gesture had come from the depths of their hearts, and it felt very earnest.
When Wang Chong was younger, he spent his time fooling around and causing trouble in the streets, so everyone couldn't help but think lightly of him.
But in the past half a year, Wang Chong seemed to have changed into a very different person. Seeing his great accomplishments, their initial contempt had transformed into respect and awe.
Thus, upon seeing Wang Chong, they immediately bowed deeply to pay their respects.
”Is my big uncle inside?” Wang Chong asked.
”Yes. After old master learned that gongzi would be arriving, he has been waiting for you in the study. Should we report gongzi's arrival to him?”
”There's no need for that. I'll head straight there.” Wang Chong waved his hands and stepped across the gate. Passing by a pond and a garden, and crossing through a bamboo garden and a gazebo, he finally stopped outside Wang Gen's study.
A familiar breathing rhythm sounded from the room. Glancing at the purple doors of the study, many thoughts flashed through Wang Chong's mind.
There were many matters which he had avoided talking to big uncle about, but the letter big uncle sent left him with no other choice.
Big uncle would have never imagined that what he was doing now was completely wrong!
The closer he came to the First Prince, the more danger he was exposing himself to.
In his previous life, under grandfather's grand halo and outstanding accomplishments, even after falling for the Yao Clan's ploy and offending King Song, the Wang Clan should still be able to hold its ground.
However, the relationship between big uncle and the First Prince had shattered this final hope. Given big uncle's long years of contribution to the royal court, even if he were to choose the wrong side in a political face-off, the worst that should occur was just a demotion.
However, what he was roped into was the most dangerous War of the Princes. That was what that resulted in the Wang Clan losing favor with the royal family. This was the true reason why the Wang Clan declined swiftly, as if falling into an endless abyss, never to stand up again after grandfather's passing.
The entire Wang Clan fell from the heavens to become a lowly speck of dust in the mortal world.
Understanding big uncle's beliefs and convictions, Wang Chong had been trying to put off this matter. However, considering the current situation, he had no other choice anymore.
Sigh, I can only hope that big uncle will be willing to listen to my words!, Wang Chong sighed deeply.
”Chong-er, you are here.” Just as Wang Chong was deeply immersed in his thoughts, a deep and authoritative voice sounded from the room.
Recovering from his daze, Wang Chong pushed open the door and walked in.