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墨書 Inktalez
This is the last time I summon you, isn't it?
When the Great Yu Emperor closed his eyes, he could still hear Huayang's cries. Why couldn't he let me leave in peace? Shadow's End, take him away.
When Shadow's End returned, the Great Yu Emperor was still holding on, clearly waiting for him. Shadow's End cautiously said, "Your Majesty, I can't bear to leave you. I'm used to being by your side. Please don't leave me here alone."
The Great Yu Emperor sighed, "Life is so precious. I want to live, yet I cannot. Keeping you here is also for my own sake. What? Are you taking advantage of my impending death and ignoring my words?"
Shadow's End hurriedly knelt and said, "I wouldn't dare."
"You guard Dayu for me. I leave you with this decree. If Huayang cannot manage, act according to my orders."
A hundred places from Shengjing City lies Yingzhou, where the Ying River flows through the city and divides into many small branches within Yanzhou City. It is a rare place of abundant water in the generally arid Dayu Dynasty. There is even an artificial canal that diverts water from the Ying River to Shengjing City, providing ample supply for both major states and the surrounding counties, known as the Qin River in Dayu Dynasty.
Now, it was midsummer. Normally, summer rains would be plentiful, but today the sun blazed overhead with rising temperatures; not a single drop of rain had fallen since summer began. Even the once thriving Ying River was severely affected.
Only a few branches remained with Qianqian river water; the branches and canals had long since dried up. The Great Yu Emperor was overwhelmed with concerns; several policies had yielded little effect, and some counties were discussing whether to relocate their citizens elsewhere in search of survival.
Halfway through their discussions, they were temporarily shelved because a giant stone was being transported to Shengjing City. The legend of the giant stone was miraculous; its wish-granting abilities had been confirmed by many people. Citizens began to voice their thoughts: why not try making wishes at the giant stone?
This sparked a wave of excitement; if it truly worked wonders, who would want to uproot their families and endure such hardships?
The transportation route for the giant stone originally did not pass through Yingzhou. Tens of thousands of citizens mobilized, with local government tacitly approving their efforts to bring the stone to Yingzhou.
The twists and turns of this endeavor are another story altogether; ultimately, they succeeded in their heist. The people of Yingzhou prayed and worshipped along the way until they reached Yingzhou territory. Only then did the giant stone respond; perhaps all pleas were similar in nature—despite some unreasonable demands, the stone had no choice but to comply.
On the first day after agreeing, there was no change in water flow; the same happened on the second day as well. The citizens grew increasingly anxious, surrounding the giant stone for all their needs—eating, drinking, relieving themselves—all while enduring unpleasant surroundings.
Huo Qi and Misha were hiding not far away.
How many days has it been? Huo Qi asked impatiently as his patience wore thin day by day.
Misha replied, "It's the fifth day."
Huo Qi snorted coldly, "I guess there are no more tricks left. He insists on portraying himself as a compassionate savior; now look at this—it's not working."
Huo Qi laughed, but the common people had their grievances.
Misha listened to the curses, acknowledging that the people's demands were indeed excessive. If they wanted to solve the issues of farmland and personal water supply, a heavy rain in a few days would suffice. Xiaoxiao's runes should be able to achieve that.
Huo Qi commented that it would be quite laborious, especially if it involved several states with a larger territory. "Don't be too compassionate and take on her burdens," he warned. The cycle of heaven and earth dictates that for every effect, there is a cause; they deserved their suffering. If Xiaoxiao acted rashly, she might entangle herself in those consequences.
Misha nodded. "You're right. I just lament that the people are a bit greedy. They even demand that the giant stone restore the Ying River to its most abundant state and pray for it never to dry up." It was indeed a bit greedy.
After venting her frustrations, Huo Qi found some amusement in their demands. "It's not difficult to ask for, but it doesn't highlight the true power of that demon. Who knows why it enjoys showing off?"
Misha murmured, "Demon? Is it really a demon? We've been so close; can you feel the Magic Breath?"
She couldn't sense anything either; perhaps it was just too good at hiding itself. However, they had been following closely for several days now. "You were once the Demon King, yet you can't feel even a hint of it. Doesn't this suggest that its strength might surpass yours by a considerable margin? Or maybe it's not a demon at all."
Huo Qi's expression remained unchanged. "There aren't many stronger than me. From what I remember, they didn't have good endings either. I've managed to survive against all odds; they shouldn't be faring much better than I am." Moreover, he was familiar with those few presences; inside the giant stone was something entirely foreign.
Misha continued her analysis. "Aside from the matter of the Demon Fetus, what the giant stone has done has genuinely benefited the people, and so far, it asks for nothing in return. If it were truly a demon, would it have such a heart?"
"You mentioned 'so far.' It could be laying out plans, perhaps on a grand scale. Once the time is right, it could catch you off guard!"
"Besides, being able to plant a Demon Fetus, what else could it be if not a demon? Don't get too tangled up in your thoughts; just wait and see when the Ying River brings water."
As more and more common people gathered around the giant stone under the scorching sun, some elderly and weak were already on the verge of collapse. The Government provided food and drink as support while repeatedly urging people not to cling to their posts.
No one listened; they stubbornly insisted on holding their ground as if bound by some moral obligation—this kind of stubbornness would make anyone shudder.
On the fifth night, the giant stone truly began to tremble. With a loud rumble, the ground shook along with it. After about fifteen minutes, a white line appeared in the distance, rushing toward them.
Huo Qi exclaimed in surprise, "Water is really coming!"
The common people cheered around the giant stone as the water level rose rapidly, with small streams appearing among its branches.
About an hour later, the surge stopped, and so did the cheers from the crowd. Some even questioned why there was only this little water—how could they transport goods by boat with such low levels?
"If only there were more water flowing out and more branches breaking off! The more counties we connect with Ying River, the more we can earn!"
Both Huo Qi and Misha felt utterly speechless.
Is this still considered little?
The river, filled to half its maximum water level from a previously dry state, was already sufficient for the local people to draw from. Yet, they seemed unsatisfied, surrounding the giant stone and kneeling in worship, refusing to back down until their demands were met. The officials were aware that excessive indulgence could lead to trouble, so they stepped forward to dissuade the crowd but were roughly pushed aside.
At this point, even Huo Qi could no longer stand by. Just as he was about to say something, the sky suddenly erupted with thunder and lightning, and torrential rain poured down, drenching everyone in an instant. Cheers erupted once more, but it didn't last long; the onlookers were soon dispersed by the sheer intensity of the rain, which fell like a curtain of water that stung against their skin and chilled them to the bone.
Huo Qi and Misha retreated with the crowd, finding a secluded corner where they could shield themselves from the wind and rain with their demonic power. Huo Qi refrained from taking action, not wanting to alert anyone unnecessarily.
The heavy rain lasted throughout the night and indeed filled the Ying River to its brim. When the rain finally ceased at dawn, people gathered once again in front of the giant stone. Their compliments seemed somewhat perfunctory as they hurriedly turned away towards the riverbank to begin their new day.
Meanwhile, Huo Qi and Misha returned to their previous position, observing the giant stone closely.
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