At night, a golden gong rang out from the Anxi Wei Manor, and the sound of music rang out. All the skinny guards lined up, striking the chime and striking the chime. The loud music made the main hall very lively.
An Lushan ate meat and drank wine. The wine spilled all over the couch, and a young eunuch hurriedly wiped his body. The soldiers were all rough men who had followed him for a long time, so they kept shouting. In the middle of the hall, two warriors each wielded a halberd and danced to the music.
Mo Rigen and Lu Xu stood on either side of An Lushan. They each knelt on one knee and held a large golden plate in their hands. When the food was served, the attendants would place roasted meat, fruits, vegetables, and chicken on the plate. An Lushan would occasionally point to the eunuch, and the young eunuch would take the food and bring it to him. He would either feed it to An Lushan, or let him eat it himself.
Mo Rigen and Lu Xu took this opportunity to size up An Lushan. His height could only be described as a mountain, and his body was covered in all kinds of ornaments. The golden ring on his neck that day when he entered the city was no longer there. In its place was a peacock emerald necklace. He wore large luminous pearls in his ears, and a white jade belt around his abdomen.
There were more than 40 generals in the hall for the banquet, and there were also many military officials from the Tang Dynasty invited by An Lushan. Hu Sheng was among them. Everyone was talking and laughing. An Lushan watched the warriors fight in the hall. When he saw one of them being knocked to the ground by the other, he couldn't help but laugh.
Mo Rigen signaled Lu Xu with his eyes to look into the hall. He saw the two warriors fighting more and more fiercely. The music had stopped and was replaced by the beating of drums. The warriors were moving faster and faster. One of them was not strong enough. An Lushan roared, "Kill!"
The strong warrior chased after the weak warrior and stabbed his halberd into his abdomen. The halberd broke through his strong abdominal muscles and came out from his back. The weak warrior immediately spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground.
It was like this every night in Anxi Prefecture, but this was Hu Sheng's first time here. He immediately paled at the sight and almost cried out.
The generals shouted frantically. The strong man allowed the halberd to pierce the weak man's abdomen as he turned around and knelt on one knee before An Lushan. An Lushan was about to stand up and reward him when his expression suddenly changed.
The loser who had his abdomen pierced by the halberd suddenly pulled out a long sword from the side of his leg. Using all his strength, he threw the sword towards the winner who had his back facing him!
Everybody in the hall shouted at the same time. Lu Xu nearly lost his grip on the golden plate. A head rolled down the steps. An Lushan roared, "Good! Reward him, reward him! "
However, the loser had already taken his revenge. His stomach had already been torn open and his intestines were flowing out. He could no longer live. The victor's neck was gushing with blood, spilling all over the floor. From time to time, servants would come forward and carry the corpse away. They would lay it on the floor and suck up the blood on the floor. The entire hall was filled with the smell of blood.
"Get on the leopard -" repeated An Lushan.
The generals shouted one after another, "Yes!"
Then, the golden plates in Mo Rigen and Lu Xu's hands were taken away and replaced with two white jade plates. The plates were filled with high-quality raw mutton. Only now did Lu Xu understand the meaning of "holding the meat". Soon after, a cage was pulled in from outside the hall. Inside the cage was a pitch-black leopard.
Another "Wow" sound came from the hall. Hu Sheng said, "What is this for?"
An Lushan laughed a few times and said, "Hu Sheng, you'll see later."
Lu Xu sized up the leopard, then looked at Mo Rigen. Mo Rigen hesitated for a moment, then narrowed his eyes and lightly shook his head. The moment the black leopard smelled the stench of blood in the hall, it stared at An Lushan and let out a low growl. Then, a few beast tamers came in with long spiked rods and poked the black leopard. The black leopard was in the middle of the hall. The servants first surrounded the iron net and connected it with iron wires. They tied it to the roof beams. Then, they left an opening big enough for one person to enter.
With the sound of bells, four youths arrived at the front of the hall. They were all wearing a pair of white silk pants. Their skin was snow-white, and they were bare-chested. On their backs were written Khitan characters in cinnabar to indicate their identity. Bells were tied to their ankles. When they saw the black leopard, their faces turned ashen.
Lu Xu: "…"
Mo Rigen: "…"
Lu Xu looked at Mo Rigen, and Mo Rigen lightly shook his head again.
An Lushan said, "Who are you betting on? Come, come, come! Place your bets! "
Housekeeper Shi held four plates, each corresponding to the four youths. Lu Xu's scalp went numb. Mo Rigen had heard in the tribe that An Lushan was fond of beautiful youths. Who would have thought that he would be so brazen as to disregard human life in Chang 'an?
Inside the hall, the Tang Dynasty officials placed their bets with fear. An Lushan said, "I'll bet on the third one!"
That youth hurriedly knelt down in front of An Lushan with a sobbing tone. Immediately after, the four youths were sent inside. When the beast tamer removed the nail stick, the black leopard immediately pounced on them!
The youths frantically ran away, screaming in panic. Some of them were so scared that their legs went soft. Lu Xu became nervous. Just as he was about to speak, screams rang out one after another.
The black leopard was pitch-black, while the youths were snow-white. When they were bitten to death and blood spurted out, the scene was extremely shocking. The Tang Dynasty military officials present felt nauseous and couldn't help but vomit.
An Lushan's group was extremely excited and roared one after another. The black leopard bit two youths to death and ignored the others. Just as it was about to feast on the corpses, the beast tamer hit it with the nail stick, causing it to roar angrily.
An Lushan suddenly stood up, causing the hall to tremble. He walked down from the couch, grabbed the meat on Lu Xu's plate, and threw it into the cage. The black leopard immediately pounced on it and chewed on the meat. Immediately after, the beast tamer and the servant worked together to hook the corpses out of the cage.
Mo Rigen looked up at An Lushan's back and saw that An Lushan's pants were loose at the back of his fat waist, revealing the edge of a red gem. It seemed to be embedded in the middle of his back near his buttocks.
Mo Rigen signaled to Lu Xu with his eyes. Lu Xu was extremely angry as he looked into the cage.
There were only two youths left in the cage. They wanted to take the opportunity to escape, but the opening of the cage was immediately sealed. Another round of killing began. Soon after, the screams disappeared. The black leopard had killed another person.
The hall was silent. An Lushan had lost. His face immediately darkened, but he did not order for the cage to be opened. Finally, the youth begged, "Sir, spare me, spare me …"
An Lushan was about to speak when the black leopard suddenly pounced on the last youth. Lu Xu closed his eyes as he heard the last scream. An Lushan's unbridled laughter was heard as he said, "Split the money!"
Thus, the steward personally handed the gambling money to everyone. Mo Rigen repeatedly signaled to Lu Xu to look at An Lushan's back. An Lushan turned around again, pulled his pants up, and tightened his belt. As he passed by the stairs, he glanced casually at Lu Xu.
"You," An Lushan said, "Where are you from?"
The hall was silent. Lu Xu raised his head and replied, "Liangzhou."
Mo Rigen's eyes immediately widened. An Lushan ordered, "Go in."
Lu Xu knew that An Lushan must have noticed him from the moment he revealed his disgusted expression. He immediately put down the golden plate and, under Mo Rigen's shocked gaze, removed his leather belt and grabbed it in his hand. Wearing only a battle skirt, he walked in barefoot.
An Lushan sized up Lu Xu and revealed an evil smile. "One round of military drums. If you can survive, come to my room tonight."
The generals laughed heartily. Hu Sheng and the other military officials had never seen Lu Xu before. Lu Xu was bare-chested and was not as thin as the youth from before. He slowly walked towards the black leopard.
Mo Rigen lowered his head and silently chanted an incantation. One of the Nailhead Seven Arrows slowly floated in through the window and rose high into the air. The arrowhead was aimed at the black leopard.
Lu Xu turned around and glanced at Mo Rigen. Mo Rigen nodded imperceptibly. Lu Xu then bowed and entered the cage.
The black leopard was furious at not being able to eat meat when it suddenly saw another person. It immediately retreated and stared at Lu Xu. Lu Xu was not afraid at all. He stood in front of the black leopard and looked it in the eye.
The black leopard actually felt a faint sense of fear in front of that gaze.
"Beloved generals!" An Lushan said, "Who are you betting on?"
The people in the hall discussed animatedly. They were all very surprised. An Lushan sneered, "I bet on the Black Deity. Rise!"
Suddenly, several drums sounded in unison. The black leopard bowed and Lu Xu bowed at the same time.
Mo Rigen was extremely nervous. Sweat slid down his forehead and dripped onto the floor.
In an instant, the black leopard turned into an arrow and shot towards Lu Xu. Lu Xu turned around barefoot and stepped onto the iron net. He actually flipped in mid-air and narrowly avoided the black leopard!
One man and one leopard switched positions in an instant. Immediately, the hall was filled with cheers. Mo Rigen relaxed a little. He knew that the black leopard's speed was not as fast as Lu Xu's, but he still did not dare to let his guard down.
The next moment, the black leopard roared angrily and grabbed at Lu Xu. Lu Xu's expression did not change. He bowed and dodged. When he reached the black leopard's abdomen, he grabbed its front paw and directly threw it over his shoulder!
Instantly, the hall was silent. Even the drummers forgot to beat the drum. In the silence, the black leopard was spun and thrown towards the iron net!
"Dong! Dong! Dong! "
At this time, the drums fell again. Lu Xu spread his arms and jumped up. He stepped on the iron net and rushed to the top of the cage. Mo Rigen looked up and saw the black leopard rushing up. Lu Xu hooked his leather belt onto the top of the iron net and swung!
The war drums were coming to an end. The black leopard rushed up and hooked its claws onto the top of the iron net. Lu Xu flipped again and swept past the black leopard's claws. He turned around and kicked the black leopard, shouting, "Go to hell!"
The black leopard roared angrily and was kicked in the abdomen. Then, Lu Xu wrapped the leather belt around its neck and fiercely tightened it again. He hung the iron net on it and dropped down. He grabbed the entire black leopard from the back and dropped down with it!
The leather belt immediately tightened and tightly wrapped around the black leopard's neck. The black leopard could not roar. Its four claws scratched wildly in the air as it hung in mid-air.
Lu Xu landed and stood in the cage, looking around.
An Lushan and Lu Xu looked at each other.
"You've lost." Lu Xu said coldly.
The hall was silent. The black leopard's throat made a soft sound as it was strangled. The light in its eyes gradually disappeared. Lu Xu silently chanted the expiation incantation and pressed one hand on the black leopard's abdomen. If I don't kill you, someone will die tomorrow night because of An Lushan. I'll expiate it.
That night, Mo Rigen and Lu Xu were brought to An Lushan's bedroom. The housekeeper waited on them. The procurement officer was frightened out of his wits. He said, "Sir, they're brothers. The one who brought the dishes didn't come today …"
The procurement officer told him what happened. Someone knocked on the door. An Lushan said, "Wait!"
After the procurement officer told him everything, An Lushan asked Lu Xu, "Is what he said true?"
Lu Xu nodded. Mo Rigen said, "Sir, this little brother has a talent. He's been running very fast since he was young …"
An Lushan waved his hand impatiently, indicating that he wasn't asking. He said to the procurement officer and housekeeper, "Both of you are dismissed."
After the two of them left, An Lushan waved at Lu Xu and said, "Come, come here."
Lu Xu slowly walked towards An Lushan. Mo Rigen lowered his head and moved his lips slightly. The Nailhead Seven Arrows flew in from all directions. They floated in the air in the middle of the night and surrounded An Lushan's bedroom.
An Lushan reached out his giant hand and grabbed Lu Xu, pulling him into his embrace. Lu Xu struggled with all his might and shouted, "Brother!"
An Lushan coaxed Lu Xu in every possible way. He licked his face repeatedly and said, "You're from Liangzhou? Then are your parents around? Tell your brother to go back and tell your parents … "
Lu Xu shouted, "No! Sir, let me go! "
Lu Xu wanted to push An Lushan away, but An Lushan's wrist was like an iron hoop. Lu Xu finally couldn't take it anymore and roared, "Let me go!"
An Lushan was furious and also roared, "You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"
Mo Rigen hurried forward and pulled Lu Xu to his knees. An Lushan got up and walked towards Mo Rigen and Lu Xu. His back was exposed, and his enormous body was like a mountain full of oppression. Mo Rigen begged, "Sir, please spare my life. This little brother was just immature …"
An Lushan took a deep breath. Just as he was about to explode in anger —
Mo Rigen's eyes flashed. He pulled Lu Xu with his left hand and the two of them jumped up at the same time. Mo Rigen then whistled.
Seven Nailhead Arrows broke through walls, windows, and doors in all directions and flew towards An Lushan's back at the same time!
An Lushan immediately turned around. Mo Rigen raised his hand and struck out, aiming for his waist!
In the next moment, black flames swept out and sent the two of them flying. The Seven Nailhead Arrows spun in the air like meteors, all of them chasing after An Lushan. An Lushan's back erupted with blazing red flames from his back to his neck. He then reached out with two enormous hands and caught all the arrows!
The flames on his back continued to erupt and burn, and his eyes exploded with black gas. Lu Xu saw that the situation was not good. He immediately took the long sword from the wall and stabbed it at An Lushan.
"Exorcist —" An Lushan's voice suddenly changed, turning into a roar more terrifying than the Black Dragon's. It was like the inner demon from Dunhuang that night. Black gas spread out and filled the entire room. Mo Rigen shouted, "Lu Xu! Run! "
The two of them rushed out of the room and into the courtyard. However, a black shadow suddenly scattered and turned into a whirlwind, sweeping towards the two of them.
Lu Xu and Mo Rigen leapt into the air. Mo Rigen shook his body and turned into a Grey Wolf. However, the black whirlwind had already scattered into Gu worms and scattered into the Grey Wolf's fur.
"Mo Rigen!" Lu Xu shouted.
"Go!" The Grey Wolf was instantly submerged in the black sea of Gu worms. An Lushan chased after it, two giant arms extending from his back. Immediately after, the giant arms expanded again and grabbed at Lu Xu. Lu Xu stepped onto the wall and somersaulted. He hesitated in the air, wanting to save Mo Rigen. However, An Lushan's demonic arms had already grabbed him.
At this moment, the Grey Wolf pounced forward and bit the demonic arms. The flames exploded and the Grey Wolf was sent flying. Lu Xu finally steeled his heart. He turned into a White Deer in the air and soared into the sky, rushing towards the end of the night.
An Lushan's two arms grabbed the Grey Wolf. The Grey Wolf trembled uncontrollably, and countless Gu worms spread out from its fur. An Lushan viciously threw the Grey Wolf to the ground. The Grey Wolf twitched and whimpered uncontrollably.
The densely packed Gu worms climbed up from the ground and converged into the bodies of two Gu Apes.
"I was just about to remind you." One of the Gu Apes said, "We met an exorcist outside. I'm afraid they will make a move tonight."
An Lushan snorted coldly. He withdrew the two flaming arms and returned them to his cracked back. He said in a low voice, "Take them away and watch over them. I will personally interrogate them tomorrow."
Lu Xu transformed into a human on the roof of a house, gasping for breath.
Black flames converged in front of him. Lu Xu was instantly shocked. When he sized up the man who had condensed into human form, he realized that it was Yang Guozhong.
"Xie Yu?" Lu Xu asked.
"I wanted to go and save you." Yang Guozhong said in a low voice, "What arrangements does Li Jinglong have? He can't possibly send you to your deaths like this. "
Lu Xu sized up Yang Guozhong warily, but did not answer. Yang Guozhong asked again, "Where did Li Jinglong go?"
Lu Xu took a deep breath. He held Mo Rigen's Dharma treasure, Nailhead Arrow, in his hand. Yang Guozhong said, "You want to avenge your parents? But you can't kill me even if you attack me now. "
"Don't be nervous." A voice spoke into Lu Xu's ears. It was Qiu Yongsi's voice. He said softly, "Just ask him where he hid Ye Ming's body. He will leave immediately."
"Where did you hide Ye Ming's body?" Lu Xu asked coldly.
Yang Guozhong was instantly shocked. When he heard that, he could not help but take half a step back. He said in a trembling voice, "Who told you that?"
"Naturally, someone will come and take care of you," Lu Xu said coldly. He then walked to the end of the roof, slid down, and disappeared into the alley.
Yang Guozhong had yet to snap back to reality. He could not stop panting, and his eyes were filled with hatred.