Sang Qingxiao understood why Wen Xinggui was so agitated. Soul Transformation was a type of Evil Arts, and practicing Evil Arts would inevitably lead to consequences, with divine retribution following closely behind. As the spokesperson of heaven, Wen Xinggui's use of such techniques equated to betrayal, and thus the punishment would be even harsher.
Previously, during the Seizing the Mandate of Emperor Xuande, it could also be considered Evil Arts. However, that was initiated by the Great Yu Emperor himself, and Wen Xinggui merely took over; any divine retribution would first fall upon the Great Yu Emperor. With the true dragon's aura protecting him, he could slightly offset the punishment with it, ensuring he wouldn't suffer any harm.
Wen Xinggui had hidden behind the scenes, using spells to cover his tracks and easily escaped. This time, however, the Great Yu Emperor only provided a diagram and did not intervene; the formation was entirely set up by Wen Xinggui himself, making him the primary target.
In his panic, Wen Xinggui spoke without restraint. "The Great Yu Emperor concealed this from me; I almost fell victim to him! They say a dying person’s heart is the most wicked. I didn’t provoke him, yet he wants to use me as a scapegoat. Fortunately, there's still one task left unfinished; after this, I'm done!"
Sang Qingxiao asked him whom he thought the Great Yu Emperor wanted to exchange lives with. He didn't say directly, but she guessed it was that hidden guard beside him.
"Hidden guard? Shadow's End?"
As expected, when it came to loyalty, it could only be him.
Wen Xinggui recounted what had happened that day. He realized he had lost some memories and was troubled by an inexplicable sense of melancholy. When summoned by His Majesty, he didn't really want to go and made some excuses. However, that hidden guard was insistent; under such pressure, he had no choice but to comply.
Upon seeing His Majesty's enormous belly at Midnight, he was completely stunned. While calculating behind His Majesty's back, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and a metallic sweetness surged in his throat; he nearly vomited but managed to hold it back just in time.
Having barely calculated halfway through caused him personal injury—this was a bad omen! He immediately sought an excuse to leave when the Great Yu Emperor spoke in a low and humble tone, asking him to assist with something. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Star Observation Tower Formation and requested Wen Xinggui to help make adjustments.
Reluctant to get involved, Wen Xinggui was pressured by his status and threatened with his family in Black Flame City. Thus, he had no choice but to agree.
Later on, the Great Yu Emperor presented him with a blueprint claiming that the formation on paper could communicate with the Underworld as a way of giving them advance notice so that when he met his demise, life in the Underworld would be somewhat easier.
Wen Xinggui knew this was a lie but couldn't refuse; he had to comply. Little did he expect it would turn out to be a death warrant! The blueprint was handed over but not allowed to leave with him; he was forced to memorize every detail while being provided with pen and paper for notes. After recording everything meticulously, he had to recreate it from memory over two days while locked in a secret chamber until they finally let him out.
Wen Xinggui vented about his inhumane experience and recalled his impulsive act of throwing down his pen. Embarrassed yet determined, he said to both of them that Shadow's End often came by for inspections that took several hours each time—checking inch by inch—demonstrating how much importance the Great Yu Emperor placed on this matter.
"Don't laugh at me," he continued. "Even though I threw my pen out of frustration, I wouldn't dare truly abandon my post. Faced with an emperor's wrath alone is something I can't withstand; I ask both of you for assistance."
Sang Qingxiao first asked if he made changes without being detected.
"The girl’s actions are subtle," Wen Xinggui replied. "Moreover, Shadow's End doesn’t understand formations; they rely solely on rote memorization and focus on different aspects—naturally they wouldn’t notice."
Sang Qingxiao pondered for a moment before saying, "Rote memorization? That makes things easier."
Continue to follow the blueprint, and I will devise a different formation, hidden within, sufficient for you to handle Shadow's End. On the day the Great Yu Emperor enters the building, I will invite both of us to take our positions. I will then find an opportunity to shift one or two places, and we can break this Soul Transformation formation.
After calming Wen Xinggui, the two of them left.
The information recorded by Qi Xiaomian was incomplete. Upon returning to their residence, Sang Qingxiao summoned Old Vine to further inquire about the Soul Transformation matter.
Soul Transformation, as the name suggests, involves a voluntary exchange of souls between two individuals. If successful, the Great Yu Emperor could not only rid himself of the Demon Fetus but also acquire a younger body. However, such benefits would only be reaped by him alone.
The reason the Great Yu Emperor deployed so many guards must be related to this matter; such a forbidden technique requires a significant cost—it's not something that can be managed by just one or two people. The guards and even the surrounding citizens would be caught up in the formation, with no one spared. Moreover, Xiaoxiao, do not forget that the Great Yu Emperor carries the Demon Fetus within him; it is uncertain who the ultimate beneficiary will be.
Amidst the rising tides of intrigue, the day finally arrived for the Great Yu Emperor to enter Stargazing Tower. Early in the morning, Shadow's End led the court officials and performed a small ritual before entering, burning incense and offering prayers before opening the grand door.
While Wen Xinggui was on edge, Sang Qingxiao and Qi Xiaomian used the figures of the court officials as cover to complete their adjustments to the formation. The Great Yu Emperor clearly included these officials in his formation; each person had a specific position assigned. Shadow's End instructed them to stand still and not move around. The officials were confused but complied. Afterward, Shadow's End led Sang Qingxiao and the others upstairs; the Great Yu Emperor was already growing impatient.
The weight of his belly made it difficult for him to stand; even though a throne had been specially brought for him, his half-reclined posture made him appear devoid of any majesty. Yet he no longer cared about such things; his eyes were filled with hatred as he stared at the massive stone across from him.
The mist had been cleared away, and with Huo Qi's assistance, it had almost fully recovered. Upon seeing the state of the Great Yu Emperor, it finally realized that it might have made a grave mistake.
Is this what you promised me for eternity?
Faced with the Great Yu Emperor's questioning, he was at a loss for words. The Demon Fetus within the Great Yu Emperor was clearly not an ordinary Demon Seed; he had been deceived by evil forces.
This human had suffered immensely during this time and was now on the brink of death. If he had carefully examined things before planting the Demon Fetus, this situation would never have occurred.
He could not reconcile with his conscience and remained silent while pondering how to resolve this issue; yet he sadly discovered that he was out of options. He could only communicate with evil once more.
Woe is me; I have harmed others.
Hehe, you have harmed others!
How could you deceive me!
Hehe, I am evil.
But we are of the same body and origin; I thought I would be the exception.
He doesn't want you anymore; what right do you have to claim the same origin as me?
But you can't deceive me.
Is it that emperor?
You did it on purpose!
Evil suddenly changed her tone, exuding an irresistible allure. "Do you want to come back?"
He wanted to, yet feared it. The goodness within him was conflicted. He remained silent, but Evil had already guessed his inner turmoil and continued to tempt him. "I need you to do something for me. If you do it well, I'll let you return."
Good's voice was weak. "Help you do evil?"
With your current disposition, you can't commit evil.
All I need from you is to ensure the smooth birth of the Demon Fetus and that it grows up safely under the identity of Dayu's heir.
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