Under Gu Wen's urging, the eel was quickly pulled out.
Gu Wen touched the eel's corpse with his hand, the Fate Diagram vibrated with different intensities; the tail was the weakest, and the vibrations grew stronger closer to the head, indicating the treasure was in the head.
Something that could disturb the imperial syrup might be the legendary Demon Core or perhaps some kind of treasure.
After all, according to Yu Hua, Daqian had its limits of heaven's number; maybe this eel was some formidable demon outside, and here it had become his windfall.
If it truly were, it would be like a windfall from the heavens!
Gu Wen took a knife and slit open the scales on the head, cutting into the flesh three inches deep when he hit something hard— the skull.
Just then, Jiang Fugui, who had been dispatched to monitor the movements of the royal house, ran back and said, "My lord, Feng Daban with dozens of the royal house's trusted aides is coming."
"No matter what, delay them for me."
Gu Wen could barely contain his anger at that moment; Jiang Fugui ran off, while the surrounding boatmen used all their strength to smash the eel's head, cracking the bone but not completely breaking it.
Seeing that it was too late, Gu Wen had someone pry open the eel's mouth, and he leaned in with half his body to cut open the lower jaw with his knife. After several cuts to slice through the cartilage, he reached inside, and the stench was accompanied by a viscous fluid dripping onto his face.
'Almost there, it's inside, just a little more!'
The vibration of the Fate Diagram intensified. Suddenly his fingertips touched something hard, and the imperial syrup boiled over, like the initial enlightenment given by the Heavenly Marrow; the imperial syrup surged like a mighty river.
[All living beings create their destiny; ten categories and myriad beings all contain three fates: Heaven's Fate, Earth's Fate, and Man's Fate. Heaven's Fate accompanies birth, strong and absolute. Earth's Fate is enduring; all living beings rely on the earth after birth, and the Great Dao is everlasting. Man's Fate is fleeting, the Great Dao obscure.]
Of the three—heaven, earth, and man—the imperial syrup is Earth's Fate.
And Earth's Fate encompasses thousands, just like the incomprehensible essence of Heavenly Marrow's enlightenment, relying on the things he touched, enough to reveal one ten-thousandth of it.
Magic Treasures, artifacts, weapons, Golden Cores, Demon Cores, and such that use external things to carry power.
[Jade-eyed Water Wave Pearl]
"What are you doing!"
A sharp voice came through, followed by Gu Wen being dragged out by the royal house's trusted aides before he had a chance to take the treasure.
Eunuch Feng looked down at Gu Wen and asked, "Marquis Wen, what are you doing inside His Highness's auspicious omen? If you spoil the auspicious omen, can you afford it?"
The voice sounded as mocking as a duck's quack.
Damn eunuch! All the good things in this world go to your Zhao family!
A chill flashed in Gu Wen's eyes, and he contemplated murder countless times in his mind. With just one stretch of his hand and one slice with a knife, this eunuch's head would fall to the ground.
He bowed and said, "A snake monster swallowed a jade ring of invaluable worth, and I wanted to retrieve it."
My Daoist heart is as solid as rock, and the value of treasures is immeasurable; even treasures that have slipped from my hands can be stolen back.
They might not discover it, and Gu Wen believed the royal house's security would enable his schemes.
Looking down on Gu Wen, Feng Xiang pinched his fingers together, "Marquis Wen need not bow to me, this servant. Although the imperial edict will take some time, you are no commoner."
Although he despised Gu Wen, he strictly abided by the social hierarchy of superiors and inferiors.
"I will take this auspicious omen with me, His Highness is eager to offer it to the immortal families. If I find your treasure, I will have someone deliver it to you."
"Yes."
Gu Wen stepped aside, helplessly watching the eel being carried away by dozens of men, and he could only order his subordinates to spread the rumor that Dragon Spring Well truly housed a dragon.
The huge eel being taken away would surely cause a sensation, and at least, it would allow him to make some silver. His spending was like flowing water now; he desperately needed to make back some money.
An hour later, half of Bianjing knew that the Ninth Prince had killed a dragon and brought it back, ordained by Heaven!
-----------------
The royal house.
Zhao Feng, seeing the eel over ten meters long, was overjoyed and applauded continuously, saying, "I will go consult with the immortal families."
"Your Highness," at this moment, a Guest Elder of noble origin stepped forward and said, "An auspicious omen under the feet of the Emperor, I think it should be sent to the imperial palace first. If His Majesty is pleased, perhaps he will grant you the title of Crown Prince."
The surrounding Guest Elders agreed one after another, in their view, currying favor with the Emperor was the utmost priority.
Now, the Ninth Prince seemed delirious, smitten by a woman from outside the Capital City.
"This prince and the Saint Emperor are connected at heart; His Majesty will support me."
Zhao Feng smiled faintly, appearing as if he had the favor of a saint, believing he could understand the thoughts of the reigning Emperor.
What do these worldly people know? As long as he won the favor of the immortal Yu Hua, the position of Crown Prince was within easy reach. Even the throne of Daqian paled in comparison to the Daoist Sect's Heavenly Girl from 'The Three Pure Ones'.
Before departing, Zhao Feng did not forget to have the ladies-in-waiting dress him up, with rouge, powder, sachets, a Jade Pendant, and he also donned a feathered cap, presenting the whole image of a dashing gentleman.
Those watching were stunned; although descendants of great families all paid attention to their appearance, such meticulous dressing was more akin to the gentlemen in the pleasure quarters.
Zhao Feng arrived in front of the courtyard he had been longing for, when a donkey blocked his path, and he bowed, saying, "The junior has something to ask of the immortal."
"What is it?"
"The destiny that the Sanqing Taoist Sect seeks has shown promise."
"Speak."
"I need to see the immortal first."
Zhao Feng, prepared this time, stood his ground. After being taken advantage of for so long, he hadn't seen Yu Hua in private even once, and he had no idea if she had even read the letter he had someone write for a high price.
"Then wait here, kid. I'll go call Yu Hua."
This matter concerned the Immortality Pill, so the donkey, for once, did not extort Zhao Feng and ran into the courtyard; in about a minute, he ran back out.
"Yu Hua will see you."
Those four simple words almost made Zhao Feng jump with excitement. He strode into the courtyard, which was just a small garden in the royal mansion seldom inhabited by anyone, but for some reason, stepping inside made one feel ecstatic.
A figure in plain white emerged from the room. Zhao Feng felt a pity that he couldn't enter the immortal's dwelling, although he roughly knew the layout.
"Take me there."
Yu Hua was succinct in her speech.
A month had passed since Yu Hua last stepped out of the garden, and the incessant quacking of the ducks beside her was enough to fray anyone's nerves. She couldn't help but recall a figure that was as undistinguished as it was mysterious, like the depths of a secluded pool.
If it was him, he wouldn't be so verbose; instead, I would have to ponder his meanings time and again.
Upon seeing the eel, Yu Hua's eyes sparkled slightly. She approached and touched it with her hand, asking, "Where did you find it?"
Zhao Feng replied, "The task the immortal entrusted to me has kept me restless day and night. Today, on a whim, I visited Dragon Spring Well and happened upon this demon wreaking havoc. So, I took up my sword and mounted my horse, and after a fierce battle, finally subdued this demon."
It was sent by Gu Wen.
Yu Hua's heart stirred slightly, and she pursed her lips, saying, "You've done well. From now on, you don't need to do this yourself."
This was to prevent him from continuously taking credit for another's deeds; this should belong to Gu Wen.
The world is unjust; that's the norm, yet at the very least, Yu Hua tried to restore some measure of justice.
Though the world be murky, she sought but to keep her heart untarnished.
Zhao Feng felt as if he had received divine favor, and he almost floated on air.
The immortal cares for me!
Yu Hua had already stopped paying attention to Zhao Feng. With a wave of her hand, a wisp of spirit light flew out of the eel's head and, before anyone could see what it was, Yu Hua concealed it in her sleeve.
-----------------
Nighttime.
Gu Wen sat crossed-legged on the floor, his intent to kill growing stronger; he had already thought of ways to gain access to the snake monster's corpse. He had his agents in the royal mansion and had bribed some people, though it would cost him some silver again.
The world bustles for profit's sake.
Though he was a merchant, the fact he could reach beyond to touch upon the royal family's estate was not merely the power of wealth; it was also the crumbling of a system of rights. In chaotic times, status means nothing, and as chaos draws near, everyone stops recognizing the divine right of the Zhao family's rule.
From the information he had, the Zhao family had already started losing control over various prefectures and counties, and the increasingly frequent rebellions and suppressions would soon exceed the court's capacity. Next, like in past dynasties, the Zhao family would delegate military power, allowing local noble families to quell the uprisings.
With military power, noble families would stake their claims, making taxes even harder to collect. Without taxes, the court would grow weaker still.
This was the cyclical nature of dynasties.
Someday, the inner treasury would be reduced to ashes, the imperial street trampled over by the bones of officials!
All he needed to do was quietly feast upon Daqian's carcass until his powers were fully fledged, and then sweep across the world with the overwhelming momentum.
If one cannot become an immortal lying down, then stand.
After a period of meditation, he suddenly opened his eyes.
A faint breath was approaching from outside.
He looked around cautiously; it might be Yu Hua, but still, he picked up the club beside his bed.
Under the moonlight, Yu Hua approached like Guanghan Fairy on a moonlit path. As she reached the door and was about to knock, strands of thoughts laced with murderous intent reached her.
The inner treasury reduced to ashes, the imperial street trampled over by bones...
She looked surprised and pursed her lips. Just those few words had painted a vision of splendor turning to ruin and wealth fading to mirages in times of chaos.
The peaceful songs carried by the wind seemed like the prologue to impending chaos, sending shivers down one's spine.
This descendant of the Gu family, though seldom spoke, his every word was startlingly perceptive, no wonder he achieved Foundation Establishment in four days.
Knock, knock, knock.
"It's me."
Gu Wen, holding a spear, opened the door. Yu Hua stretched out her delicate hand: moonlight trailed along her jade-like fingers into the room, revealing a green bead lying quietly in her palm.
Her voice remained as calm and elegant as ever, yet there was a hint of cheerfulness that made one unconsciously sense a smiling face behind the gauze.
"This is your bead, a Spiritual Treasure."
That's it then, I'm going to end up like Zhao Feng, a despicable creature.