Can a Scholar Be Called a Villain

Chapter 67: Meeting

Thunderstorms were a frequent sight in the capital, particularly during this year.

Prior to the south rebellion being quelled, tragedy struck once more in the capital as the seventh prince met his untimely demise.

The culprit behind this heinous act seemed to be none other than the disciple of the Poisonous Old Ghost.

The capital’s imperial guards were swiftly deployed to support the two generals locked in battle in the southern regions, exacerbating the strain on an already diminished force.

Jiang Tian Sheng, the sole remaining general in the capital, had embarked on a crucial mission to unveil a matter of immense significance. He led his troops beyond the city’s confines, tracing the rivers in a determined search.

Yet, the turmoil did not cease there.

As the military gradually pacified the tumultuous counties, the sudden emergence of the four influential clans shattered any semblance of tranquillity.

Led by their clan leaders, discontented subordinate branches initiated a rebellion against the dictatorial rule of the main branches.

Crucially, the longevity of the four esteemed clans hinged not only upon the presence of Sky Reaching realm experts among their ranks, but also upon the steadfast backing of numerous clan members who shared the same surname.

Nevertheless, the powerful main branches could not easily disregard this mutiny. The subordinate branches wielded substantial influence, forming the very bedrock upon which the clans were built!

Henceforth, even the venerable progenitor of the Liu clan who had thus far stayed in the capital, could no longer remain passive. He swiftly returned to his clan, accompanied by his retinue.

In an effort to quell the uprising, the two great clans residing in the capital had no choice but to dispatch their main forces to the rebellious regions under their jurisdiction.

The capital now resembled an isolated city, with people frantically flooding in from the outskirts and those within desperately seeking escape.

And within a narrow alleyway, an old man appeared.

It was none other than the infamous Poisonous Old Ghost.

Gone was the dishevelled countenance he had worn beyond the city’s limits; in its place, a radiant and refined expression adorned his features. Stepping towards the wall, he emitted a soft cough before speaking, “A fleeting instant that ought to have lasted forever, yet in that very moment, all I felt was desolation.”

This phrase had been taught to him by his disciple, Tang Can, and this location in the capital held a particular significance in their plans.

As expected, gears turned within the wall, gradually revealing a hidden passage.

A human silhouette emerged, its form appearing blurred to the Poisonous Old Ghost’s eyes.

In a measured voice, it spoke, “Do you still remember the hidden weapon I used during our first encounter?”

Yet, the voice did not resemble Tang Can’s.

But the Poisonous Old Ghost could tell that Tang Can was being wary of something.

In a raspy voice, he responded, “I remember, it was a green snake dart adorned with a green snake, a three-edged tip and three feathers at its end.”

Then, the figure slowly walked forwards, revealing the appearance of a wooden puppet as it entered the light. Adorned in human attire, it projected an uncanny semblance of a human silhouette within the shadows.

Following closely behind the puppet was Tang Can himself.

Tang Can burst forth with excitement, using his divine senses to thoroughly examine the Poisonous Old Ghost before jumping into his arms.

Attempting to hold back tears, he spoke in a mournful tone, “Old man, my father is dead. He died for me.”

With a solemn yet grief-stricken expression, the Poisonous Old Ghost tenderly caressed Tang Can’s head and replied slowly, “I know. But we mustn’t dwell in the past. Your father wouldn’t have wished this for you either, isn’t that right?”

Tang Can nodded resolutely while Lu Hai Miao, the person controlling the wooden puppet, stepped out. She retrieved the wooden puppet and stowed it in her bag of holding, calling out urgently, “Hurry in! We can’t risk anyone seeing the Zong Xiang Gang’s safe house!”

Tang Can withdrew himself from the embrace of the Poisonous Old Ghost with evident reluctance, his eyes retaining a glistening sheen of tears. The elderly man tenderly gave his shoulder a reassuring pat, and in unison, they ventured into the obscurity of the concealed passage. This pathway was a slender trail, just sufficiently spacious for a solitary individual to traverse.

Once the three of them had entered, the robust door of the clandestine passage sealed shut, its soundproofing mechanism guaranteeing the containment of any sound as they ventured further within.

Subsequently, the external light vanished as the trio securely entered the confines of the safe house.

The secret passage stretched about a dozen meters, ending with a flight of stairs leading further down.

Walking for another hundred meters, they finally reached the safe house.

Deeply concealed, even the Poisonous Old Ghost’s divine senses failed to detect this area, which was buried fifty meters underground.

Illuminated by lanterns, the safehouse spanned several hundred square meters. It was well-stocked with resources and various items, and interconnected with dark passages for ventilation.

“Can’er, the urgent matter that you spoke of in your secret message, what exactly was it?” The Poisonous Old Ghost inquired hastily.

Tang Can fixed a serious gaze upon his master as he recounted the events that had taken place.

“I had a sense that something was amiss the moment I entered the valley.

The mere fact that the Dragon God Crystals, such invaluable treasures, were entombed beneath the earth perplexed me. Why did everyone become consumed by greed?

After I had confirmed that I wasn’t poisoned, I thought of a possibility – Stimulants.

Something invisible had stimulated everyone, whether it was spiritual medicine, a spiritual array, or even a spiritual vein. Personally, I believe it was spiritual medicine.

That’s why they mercilessly slaughtered each other, even disregarding blood ties.

There were three objectives behind this massacre.

Firstly, it was to eliminate the princes. The conflict claimed the lives of three princes on the battlefield, while Murong Xing, who managed to escape, met his demise within the recovery facility.

Secondly, the plot sought to goad the South Village King into an insurgency. Whether by Hei Lao San and his cohorts exposing the ties between the South Village King and the Black River cult, or by placing the head of one of the fallen princes in the hands of Ning Wei Wu, the intent was to compel the South Village King into launching his rebellion ahead of schedule.

Thirdly, the scheme aimed to sully the Blood Spirits’ reputation in the eyes of the masses, then, they could subsequently cast the blame on duke Sheng. This manoeuvre provided a convenient pretext for the elimination of his lineage.”

Lu Hai Miao and the Poisonous Old Ghost listened intently.

The Poisonous Old Ghost immersed himself in contemplation while Lu Hai Miao interjected with a resounding clap of her hands, “Are you implying that the South Village King was also coerced?”

Tang Can nodded, “I’m afraid so. Despite this year’s relatively moderate beast wave, the South Village army remains inadequately equipped. The hasty uprising implies that the mastermind behind these events compelled him to act.

Furthermore, their leverage lies in the infiltrators within the South Village army, those disguised individuals serve as pawns in their game.”

“But what exactly do they seek to achieve?” the perplexed Poisonous Old Ghost asked.

Tang Can’s expression turned solemn. “If my guess is correct, they are aiming for the throne!”

“The throne?” Both the Poisonous Old Ghost and Lu Hai Miao were stunned.

“Exactly. The imperial faction’s leader, Duke Sheng, was surrounded and killed. Subsequently, they incited a rebellion to suppress the military.

With the imperial guards now absent from the capital, a rebellion could be instigated with relative ease!”

Lu Hai Miao struggled to believe what she was hearing, “But how are they planning on seizing control of the imperial palace? There are still the palace guards safeguarding that place!”

“Have you forgotten those disguised infiltrators?” Tang Can responded.

“They wouldn’t even require an external army to breach the palace; a mere substitution of the imperial guard’s commander and court officials would enable them to swiftly muster an army within an instant. Gaining entry to the imperial palace would then become an effortless endeavour!”

“But Murong Tong is a Sky Reaching realm expert! And his mysterious paternal uncle, Murong Jiao, is there as well. Wouldn’t it be difficult for the mastermind to deal with the both of them?” the Poisonous Old Ghost asked.

Tang Can shook his head, “I don’t know, even if they lack the ability to win in a direct confrontation, their proficiency in disguises enables them to employ poison and ambush tactics effortlessly. Presently, even the third prince, Murong Lin, has been replaced. By the time Murong Tong and Murong Jiao succumbs, they could simply place Murong Lin on the throne immediately.”

“No wonder you asked me to request an investigation from the Zong Xiang gang. Have you discovered anything else?” Lu Hai Miao inquired.

“The ones acting unusually are mostly the officials and generals in positions of authority. It suggests that they have been replaced long ago. We must swiftly relay this information to the emperor, Murong Tong, and have him capture these impostors immediately.”

The Poisonous Old Ghost and Lu Hai Miao nodded.

The Poisonous Old Ghost spoke reassuringly, “Do not worry, my disciple. Shall we go and explain the situation to Murong Tong right away?”

“No! We need to go to the first prince’s manor first.”

Translator’s note

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