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墨書 Inktalez
Life Has Always Been About Death, whether heavier than a mountain or lighter than a feather, the general has fought countless battles and obtained the Horsehide Wrapping. Civil officials and the Great Sage may leave their names in Blue History through their words and deeds, while the royal aristocrats have their own illustrious legacies. Yet, the commoners live their lives in obscurity, much like the Autumn Cicada, unknown to anyone.
Old Black eventually realized that death is an easy thing; living is what is difficult. If it weren't for his lingering attachments over the years, he would have long since perished in the mountains.
At this moment, he held the bundle in his hands, following behind the Prison Cart at a distance, watching the proud figure standing within it, while his mind wandered back to a distant time when he had seen someone equally calm and unflustered in a crisis.
When Qiang Bang Se sent someone to inquire about any last requests from Xu Zhen before her death, she had no special demands. She simply stated that she was a messenger of Zoroastrianism and needed to wear the Holy Robe of Zoroastrianism. After her death, she hoped to receive a Zoroastrian-style funeral.
Such a request was simple beyond measure. Zoroastrians do not only worship fire; they revere wind, fire, water, and earth. Therefore, after death, they can only conduct a Sky Burial, allowing vultures to consume their bodies. After Xu Zhen was subjected to Dismemberment by Five Horses, this funeral became much simpler.
"Make her a more splendid Holy Robe; I want her to die with dignity and make a grand spectacle!" Qiang Bang Se commanded.
Thus, on the following morning, the Tailor of the Royal Garments in the palace ordered that this set of Holy Robe be delivered to Black Prison.
The Tubo people favor red and yellow colors, unlike the Tang Dynasty which values deep black. The Holy Robe for Xu Zhen was an exceptionally rare fiery red color, embroidered with golden threads depicting flames and flying patterns. The wings of Ahura Mazda were also transformed into flame-like Phoenix Style.
In ancient times, dyes were mostly derived from natural sources and tended to be lighter in color; dyeing techniques were not very advanced. Achieving vibrant colors was extremely difficult. This set of Crimson Holy Robe worn by Xu Zhen certainly drew much attention.
Moreover, her tall and upright figure was strikingly handsome; her long hair fell loosely down her back, casually tied with a soft silk rope. Her neatly trimmed mustache added to her dignified appearance. Even standing within the Prison Cart, she seemed towering and imposing, making one feel that not even a house or palace—or even the clouds above—could overshadow her.
The Zoroastrians present all knelt down and then opened their arms, singing loudly from the Zoroastrian scriptures as a way to bid farewell to their Son of Ahura.
As the Prison Cart arrived at the platform below, the Imperial Guards opened it up. After Xu Zhen disembarked with a smile and nodded in gratitude, the Imperial Guards were momentarily taken aback and hurriedly returned her gesture of respect. To everyone watching, it seemed as if even the Imperial Guards were awed by Xu Zhen's integrity.
On the platform, Qiang Bang Se let out a cold laugh and gestured for his confidant Mundoer Kui to begin the execution.
Mundoer Kui was originally a minor leader in Qiang Bang Se's territory. He had thought that after Qiang Bang Se became regent, he would be able to become an official himself. However, he did not expect that Qinsuo Luo would take precedence. Just as he was feeling frustrated about this situation, Qiang Bang Se sent for him, stating that Qinsuo Luo had contracted an illness and was quarantined at home and thus unable to oversee the execution; therefore, Mundoer Kui was asked to act on his behalf.
In such a grand setting, executing a legendary figure was undoubtedly a good thing for Mundoer Kui. He was well aware of Qiang Bang Se's temperament; since he wanted to create a sensation across the world, he naturally put in the effort. Thus, he replaced the five fine horses originally equipped for Qinsuo Luo with five War Elephants!
Using the War Elephants brought by the Tang envoy, Xu Zhen, to execute Xu Zhen herself would be sensational enough to provoke the Tang!
He glanced down at the crowd; Xu Zhen's Tang National Guards had gathered together, not hiding their hateful glares. Their grief and helplessness were evident to many onlookers, making the execution even more tragic.
"General Xu, please proceed," Mundoer Kui said coldly, forcing a smile as he gestured for him to continue. Xu Zhen nodded slightly and walked to the center of the platform with a smile.
His steps were steady, the sound of his boots echoing on the wooden boards, as if each step struck directly at the hearts of all spectators. He seemed to intentionally glance at his position beneath him before standing still, opening his arms in a posture of righteous acceptance, ready for sacrifice.
People wished so much for Xu Zhen to say something—whether it was a rallying cry or a quiet warning, even just a few words. Their silence was filled with hope that Xu Zhen would leave behind some divine insight before dying; perhaps centuries later, people would still discuss this execution that should never have happened.
However, Xu Zhen did not utter a word. He maintained a somewhat indifferent yet strangely serene smile, as if death was the best destination he longed for.
He slowly opened his arms and then raised his head. The smile froze on his face as his brows furrowed in sorrow, seemingly pitying the countless ignorant people of this world. His lips moved silently as if he were conversing with benevolent deities above.
Everyone leaned in to listen, hoping to catch what he might say. The crowd's emotions began to stir; they started to move quietly yet orderly toward the platform.
Qiang Bang Se's expression changed; fearing that the crowd might riot or that someone might take advantage of the chaos to storm the execution site, the Imperial Guards stepped back slightly, their palms gripping their weapons beginning to sweat.
Mundoer Kui sensed something was wrong and urgently shouted, "The time has come! Someone! Execute immediately!"
This command fell like a torch thrown into boiling oil; the crowd grew even more excited. They continued moving forward in an orderly yet silent protest, seemingly supporting Xu Zhen!
The Executioner wearing a wooden Demon Mask hurried up, tightening the thick ropes already bound around the five War Elephants. The ends of the ropes were fastened with brass shackles that bound Xu Zhen's limbs before also securing around his neck.
"Yah... Haru... Asa..."
The deep and penetrating sound of chanting slowly began to rise, not from the followers below, but from Xu Zhen. He started to chant softly, his voice growing higher and more intense. In the silence of the crowd, this voice became ethereal, as if it descended directly from the heavens, awakening a long-dormant power within people's hearts—a power called faith!
The Zoroastrianism followers in the audience trembled with excitement, responding to Xu Zhen's call with the same chanting voice!
Mundoer Kui's expression changed drastically as he saw Xu Zhen's figure becoming somewhat blurred, like a mirage in the distance under the scorching sun of the desert. His body began to emit an invisible yet swirling illusion!
This illusion quickly transformed into reality as a wisp of green smoke rose from Xu Zhen's shoulders. Then, his Crimson Holy Robe seemed to come alive, with green smoke starting to emerge from various parts of Xu Zhen's body, enveloping him in a mist!
"Poof!"
Xu Zhen continued to chant, yet flames ignited in his hands. These flames resembled a spirited Blazing Bird, spreading from his hands and soon engulfing his entire body!
The Crimson Holy Robe finally transformed into Holy Fire!
"Boom!"
This was the sound of Xu Zhen's body igniting, as well as the sound of the followers below erupting into chaos! The Imperial Guards drew their long swords, while the front row of Guards raised their shields and spears. Qiang Bang Se suddenly stood up, his face redder than Xu Zhen's Holy Fire robe, nearly roaring in a frenzy.
"Execute! Execute!"
The stunned Executioners were awakened by Qiang Bang Se's roar. They drew their daggers and rushed forward several steps before forcefully plunging their sharp blades into the retreating War Elephants!
"Roar!" The War Elephants cried out in pain and then suddenly accelerated forward!
"Wow!" The crowd erupted with exclamations like a raging sea. The people in the front began colliding with the Imperial Guards' spears, while those behind surged forward. The ones in front gripped the spears tightly; under immense pressure and fueled by faith, those spears were broken barehanded!
The Imperial Guards turned pale with fear; amidst such a terrifying tide of people, even with sharp blades in hand, they could not withstand the impact and trampling of the crowd!
The shields began to form a wall, with the Imperial Guards stacking one on top of another, their chests pressed against each other's backs, creating a layered barrier to withstand the surge of the crowd.
However, this impact lasted only a brief moment, as the crowd suddenly halted. On the platform above, the furious War Elephants charged in five directions, tearing the fiery mass at the center into five pieces!
The crowd fell silent, but Qiang Bang Se's heart could not find peace. He slumped back into his seat, his fingers trembling lightly. He realized that his back was completely soaked.
He became increasingly convinced that killing the Xu Zhen was the right choice. Even her slight display before death could sway so many hearts; if she were allowed to live, she would undoubtedly incite even more people to rebel!
"I must ensure that Buddhism is under my control in the future; the power of faith is terrifying..." Qiang Bang Se thought to himself. At that moment, a cool breeze swept through, causing his cold sweat to evaporate quickly, and he shivered involuntarily. This wind carried abundant moisture because everyone had focused their energy on the Xu Zhen, and no one noticed that dark clouds had gathered overhead.
"Boom!"
The muffled thunder sounded like a funeral bell for the Xu Zhen. Then a raindrop fell on Li Wushuang's cheek, as if it were her tears.
She felt no sadness because she did not believe that the Xu Zhen had died so easily. It was not due to her strength or her miraculous nature but rather because she was inherently cunning. How could this Xu Zhen, whom Caesar called "the cunning Tang People," possibly turn into five charred pieces of flesh in an instant?
The rain fell on people's bodies, but no one was willing to leave. Old Black paused briefly before continuing forward; he thought at least someone should help him collect the body.
He quickened his pace. The crowd ahead seemed impenetrable, and although he was tall and thin and lacked any strength, he managed to weave through them like an invisible specter until he reached the base of the platform.
He saw five Imperial Guards lifting a Bamboo Basket, seemingly to collect the body. He stepped forward without speaking or smiling. The leading Black Strong Man intended to drive him away but glanced at the large knife almost half his height in Old Black's possession and surprisingly agreed.
The remains were charred and gruesome. As fragments of the Xu Zhen were placed into the Bamboo Basket, Qiang Bang Se finally felt a weight lift from his heart. The rain intensified as he stood up; the ceremonial guards also raised their weapons, preparing to return to the palace.
Below the platform, a Zoroastrian Apostle tore his clothes and beat his chest in grief and anger. This grand execution seemed to have reached its tragic conclusion.
People began to turn away silently, leaving just as they had come—quiet witnesses to the tragic death of that legendary man.
"Originally, he was not the Divine Child..." many people thought.
"Ah!!!" A sharp and prolonged scream echoed, it was the voice of the executioner Mundoer Kui!
Qiang Bang Se had just taken two steps when he was startled by Mundoer Kui's voice. He was about to turn around and shout angrily, but he was completely stunned by what he saw!
The people who were leaving all stopped in their tracks and turned around. The Imperial Guards on the high platform and the Old Warden stepped back in shock, retreating more than a foot, while in the Bamboo Basket stood a naked man!
His body was still covered in black stains, but after being washed by the rain, his bright red muscles were revealed, resembling a newborn baby. His face still bore a strange smile of pity for the world.
And this man had just been subjected to Dismemberment by Five Horses!
"Boom!"
This was not the sound of muffled thunder, but rather the sound of kneeling!
Qiang Bang Se's knees went weak, and he knelt down. Just as his knees were about to touch the ground, he summoned his last bit of courage and grabbed hold of a nearby Guard, managing to steady himself. Once that Guard came to his senses, he too knelt down, dropping to the ground in shock!
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