Chapter 74 Appearance of the Gu Worm

Chapter 74 The Gu Worm Appears

The Brocade Quarter was filled with singing, dancing, and revelry.

Because all the Vassal Princes had arrived in the capital, and with the New Year festivities approaching, the major restaurants and theaters had become even more lively.

Even the imperial officials, who were usually rarely seen, had been coming out more often these days due to the official holiday, occasionally running into colleagues and exchanging a few words of polite conversation.

It was no exaggeration to say that these days, walking on the streets of the Western Market, anyone you bumped into could be an official.

Those high-ranking officials with significant power, wary of the various factions at court, kept their distance from trouble. Even if they knew that a Vassal Prince was hosting a banquet at the Moonlight Tower that night, they dared not go, staying far away.

On the other hand, those with lower-ranking positions or scions of certain families dared to go and catch a glimpse of the Vassal Princes' splendor.

And today, the one hosting the banquet was none other than the Prince of Dongjiang, Baili He.

As everyone knew, Baili He's fief was in Yue and Gan, and his maternal family was also locally wealthy. Thanks to resources like porcelain and iron mines, his domain was quite prosperous.

Moreover, he had always been fond of pleasure, well-versed in all forms of entertainment.

In his fief, he had built extensive gardens and even a hundred-beast park, home to countless rare animals.

Such a person, arriving in the bustling capital, naturally couldn’t stay idle. He had just arrived this morning and was already hosting a banquet that very night.

Those he invited were the other Vassal Princes, the heads of the Four Great Families, and high-ranking court officials.

He made no attempt to hide his interactions with these people, though he wasn’t so reckless as to openly recruit them in public. It was merely a meeting to exchange pleasantries and idle talk, so that if any ideas for collaboration arose later, they could be easily pursued.

After he sent out the invitations, about half of the recipients showed up.

Aside from the high-ranking court officials, most of the Vassal Princes had come, with the exception of the Prince of Pingxi, Baili Zheng, and the Southern Frontier King, Baili Hao.

However, these two had always preferred quiet and had little interaction with the other Vassal Princes, so their absence was to be expected.

The heads of the Four Great Families, however, were all present.

Even Qiu Xuanzheng, the head of the Qiu family, who had previously been kept under strict supervision by his elder brother and uncle due to his impulsive and hot-tempered nature, had come today.

But he hadn’t come alone; he brought along a strategist from Qiu Kongkuo's retinue to keep an eye on his words and actions, ensuring he didn’t cause any trouble.

Inside the vast hall of the Moonlight Tower, the atmosphere was one of singing, dancing, and revelry.

The guests were seated at separate tables, with almost no distinction between hosts and guests, all arranged around the central performance area.

Baili He glanced to his side, where the other Vassal Princes were seated in order.

The younger-generation Prince of Anhuai, Baili Ming, sat farthest away, and next to him was the Prince of Jiannan, Baili Hai, who had not yet left the capital.

Baili Hai wore a gentle smile and was saying something to Baili Ming. The two were around the same age and both had relatively mild temperaments, making it seem as though they could indeed get along.

Aside from the Vassal Princes, there were the family heads.

Baili He looked up and saw the handsome head of the Xiao family, Xiao Yao, smiling as his eyes met Baili He's.

Baili He’s smile remained unchanged as he raised his glass, toasting Xiao Yao from across the room.

Xiao Yao’s smile deepened slightly.

Both drained their cups, and then Baili He’s gaze shifted, slowly sweeping over the other three family heads.

There was Wang Huanzhi, head of the Wang family, whose expression was cold and posture dignified; Lu Jinfeng, head of the Lu family, who carried an air of authority; and Qiu Xuanzheng, head of the Qiu family, who appeared relaxed but was physically robust.

Though Lu Jinfeng was a military man, he still retained the refined nobility of a scion from a great family, carrying an air of "righteousness" that stood in stark contrast to Qiu Xuanzheng, who was leaning lazily against an armrest and drinking heavily beside him.

With just one glance, Baili He could discern these men’s characters.

Naturally, it wasn’t just him; everyone at the banquet was observing and testing one another.

The relationship between the Vassal Princes and the great families had always been delicate.

It wouldn’t be wrong to call them adversaries.

But there didn’t seem to be any compelling reason for them to be outright enemies. In fact, if they could ensure mutual benefit, cooperation might even be a good option.

In the end, it was likely because they all shared a common "enemy"—the one sitting on the dragon throne.

Aside from these prominent figures, the banquet also had its share of minor characters trying to fish in troubled waters.

But they weren’t bold enough, only glancing from a distance before retreating from the crowd, afraid of accidentally provoking trouble.

An Wuji had also received an invitation, but he had no intention of attending.

He only stopped by during his patrol to take a look.

Seeing that everyone was just exchanging empty, meaningless pleasantries, he turned and left.

He exited the Moonlight Tower and led his troops on patrol through the streets of the Brocade Quarter.

With the city so lively recently and various factions gathered together, he was genuinely worried another incident like the auction might occur.

The group passed through bustling streets and alleys, walking past the newly renovated Southern Xinjiang Silk Store and the Yaotai Bookstore, their footsteps crunching on the snow.

Suddenly sensing something, An Wuji looked up, his sharp eyes turning toward the second floor of the silk store.

In the window, a young man with a high ponytail was leaning out, looking at him.

The youth had a handsome face, wore a distinctive Southern Xinjiang earring on his left ear with a long tassel resting on his shoulder, and around his neck was an intricate silver necklace.

An Wuji instantly guessed his identity, calmly averted his gaze, and continued forward.

Situ Zhaoyao watched him walk away before turning back into the room.

A young woman in a light purple dress sat at the table, her silver ornaments and jade hairpins jingling as she animatedly said to the person across from her, "This shop is even better than you described! Every part of it is beautiful beyond words! Ji Yue, you’re truly amazing!"

Across from her, a young man in a light pink robe gently waved a folding fan and said with a smile, "As long as you like it, Little Ling."

"I absolutely love it! And the second floor of this shop connects directly to your bookstore, making it so easy for us to meet secretly." Situ Zhaoling’s eyes sparkled as she turned to her brother and said, "Little brother, don’t stand by the window. Be careful not to catch a cold."

Situ Zhaoyao closed the window and walked over to sit at the table, saying, "I just saw that Commander An who greeted us today. He just came out of the Moonlight Tower."

"Moonlight Tower?" Situ Zhaoling raised an eyebrow. "Isn’t that where the Prince of Dongjiang is hosting the banquet?"

"Yes, I wonder what they’re all talking about," Situ Zhaoyao said curiously.

Wang Qichen smiled slightly and said, "In a situation like today, they’re probably just feeling each other out. They won’t say anything useful."

The siblings were younger and hadn’t grown up in the capital’s environment of wolves circling prey, so their insight was still lacking compared to Wang Qichen’s.

"So when will they say something useful?" Situ Zhaoling asked humbly.

"After leaving the capital," Wang Qichen said calmly. "The capital is crawling with Prince Ning's spies, and with the current chaotic situation, it won't be easy for the vassal princes to get involved."

This trip to the capital is merely for everyone to feel each other out. No one would dare to make a move or be the first to strike at such a time.

However, once they each depart, collaborations between the vassal princes and the great families will undoubtedly begin in secret.

As for who will ally with whom and who will become enemies, it remains unknown.

Ultimately, as long as their interests align, any of them could secretly form connections.

And when that time comes, all factions will have to reveal their hands, and Great Ning will plunge into chaos.

Speaking of Prince Ning, Situ Zhaoling frowned slightly and lowered her voice. "With the Divine Lord here, Prince Ning should recover soon, right?"

Wang Qichen nodded. "It's possible he's already recovered, but news from the palace hasn't leaked out."

Previously, when Qin Xiao had just returned from the northwest, all the imperial physicians were summoned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Some had tried to extract information from them, but they all gave the same answer: it was just a routine examination.

People could only suspect that Qin Xiao might have been injured.

Then, after two days passed without any sign of Qin Xiao or Chu Jiubian, everyone became certain—Qin Xiao was not only injured but gravely so!

Otherwise, the two of them would not have remained out of sight for so long.

After all, logically, after returning victorious from battle, even if court sessions had been suspended, Qin Xiao would surely have called for high-ranking officials of the first or second rank to discuss matters in the palace.

They would discuss rewards, punishments, and how to manage the Western Regions going forward.

Thus, even now, with the vassal princes already in the capital, Qin Xiao's continued absence is the biggest cause for suspicion.

Still, everyone knows that with Chu Jiubian around, Qin Xiao should be fine—just having a rough time.

But what Wang Qichen and the Situ siblings were concerned about wasn't this—it was...

"What do you think the relationship between the Divine Lord and Prince Ning is like now?" Situ Zhaoling leaned closer to Wang Qichen, her voice dropping even lower.

Wang Qichen thought for a moment and said, "There seems to be some affection between them."

"What?!" Situ Zhaoyao exclaimed in surprise. "Didn't you say, Sister, that the Divine Lord and High Priest share a deep bond?"

"That one," of course, referred to the High Priest.

Back in the Divine Realm, Wang Qichen had spoken to Situ Zhaoling about the relationship between High Priest and Senior Tutor Chu, and at the time, Situ Zhaoling had been excited.

But the closer she got to the capital on this journey, the more rumors she heard.

Among them were stories about Senior Tutor Chu and Prince Ning's "tribulations of love," painting the two in a particularly ambiguous light.

Situ Zhaoling naturally sided with High Priest and held a somewhat unfavorable view of Qin Xiao, feeling that he was vying for the Divine Lord's affection against High Priest.

Yet Prince Ning had served the nation and its people, and he had even conquered the Sai kingdom. After hearing of his deeds, Situ Zhaoling found it hard to dislike him.

It just goes to show how fickle "liking" can be.

Love, too, is something beyond one's control.

So if the Divine Lord truly fell in love with Prince Ning, High Priest would likely be left heartbroken.

Wang Qichen lightly fanned himself with his folding fan and sighed. "How the Divine Lord thinks is beyond us mortals."

Let's just hope High Priest can see through it.

The three of them chatted for a long time, discussing all sorts of things, and soon they grew as close as family.

By the time the streets grew sparse of pedestrians and the snowfall grew heavier, the three reluctantly parted ways.

Wang Qichen returned to his bookstore through a hidden door on the second floor, while Situ Zhaoling took her brother and left the silk shop, boarding a carriage back to their residence.

Much later, when it was late and quiet, Wang Qichen left the bookstore, ensuring no one noticed he had met with the Situ siblings.

Meanwhile, in the palace.

Chu Jiubian put on his robes and a thick cloak, wrapped entirely in pure black fabric, before stepping out into the snow and wind.

Qin Xiao lay in bed, listening to the sound of the door closing.

But after just a moment, he rose.

Outside, Chu Jiubian made his way to the main hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Seeing Qin Zhaoyang's nose red from the cold, he knew the other had been waiting for some time.

As he approached, Qin Zhaoyang hurried forward and said respectfully, "My lord, shall we go now?"

Ever since Chu Jiubian had saved Qin Xiao, Qin Zhaoyang's already respectful attitude had become even more reverent, as if he wished to treat Chu Jiubian with utmost respect at all times.

"Let's go," Chu Jiubian said.

Qin Zhaoyang turned and half-knelt. "Forgive my impertinence."

Just as Chu Jiubian was about to get on his back, he heard footsteps behind him.

He turned abruptly, relaxing only when he saw it was Qin Xiao—though he quickly frowned again.

Qin Xiao had also changed into black clothing at some point and had braved the wind and snow without even a cloak.

"What are you doing here?" Chu Jiubian's tone was cold.

Qin Xiao walked up to him. Qin Zhaoyang, who stood to the side, had already risen and stepped back, making himself nearly invisible.

"I'll take you," Qin Xiao said.

Chu Jiubian glanced at his chest. "In your condition, how can you take me?"

They had just received news that the Southern Frontier King and his wife had left their residence and were secretly heading to the Qin family prison where Cheng Shuo was held.

Chu Jiubian intended to check on Cheng Shuo's situation and, more importantly, keep an eye on the couple's actions to prevent any unexpected incidents.

But this matter was sensitive, and if Chu Jiubian wanted to leave the palace undetected in the middle of the night, secrecy was paramount.

So he had planned to have Qin Zhaoyang carry him out of the palace—the latter's qinggong was excellent, and the moonless, windy night was perfect for such a move.

Qin Xiao looked at Chu Jiubian stubbornly. "I'm much better. Using my inner energy won't be a problem."

After a moment of silence, Chu Jiubian spoke again, his tone even colder. "Why are you so insistent on going?"

It couldn't be something as trivial as not wanting Qin Zhaoyang to carry him—Qin Xiao wouldn't even believe that himself.

Qin Xiao wasn't that frivolous. After a pause, he said, "I want to know if he was truly controlled by external forces."

If that were the case, it would only prove Cheng Shuo to be a man of weak will. Qin Xiao would not trust him with important tasks in the future, but he wouldn't take action against him either.

But if not, then Cheng Shuo truly holds a grudge against Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao could no longer keep him around.

Chu Jiubian gazed fixedly into the man's deep, profound eyes.

After a long moment, he exhaled slowly and said, "Let's go."

Just as Qin Xiao turned to kneel partially, Chu Jiubian took his hand and led him to the steps.

He stood on the steps himself, then opened his arms and embraced Qin Xiao’s neck from behind.

Qin Xiao wasn't wearing a cloak, and as Chu Jiubian leaned into him, his own body heat and cloak helped drive away the chill from Qin Xiao.

The young man's warm breath brushed against his ear, and Qin Xiao's eyes darkened faintly.

He reached out and gently held the back of Chu Jiubian's knees, lifting him securely onto his back. Then, with a light step, he cleared the courtyard wall.

Qin Xiao bore him steadily along the top of the wall, concealed among the shadows of trees and walls.

His pace was swift, and Chu Jiubian felt the wind whipping his face. He lowered his head and buried his face in the neck of the man carrying him.

Inhaling the faint, clean scent, he felt briefly dazed.

Qin Xiao was a deeply loyal and affectionate person, but every time, Chu Jiubian still found it somewhat difficult to comprehend.

Cheng Shuo was a close friend of Qin Xiao's parents, a fatherly figure who had accompanied him growing up, gave him abundant care, and even fought fiercely for him.

Even on this campaign, aware that the danger was great, he had joined without a second thought.

Qin Xiao had never imagined the other would betray him, which was why he had been so profoundly troubled when it happened.

Tonight, he had to come along simply because he sought an answer.

He wanted to know whether the other had truly betrayed him or if it hadn't been his intention.

A ringing sound buzzed in his ears, and Chu Jiubian's thoughts grew fuzzy.

It was as if he saw a young boy.

Kneeling beside a bed smeared with blood and viscera, desperately gripping the chilly, slick arm of a woman, asking her why she had given birth to him?

And why she had abandoned him?

His body was jostled abruptly, and Chu Jiubian jolted awake, instinctively tightening his arms around Qin Xiao's neck.

Qin Xiao's steps didn't falter, but his voice, gentle and low, reached Chu Jiubian's ears.

"Were you asleep?" he asked.

Chu Jiubian had nearly relaxed his hold; if not for that upward adjustment, the other would have slipped off his back.

Chu Jiubian nuzzled his face against the man's slightly cool ear and softly replied, "Mhm."

The man gave a soft laugh. After a few more leaps, they finally came to a stop in a courtyard.

This was an annex residence of the Qin family, designated for housing and feeding the guards.

However, there was also a prison within the compound, used to detain assassins, spies, or others who had committed crimes but couldn't yet be sent to the Ministry of Justice or the Dali Court.

At the moment, there weren't many people in the prison, so the noises coming from one particular cell were especially clear.

Chu Jiubian followed Qin Xiao into the prison, tracing the sounds to their source. There, in one cell, Cheng Shuo was thrashing on the ground, clutching his head in pain.

Outside the cell, two figures—one tall, one short—stood side by side. To their left and right stood several Qin family guards, watching the pair intently, their entire bodies alert and guarded.

Hearing the noise behind them, the taller man turned around.

He had an elegant and handsome face, with piercing eyes and a commanding presence.

Seeing Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, he showed no surprise, nor did he step forward to greet them. Instead, he turned back to look at the person in the cell.

Beside him stood the shorter woman, Southern Border Saintess Sutu Anli.

She never once turned around, completely focused on the cell, her lips moving as if reciting some ancient and complex incantation.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao exchanged a glance, then stepped forward without much caution.

They didn't believe Southern Frontier King and his wife would harm them; after all, based on their past actions, it was clear they weren't the type to prioritize gain.

Even if the couple did try something, Chu Jiubian wasn't worried. After all, he had the two followers, Si Tu and her brother. He could easily use their devotion to resolve any crisis.

And even if the two children proved useless, he could always quickly learn a few relevant books from the system store and apply the knowledge immediately.

As they approached the cell, they noticed Sutu Anli's face was covered in a sheen of sweat.

Inside the cell, Cheng Shuo was convulsing in agony, a small green snake coiling around him, its cold eyes scrutinizing his body.

No one spoke; they simply watched.

Until Cheng Shuo suddenly let out a sharp cry, and a centipede as thick as a little finger crawled rapidly out of his nostril.

The green snake struck like lightning and devoured the centipede whole.

The guards nearby paled, their expressions grim, especially when they saw the small snake return to Sutu Anli's head and hide in her hair. Their gazes toward her were full of fear and dread.

Even Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were seeing such a scene for the first time, and their expressions shifted when they looked at Sutu Anli.

Baili Hao supported his wife, tenderly wiping the cold sweat from her forehead. "Are you okay, Li'er? Do you need me to carry you?" he asked softly.

Sutu Anli shook her head, forcing a weak smile. "I'm fine, don't worry."

Then, mustering her strength, she straightened up and looked at Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao. "Greetings, two lords," she said, placing her hands over her chest in a Southern Border salute.

"There's no need for formalities, Saintess," Qin Xiao said, frowning as he looked at Cheng Shuo, who had fallen unconscious. "How is he?"

"He will live, but his brain is damaged. He may suffer from memory loss from now on," Sutu Anli replied.

Chu Jiubian asked, "What kind of Gu was he under?"

The centipede just now was a Gu worm, but it was unclear who had cast it.

"It's a mother-child Gu. The mother Gu can control the actions of the child Gu's host, but only in simple, short commands, like making someone sit or lie down. It's relatively common."

Sutu Anli's expression turned grave. "But the person who cast this Gu is highly skilled, which is how they were able to control the general to kill."

Chu Jiubian nodded. "Do you know who might have such ability?"

"Besides me, there are a few other candidates, but they are all from my tribe," Sutu Anli said seriously. "They have never left Nanjiang, so it shouldn't be them."

"Escort General Cheng to the guest room to rest," Qin Xiao instructed the guards. After the man was carried away, he turned to the others and said, "There are some reclusive clans and sects in the martial arts world—perhaps we can find some clues there."

"Aren’t you suspicious of us, sir?" Baili Hao suddenly spoke, his gentle gaze resting on Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao smiled slightly and said, "I have suspected you."

Baili Hao smiled as well.

"Thank you both for making time to help us today. I will surely repay this favor in the future," Qin Xiao said, bowing respectfully to them.

This was, in fact, a promise.

No matter how he dealt with the influential families and feudal lords in the future, Nanjiang would remain a safe zone.

Both Baili Hao and Sutu Anli understood this and returned the gesture before taking their leave.

Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian soon returned to the palace.

Upon entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation, a wave of warmth washed over them, and both felt considerably more relaxed.

"System, check his injuries," Chu Jiubian commanded mentally.

"The wound is healing well, and there are no serious internal injuries. Please rest assured, Host."

It seemed Qin Xiao’s physique was indeed excellent—he had carried him all the way back and was still in good shape.

As it was getting late, Chu Jiubian said, "Let’s wash up."

Qin Xiao had already removed his snow-soaked outer robe. Hearing this, he turned to look at him and asked, "What about you?"

"I’ll wash up too."

"Don’t you soak in a bath every night?" Qin Xiao asked.

Chu Jiubian glanced at him. "Did Xiao Xiangzi tell you that?"

"Yes."

Chu Jiubian let out a soft snort—it must have been reported during those early days.

"Not in winter," he replied.

And so, just like in the morning, the two washed their faces, brushed their teeth, gave themselves a quick wipe-down, and got into bed.

Chu Jiubian slept on the inner side again.

This time, however, he learned his lesson—as soon as he lay down, he turned his back to the wall to avoid any awkwardness.

Qin Xiao looked at his figure curled under the blankets and chuckled softly.

Chu Jiubian ignored him and closed his eyes.

The lights in the room were extinguished, and the bed shifted slightly.

Then, Chu Jiubian felt the blankets being lifted, followed by the warmth of another person slipping under the covers.

It was even warmer.

Chu Jiubian closed his eyes and forced himself to sleep.

But the other's aura was so strong that sleep wouldn’t come.

Qin Xiao turned his head to look at him in the darkness, equally unable to sleep.

Earlier, Chu Jiubian had complained about him eating in bed, so he’d had all the bedding replaced. Now, lying together, his own scent had faded, while Chu Jiubian’s faint fragrance wafted right into his nose.

Qin Xiao felt thirsty and was considering whether to get up for a drink when he heard someone outside the window tapping lightly and rhythmically on the window.