https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1038-Glimpsing-the-Ancient-Temple-s-Afterimage/13132593/
Chapter 1039: Out with the Old, In with the New
Chapter 1039: Out with the Old, In with the New
Chen Chuan opened the box and found a copper coin inside, an ancient relic from the last emperor of the old imperial court, a "Shengtong Tongbao."
He turned it over in his hands, examining it closely, but it seemed to be an ordinary coin with nothing special about it. He couldn't understand why it was placed here with such care.
After a moment's thought, he put the coin back and prepared to take it with him.
He levitated a little higher, reaching the broken part of the statue, and then took the statue out.
This was likely the object used for communication, and at this moment, the statue in his hand trembled slightly, as if resonating with the statue of gods and ghosts below.
His eyes flashed, sensing the changes, and he seemed to understand that this statue was probably carved from the original head.
At this moment, he faintly heard a sound, but when he tried to listen, it was unclear, and in the blur, he saw the statue of gods and ghosts below seem to sway.
Unconsciously, he raised an eyebrow.
But at that moment, he suddenly noticed that the chains binding the statue of gods and ghosts were shaking without any wind, rattling incessantly, and as they moved, they made sounds like golden bells, and faint golden patterns appeared on the chains.
Amidst the commotion, the whispering voices that had been growing were suppressed, and the statue's body, which seemed to want to move, was once again restrained.
His eyes flickered, for in that fleeting moment, he had clearly seen shadowy figures appear within the chains.
Or, to be more precise, the residual spiritual forms of the Shenzhixiang Fighters.
Unless something unexpected had happened, these were likely the owners of the bodies left in the alcoves, the ancestors of the Mystery and Chan Schools from ancient times. These people should have used their bodies as the source and their gods as the cage to seal away this old evil.
Unless something unexpected had happened, the empty alcoves should have originally been guarded by ancestors with human or heteromorphic forms. Their bodies might have been forged by the old state religion and then became the source of energy.
However, it seemed that the old imperial court had moved them, perhaps to help the old evil break free from its bonds or for some other purpose.
Judging by the scale of this place, the number of Xuanji Warriors involved, and the remaining ritual remnants, it was clear that the ancestors of the two schools had paid a tremendous price to restrain these ghostly evils in ancient times. Yet, in the present, the old evil had not broken free from its bonds, but it had been easily disrupted by certain descendants.
Of course, the imperial court's condition had become so dire that they could no longer be considered human, allowing them to act without any scruples.
The war between Grand Prosperity and the imperial court was not a mere cycle of a new dynasty overthrowing an old one; it was a war between the human world and a non-human world. With the Great Impact looming, a winner must eventually be decided.
At this moment, with his limited knowledge of rituals, he observed the setup created by the ancestors of the two schools and found that it still firmly contained the old evil's revival, thanks to the coordination of the grand ritual outside. However, due to human interference, the old evil's power had inevitably spread outward, leading to the diffusion of "Divine Blood." This was a significant loophole.
Even if they didn't dismantle the ritual, this loophole would gradually expand, and there was no telling when the old evil would break free. So, it was better to find a solution sooner rather than later.
Moreover, the rift itself served as a bridge for communication with the outside world, allowing for the acquisition of some force supplements. Initially, it seemed to be in agreement with the old imperial court, so its existence could not be tolerated, and dismantling the ritual was imperative.
After his contemplation, he thoroughly inspected the cave again, confirming that there were no valuable items left. Any treasures that might have existed here earlier were probably taken away by the old imperial court. There were also no other passages; the only entrance was the platform where he had entered.
Seeing this, he didn't linger and returned to the surface, exiting from within.
At this moment, the guards on duty outside had solemn expressions, and footsteps could be heard approaching. He asked, "What's going on?"
He Fen hurried over and saluted, reporting, "Chief, the rift has expanded again, and Director Xu has gone to investigate."
Chen Chuan's heart skipped a beat. He stepped outside and looked out, noticing that the rift had indeed expanded by one-third compared to when he had opened it earlier.
After some thought, he concluded that this was likely due to his interaction with the old evil's statue. In truth, he hadn't communicated with it, so this situation was probably triggered by a pre-existing agreement between the old imperial court and the evil entity.
He wasn't sure if there were similar objects in the hands of the old imperial court. Logically, Su Kuo, as the General of Conquest, should have been the one holding this item, but it was in the possession of Gai Shu He. Was it because of Gai's high status?
Did the old imperial court have other similar statues? If so, it added another reason to dismantle this ritual, as only by doing so could there be no residual effects.
It wasn't so much a concern for the old imperial court, to be honest. After this battle, those remnants would likely lack the strength to launch another attack on Jibei Province. The primary objective was to sever the old evil's communication with the other world.
He said, "Let Director Xu come back, there shouldn't be any issues."
After giving the instructions, he found Lan Shengu waiting nearby and handed him the box, "Mr. Lan, I found something inside, take a look."
Lan Shengu opened the box and examined the copper coin within, then asked about Chen Chuan's location and confirmed, "This should be a contract-making ritual."
As he spoke, he held up the copper coin to demonstrate.
"This copper coin represents the people's recognition of the former imperial house and the authority they held in the mortal realm. Therefore, placing this object before the High Deity signifies their purchase of what they need from the deities as the legitimate rulers. It's a transaction, and once concluded, even if the dynasty collapses, it remains recognized by both parties."
Chen Chuan understood that the value of the copper coin itself wasn't important; it was what the coin represented that mattered.
Lan Shengu seemed to gain some confidence, and he shook the coin again, saying, "This item is also quite important. If Director Chen wants to construct a new confinement ritual, we can try to utilize this coin."
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Lan, I've realized that the expansion of the rift here can provide support to the old evils. Therefore, the ritual here must be dismantled to sever their connection. As for what to do next, Mr. Lan, if I entrust this task to you, can you handle it?"
Lan Shengu thought seriously for a moment, then raised his head and said, "I'd like to have the full cooperation of the Secret Teaching Review Bureau in the Central City, preferably with Director Lei leading the team again."
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "Alright, I'll make the arrangements. If you need anything, just let me know. If the Central Bureau of Yangzhi can't provide it, we can request support from the Central Command. We must handle this matter properly."
Seeing Chen Chuan's determination, Lan Shengu took a deep breath and said, "Before we do this, I want to set up a large protective ritual outside Jiao Mountain. It's not complicated, but we'll need experienced ritualists and a large amount of ritual materials. It's best if we start today."
Chen Chuan agreed, "Alright, I'll go to the Central City to gather the necessary personnel later."
He planned to use the name of the Security Decision Group to transfer all the cliquish and arrogant elders from the Secret Teaching Review Bureau to handle this matter. By doing so, he would also create favorable conditions for Director Lei's team.
If these people objected or refused to cooperate, he wouldn't be blamed for being unfeeling. Under the premise of security, no one could set conditions, and even appealing to the Central Command would be futile.
At this moment, Lan Shengu also felt a surge of fighting spirit and said, "In that case, Director Chen, I'll ensure that I do my best."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Then I'll leave it to you. Go ahead and take charge." Lan Shengu nodded solemnly and then bowed slightly.
After finishing this conversation, Chen Chuan turned and called He Fen over, instructing him, "Director He, I'll be heading back to the Central City for a while. You can handle matters here with Director Xu's assistance. Is there anything else you need support with?"
He Fen thought for a moment and said, "Director, I was thinking that the personnel from the Yangzhi Processing Bureau can't compare to the elite forces of the Central Bureau. Over the past few days, my colleagues have felt that they lack experience in many areas. As I contemplate the responsibilities we'll need to shoulder, I wonder if it's possible for the Central Bureau to send some experienced personnel to provide us with short-term training or guide us. Director, do you think this is feasible?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Director He, that's a good suggestion. I'll inform the Central Bureau about it."
He Fen immediately saluted, saying, "Then I'll thank the director on behalf of my colleagues."
Chen Chuan returned the salute and nodded at him. Then, carrying the captured Phoenix Wing Hammer, he walked out.
Whether it was eliminating the main force of the former imperial house, slaying the General of Conquest Su Kuo, or dealing with the remnants of the old evils, it wasn't a matter that could be resolved with a few words. He had to return and discuss these matters in detail with the other members of the security group.
Upon reaching the outside, the guards standing at both sides of the entrance to the Hidden Repository saluted in unison.
Chen Chuan nodded and took a few more steps outside. As he looked up, he saw that the airship that had come to pick him up was already hovering there.
It was night now, and the night sky was deep and boundless, but the stars shone like a vast ocean, spanning the heavens. The sound of rustling leaves could be heard in his ears.
The horizon had already connected to this place.
It would gradually encompass the surrounding areas of Yangzhi and even more locations, until it reached all directions of the world, just like this dazzling light, illuminating everything in its path.
The old had passed, and the new was about to arrive.
Chen Chuan raised his hand to adjust his hat, and his entire body slowly levitated as he boarded the airship. With a confident stride, he headed towards the main cabin and said, "Back to the Central City."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
