Chapter 278: Upheaval in The Imperial City (1/2)
Chapter 278: Upheaval in The Imperial City
Translator: E.3.3.Editor: Vermillion
The night has fallen, returning the bustling Imperial City to its most tranquil state. Hanging in the sky are two crescent moons emitting chilling beams of light, as if covering the earth with a gossamer veil.
Under the cold moonlight, the rubbles on the streets only made the Imperial City look more desolate. There was scarcely any people around, only a couple of workers cleaning up the debris and fixing the destroyed pavement.
Fang Fang's Little Store, in the kitchen.
With squinted eyes, Bu Fang twirled the Dragon Bone Kitchen Knife in his hand and diced up a slab of dragon meat. He lit the fire and heated the pot. Then, he summoned a surge of true energy from within and cooked this dragon meat the same way he made his Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs.
Though this was merely the flesh of an eighth grade Flood Dragon, under the nourishment of spirit energy, its meat offered an indescribable texture and a truly intoxicating taste.
Sticking out his tongue, Blacky ogled at the aromatic Sweet 'n' Sour Dragon Meat Ribs that Bu Fang had just scooped out of the pot.
Dragon meat… it must be absolutely delicious!
Bu Fang tasted a piece and became helplessly intoxicated with this gourmet delicacy. The dragon meat had a wonderful texture, very springy and incredibly succulent.
He placed this plate of Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs before Blacky, who had held back the entire night and couldn't wait to dig into the porcelain bowl. He wolfed down the contents inside with pleasure.
The flesh of large reptiles always tasted wonderful, not to mention that they became even more delicious under Bu Fang's magical touch.
Watching as Blacky devoured the ribs, Bu Fang curled his lips. At the same time, he felt it unfortunate that he didn't have the appetizing fruit vinegar to make Dragon Liver Popsicle with an eight grade Flood Dragon's liver. But that is that. This gourmet delicacy demanded an excellent fruit vinegar, without which would simply ruin the dish.
Bu Fang secretly decided that he must find time to brew his own fruit vinegar. However, that was a task for the far future.
After practicing some other dishes, Bu Fang called it a day. He returned to his room and prepared to sleep. He needed to maintain the quality of his rest to ensure he would constantly be in the best conditions. Maintaining a focused mind was certainly conducive to his cooking.
Not after long, a steady stream of snores resounded from Bu Fang's room.
...
The Imperial City of the Light Wind Empire, main halls.
Lights flickered beside the fluttering shadows inside the main halls.
Numerous ministers of the empire had convened here to discuss state affairs. The Imperial City of the Light Wind Empire had been shaken by a storm, instilling anxiety and fear in each and every minister.
As the powerholders of the Imperial City, they naturally understood the tense situation of the Light Wind Empire. All seven regions have fallen into mayhem—there were spirit beasts attacking cities and rebel forces revolting.
For these folks, it was simply something unimaginable. Nobody had anticipated the empire to break down and fall into chaos in such a short time.
Ji Chengxue, though a new emperor, was certainly no incompetent ruler. Ever since taking the throne, he had been cautious and attentive, tending to state affairs in an orderly manner. Such a degree of bedlam was uncalled for.
The father-son party from the Xiao family sat cross-legged in the halls with their eyes closed, completely impervious to the incessant quarrels nearby.
Ji Chengxue, situated in the upper tiers of the halls, rubbed his brows. He observed the confrontations and deliberations between his ministers down below, and emitted a long, helpless breath.
Suddenly.
Dong!
There was a loud crash that sounded much like a heavy stomp. Afterwards, a eunuch rushed into the halls, looking flurried.
”Your… Your Majesty, there's someone outside… with a coffin, asking for an audience with Your Majesty!” The eunuch, with terror written all over his face, reported in a panic. Carrying a coffin into the palace, now who was this audacious…
Ji Chengxue instantly propped up his body as the Xiao family members fluttered open their eyelids.
The atmosphere outside of the main halls was dreary. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the air as numerous figures sauntered into the halls. They came in with a pitch black coffin in their hands.
A chilled wind suddenly began howling within the halls, utterly silencing the chattering ministers, who now almost didn't dare to breathe.
Four shadows, all dressed in black and with bamboo hats covering their faces, strolled into the main halls.
Under the scrutiny of everyone inside, they slowly wandered to the center of the main halls. With a loud thud, they dropped the coffin onto the ground, causing the floor of the halls to rattle.
”Under the orders of King Yu, we have delivered the coffin.”
A raspy voice rang from one among the group. Then, the four gestured to Ji Chengxue, who sat high up in the halls, with cupped hands to express their minimal courtesy. Then, they turned around, ready to leave the main halls.
”This is sheer effrontery! How outrageous!”
Xiao Meng glowered with eyes that nearly shot lasers and ferociously smacked down with his palm. With a bellow, he dashed after the four men withdrawing from the main halls. The palace guards immediately followed his steps.
Ji Chengxue paid no attention to Xiao Meng, who was chasing after the intruders. Instead, he walked down from his throne with a blank face and approached the coffin.
Xiao Yue rushed forward to shield Ji Chengxue from any potential danger hidden within the coffin. However, when he pushed open the lid, there were no planted traps. They were delivered a simple coffin.
Yet when everyone caught a glimpse of the body lying inside, they fell into a deep silence.
The figure resting quietly inside was a heavily wounded Lian Fu with bloody gashes tore through his chest. He who was once a majestic seventh grade Battle-Saint was now only an ice-cold corpse.