noffsinger Chapter 10: The Show Begins
Chapter 10: The Show Begins
Soon, this ritualistic procession of alchemists arrived at the designated location for the dismemberment ceremony—the open space in the center of the Dan Chi.
Upon arrival, everyone immediately set up the altar, following the established procedures.
Each artifact, whether ancient or unique, was placed in its designated spot.
Zou Yun walked steadily to the center of the altar, closed his eyes, and knelt down like an old monk in meditation.
He looked as if he was intently communicating with the will of Heaven.
As the ritual implements were placed in their proper positions one by one, an indescribable mysterious atmosphere quietly spread outwards from the altar.
The alchemists' movements became increasingly gentle, as if afraid that the slightest unnecessary sound would disturb this communion between heaven and man.
Those pampered young nobles of Qin had never seen such a spectacle before, and their curiosity was mixed with a hint of awe.
The noise, chatter, and even chuckles of the crowd subsided rapidly, like the receding tide.
On the vast altar, only the sound of the wind fluttering the banners around the altar could be heard.
And just as this silence reached its peak, almost suffocating—
"Boom!"
Suddenly, the sound of wheels rolling came from outside the Danchi, grinding against the bluestone ground, growing louder as it approached.
Following closely behind, several imposing carriages, symbolizing imperial majesty, slowly drove into the square, escorted by elite Qin warriors, forming a solemn procession.
The banners on both sides, adorned with enormous black bird totems, fluttered in the wind like unfolded black wings.
The ruler of the Qin Empire, the First Emperor Ying Zheng, has finally arrived!
Ying Zheng wore a black dragon robe symbolizing the virtue of water, and a tall, cloud-piercing crown with tassels that obscured part of his face, making him appear even more majestic and unfathomable.
With the Tai'a sword, a symbol of power, hanging at his waist, he stood as tall as a mountain on the chariot, his deep eyes calmly surveying everything before him.
The sunlight fell on him, as if draping him in a sacred halo, reflecting a dazzling light.
Ying Zheng's appearance was like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the entire scene.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
A deafening roar erupted from every direction and corner, soaring into the sky.
All eyes were fixed on this supreme emperor with utmost respect and awe!
Ying Zheng remained unmoved, merely waving his hand slightly, his movements concise and powerful.
In an instant, the deafening cheers ceased, replaced by utter silence from tens of thousands of people in the arena, and a deep bow of worship like the wind rustling through wheat fields.
The air seemed to freeze because of this ultimate reverence.
However, in the shadows where no one's gaze can reach, under this majesty that no one dares to look directly at.
years!!!
This most powerful and ruthless enemy, which even the greatest emperor of all time could not defeat, is silently etching fine lines on his face, temples, and lips.
Half a step to Ying Zheng's right, Zhao Gao, the Chief of the Imperial Carriage Office, followed closely behind him like a ghost, his head bowed.
At this moment, he was reporting the events of the past few days to Ying Zheng in a low voice with the utmost respect.
"Your Majesty, in the past three days, apart from following the usual practice of receiving some materials needed for alchemy, the alchemist Zou Yun has remained secluded at home and has not stepped out of the courtyard once."
He spoke slowly and deliberately, stating established facts.
At this point, Zhao Gao paused slightly, seemingly hesitating and considering his words, but in the end he added in a seemingly objective manner.
"During that time... Prince Fusu, accompanied by General Meng Yi, went there and had a conversation with the alchemist Zou Yun."
"I am unable to know the specifics of the discussion because Your Highness dismissed your attendants."
After finishing his report, Zhao Gao lowered his head even further, as if he had humbled himself to the dust.
But that sinister glint remained, like a venomous snake, tightly coiled around the shoulders and back covered by the dragon robe.
He held his breath, trying to catch even the slightest ripple in the emperor's heart from the subtle changes in his back view.
But deep within Ying Zheng's pupils, there was a fleeting, almost imperceptible contraction, like a cold star suddenly flashing in the night sky.
But the expression on his face was like a deep, ancient well, calm and still, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
Under the watchful eyes of the princes and nobles, he stepped onto the stone steps of the palace and walked directly to the throne overlooking the entire hall, where he calmly took his seat.
Ying Zheng did not react to Zhao Gao's report, nor did he glance even once in the direction of Fusu. He simply kept his gaze fixed on the center of the steps.
Like the most patient audience, they waited for Zou Yun's self-destruction!
All eyes naturally turned to the figure kneeling on the altar, seemingly one with heaven and earth.
Time crawled slowly, second by second, in heavy silence and silent anticipation.
The arrangement of the altar was gradually coming to a close under the skillful operation of the sorcerers.
Wisps of smoke rose, and the talisman paper rustled softly in the wind.
It was as if countless spirits were whispering, laying the final groundwork for this life-or-death drama that was about to unfold.
"Heh, whether it'll even work is still unknown, but its appearance is certainly convincing!"
Standing on the periphery, serving as a human backdrop, Feng Zhixue felt that the linen shirt on his back was soaked with sweat, clinging to his skin, sticky and uncomfortable.
He raised his hand and vigorously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and couldn't help but glance at Zheng Ze, who was still in a state of excitement.
As the lowest-ranking member of the alchemist group, he was responsible for moving altars, setting up formations, sweeping, and carrying things. He did all the hard and tiring work, which left him with a sore back and aching waist.
The ceremony is about to begin, but he and Zheng Ze can only stand like two wooden stakes on the outermost layer, serving as ceremonial guards.
"You're really exhausted."
Feng Zhixue secretly groaned, feeling his legs trembling slightly.
On the other hand, Zheng Ze showed no signs of fatigue; instead, he seemed to enjoy it immensely, with a look of pilgrimage-like satisfaction on his face.
It seems that being able to stand here and breathe is already a great honor.
Meanwhile, the great masters on the altar sat upright, each one of them needing only to strike a pose as profound as the clay and wood sculptures in a temple, and they could reap the benefits without lifting a finger.
This stark contrast was like an invisible thorn, piercing deep into Feng Zhixue's heart.
"When... will I, Feng Zhixue, one day stand at the center of the altar, becoming a revered grand master?"
A faint longing quietly rose in his heart, stirring up waves of bittersweet unease.
But cruel reality pulled him back. Feng Zhixue forced a bitter smile and cursed himself inwardly.
"Feng Zhixue, oh Feng Zhixue, what kind of time is this to still be dreaming such pipe dreams? He might not even survive today, yet he's thinking about all sorts of nonsense."
Just now, on the way to the altar, the group inevitably passed by the infamous "Fangshi's Pleasure Pit".
The armored soldiers holding spears standing on both sides of the deep pit were like cold statues, their eyes staring straight at him, almost suffocating him.
The entire formation came to a standstill!
Fortunately, the leading masters remained calm and composed, seemingly oblivious to the icy gazes that could pierce one's spine.
It was this composure that gave the anxious crowd behind them a sliver of confidence!
Furthermore, none of those who can become sorcerers, or infiltrate the profession of sorcerer, are truly fools.
Everyone knows that things have come to this point, and there is absolutely no room for retreat.
Trying to run away? You'll probably just become a new soul at the edge of the pit.
This clear understanding of their situation was what kept the team from collapsing on the spot.
Oh, right, except for Zheng Ze!
This guy is one of the few truly idiots in this huge group of sorcerers who genuinely believes that Zou Yun has some kind of method for self-dissolution!
Feng Zhixue simply couldn't understand Zheng Ze's thought process. He withdrew his gaze from Zheng Ze, this idiot, and couldn't help but look at Zou Yun in the center of the altar.
"It's about to start, what... are you thinking...?"