People from the Xuanyuan Kingdom felt as if they had been humiliated when their capability was questioned by a child.
They were further piqued when everyone else was staring at Xuan Bing with a hint of doubt in their eyes.
Xuan Bing's face was flushed red before he waved his arms and defended himself, "That only happened because his power was below par. He failed to control the yellow rune, causing the reapers to react unusually!"
Apparently, the exorcists from Huangzi Nation refused to accept the explanation. Two of them stood up in defiance. "What did you say?"
Young men were always brash and assertive, especially when they tried to defend their nation's pride.
Messenger Wang tried his best to contain the matter. He said in muffled tone, "Don't act impulsively. We have an alliance with Xuanyuan Kingdom now."
The two exorcists clenched their fists before they turned their heads away discontentedly.
Xuan Bing stopped speaking.
After all, someone lost his life.
The atmosphere within the Great Hall was no longer as lively as before.
Soon, it was the turn of another exorcist, who hailed from another nation, to summon the reaper.
By the look of his expression, it was apparent that he was scared out of his wits. His face turned pale while his forehead was covered in sweat. Seemingly, he had never recovered from the terrifying event.
Nevertheless, he stood the nearest to Mu Bai just now and witnessed the scene more graphically than anyone else.
When the reaper appeared, they were engulfed by chilling breeze, together with unpleasant memories.
For instance, he was reminded about how he jeopardized his brother in order to acquire his master's Exorcist Sword.
At that moment, he thought that his brother had returned...
"No, I can't do this. This is too scary! I can't do it!" the exorcist from the neighboring country began to shout.
Elder Xu Wu threw a glimpse at him and said, "You'll lose by forfeiting the game. Have you thought about it carefully? Do you have other candidates from your nation who can replace you?"
Everybody remained silent as they exchanged looks before they finally shook their heads.
What happened before was too petrifying.
They were still capable of handling one reaper, but it was impossible to fight with two reapers.
"Then, let's proceed with the next contestant, Xuan Bing!" Elder Xu Wu gazed at the center of the Great Hall and said slyly: "It's time to show them what you've got. Otherwise, certain people might continue to think that they're the right ones."
Following Elder Xu Wu's instruction, Xuan Bing took a step forward. He sneered before he threw a glance at Helian Wei Wei. "Elder Xu Wu is right. Some people are so senseless and only know how to defame others. If I continue to stay quiet, others will probably treat me with cavalier fashion. Previously, Brother Mu Bai summoned two reapers, yet he failed to tame them. Now, I'll summon four reapers. Then, we'll find out which one of us is right!"
"What? He wants to summon four reapers? Is it possible to do that?" The ministers were stunned by his statement as they began to debate among themselves.
Summoning the reaper were one of the toughest skills in the Art of Exorcism. Everyone was surprised to learn that he actually wanted to summon four reapers!
"Is he tired of living?" As Wu Jing spoke, he had not forgotten how Mu Bai, the exorcist, died. He lost his life after he summoned two reapers and failed to suppress them. Eventually, he was killed by the reapers. However, Xuan Bing was now trying to summon four reapers!
Elder Xuan Wu raised his eyebrow. "Are you confident, Xuan Bing?"
"To be honest, I am capable of summoning five reapers. I was trained by Crown Prince personally. I wanted to give my lesser opponent a chance to win. However, this has boosted their arrogance," Xuan Bing said as he threw a glimpse at Helian Wei Wei. In fact, the spell he cast was aimed at Helian Wei Wei. He intended to activate it during Helian Wei Wei's turn and brought out two reapers to catch her off guard. He did not expect that the spell would be activated earlier, not knowing what went wrong. Nonetheless, the incident seemed rather strange.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
The winner will take it all!
I'll be the sole winner in this competition!
After he woke up from his train of thoughts, Xuan Bing removed his gaze from Helian Wei Wei in a haughty manner.
The eyes of the dumbfounded audience were fixed on Xuan Bing.
The Green Dragon, which was hiding amidst the air, read Xuan Bing's mind before it let out a contemptuous chuckle. "This man is trying to kill himself."
"Exactly." Fire Qilin was standing beside the Green Dragon. Other than Baili Jia Jue, no other human could see them. "He's trying to perform exorcism in front of our master? Indeed, humans are foolish as always. Master, how many reapers are you planning to release? Green Dragon and I are more than happy to give way to them."
Baili Jiajue slowly raised his ceramic cup, he cocked his head as he toyed with the cup. Then, he replied in an indifferent tone, "Let's be nice to him. Didn't he request for four reapers? Then, we'll give him four reapers."
Fire Qilin blinked in astonishment, wondering if it had misheard its master. When did our master become so accommodating?
Then, Baili Jiajue added, "Get him the four best reapers."
Upon listening to that, the Fire Qilin was speechless.
It had certainly misunderstood its master.
The best reaper was as powerful as two common reapers.
Together, they would be more terrifying than eight common reapers!
"Master, you're not being nice to them. You're trying to chop them into pieces," Fire Qilin added with an almost inaudible voice.
Baili Jiajue raised his eyebrow nonchalantly. "Are you objecting my idea?"
"Of course not. You're the most honorable King and you can do whatever you want." Fire Qilin went down on one knee and bowed.
Baili Jiajue was not looking at it. Instead, he was using his consciousness stream to communicate with Helian Wei Wei. "When he summons the reapers, you should stay away from him."
"Hmm?" It took Helian Wei Wei a while to respond as she was used to hearing Yuan Ming's wicked tone. It was difficult for her to get adapted to this new graceful voice.
Baili Jiajue rested his head on another hand as he explained indolently, "Avoid the blood. It's dirty."
The intelligent Helian Wei Wei immediately grasped his words, knowing that he was involved in this incident. "The two reapers from just now seemed grumpier than usual. Was it because of you?"
"Yes," Baili Jiajue answered nonchalantly as though he was completely unconcerned. "They were scared by me."
His voice carried absolutely no emotion. It sounded elegant and polite as always.
The corner of Helian Wei Wei's mouth twitched as she tried to imagine her opponent's reaction if he ever heard Baili Jia Jue's statement.
He was putting strenuous effort to summon the reapers from netherworld.
However, His Highness seemed to completely disregard these amateurs' efforts...
This was what distinguished him from others!
Not only did he increase the threat, he fought the Boss as well. He would be a guru even in the game.
Once again, Helian Wei Wei reckoned that she was really wise when she decided to court Baili Jia Jue although, back then, she was only attracted by his appearance...
"Later, I want to do it on my own. Don't try to help me." Helian Wei Wei was curious to find out if she could summon anything by herself. She had successfully summoned a Little Land Master. It was possible for her to summon a handsome man later!
As Helian Wei Wei was lost in her reverie, she heard a fruity yet cold laugh, "A handsome man?"
Helian Wei Wei straightened up before she cleared her throat and said, "Can you stop peeking into my mind? I'm distressed."
Upon hearing it, Baili Jiajie glanced at her.
Thinking that her protest was effective, Helian Wei Wei proudly sat upright.
However, Baili Jia Jue's did not react according to her expectations. He began to study her with his eyes. Despite the distance, Helian Wei Wei felt as though he was speaking by her ear. She could clearly hear his magnetic yet warm voice. "I've kissed every single part of your body. You belong to me completely, and your mind is no exception."
1
Helian Wei Wei knew that he was talking about how he tortured her at the hotspring last night. She could not catch her breath, intending to leave the place as soon as possible. Unfortunately, she felt chills down her spine. Therefore, she had no choice but to beg Baili Jia Jue for mercy.
Eventually, she was forced to acknowledge his statement, agreeing that she belonged to him, before he was finally willing to let her go.
Helian Wei Wei's face was flushed red. Therefore, she cut off the consciousness stream and focused on the contest before His Highness could blather further.
Alas, Baili Jia Jue seemed to have no intention to let her go. He continued to stare at her with his dark and sparkling eyes before he reconnected their consciousness stream. "You don't want me to read your mind?"
Helian Wei Wei nodded her head firmly. It was important for lovers to keep each other interested. Their relationship would turn boring if he could read her mind.
Baili Jiajie mulled over her request before he asked, "What can you give me in return?"
Are you negotiating the terms with me?
Indeed, he was shameless all the time.
Helian Wei Wei shrugged. "I have one more dragon pill."
Baili Jiajie chuckled before he responded in his usual arrogant tone, "Wei Wei, are you trying to dismiss me with this?"
"Then, what do you want?" Helian Wei Wei understood that, as she owed it to Baili Jia Jue, she had no choice but to obey him. At this moment, she had an intense urge to bite this insufferable prince.
Baili Jiajue rested his chin on his hand as he put on a faint smile, "For once, you should take the lead tonight. Initiate a kiss, then mount me and seduce me."
1
Upon hearing that, Helian Wei Wei was speechless.
Indeed, no one can be more shameless than His Highness. This was the first thought that ran through Helian Wei Wei's mind. Fine, I agree. After all, in a few days time, it'll be Full Moon night and there'll be Yab-Yum. His Highness will definitely coax me into agreeing it nonetheless. It's better for me to accept this deal now.
After all, His Highness is so good-looking. There'll be no regret for me to sleep with him!
"Sure." Wei Wei calmly retracted her gaze.
Out of her surprise, His Highness raised his eyebrows bawdily. Upon seeing her red ears, his lips curled into a smile again.
As they conversed via the consciousness stream, Xuan Bing had already begun his act. He held the wooden sword in one hand as he bit his finger with his teeth. With his own blood, he drew a yellow rune. The yellow runes followed his guide and floated in the air. The four of the runes stopped on his left, right, front, and back, signifying the four directions, north, south, east and west, protecting Xuan Bing who was standing at the center.
It was apparent that the yellow runes appeared different from the one Mu Bai used previously. Even the ministers who had no knowledge about The Art of Yin and Yang in Exorcism could appreciate the light that was emitted by the yellow runes.
"What's that?" the ministers exclaimed.
The young man frowned. "That's the exorcist's spiritual aura which he can use to protect himself from the ghosts. But... not everyone is able to present their spiritual aura as a glow. Xuan Bing is certainly a powerful man." Even if the elder is present, they will possibly end up in statemate. Although the young man did not speak out his mind, there were hints in his words.
Once again, the ministers seemed solemn.
Xuanyuan Kingdom had won one round.
Even though they resented their loss during the previous match, it was indisputably stated in the rules that the contestant who used the shortest time would be the winner.
If Xuan Bing from Xuanyuan Kingdom won this round again, the competition would end here.
Then, they would lose their right to protect the Capital.
Upon thinking about it, Liu Yu and Wu Jing clenched their fists as they prayed for their opponent to make mistakes.
If Xuan Bing succeeded, the Third Princess Consort would definitely lose the contest.
It was impossible for the princess consort to summon more than four reapers.
Not only that, there was also a time limit for the contest.
All the audience had witnessed the tragedy just now. Once the contestants failed to contain the situation, they might lose their lives to the reapers.
Furthermore, the princess consort did not carry a yellow rune with her. She might not even be able to summon a reaper...
At this moment, the worried Liu Yu and Wu Jing suddenly heard Xuan Bing's resonating voice. The breezes turned chilling once again. "Ghosts of Hell, take my command and show yourselves!"
Swoosh...
It felt as if something had whooshed past them.
As though the Great Hall frozen, they were swamped by the Qi of Yin. Some of the exorcists had run out of patience as they rose to their feet and fixed their gaze on Xuan Bing.
Followed by a loud thud, the lanterns that were hung by the entrance of the hall were extinguished, leaving only the shadow of the swinging lanterns on the ground.
A faint and nonchalant smile was plastered on Xuan Bing's face before he threw a scornful glance at Helian Wei Wei.
When he was about to chant the spell, he noticed that the yellow rune on his left got out of control. It started to shake vigorously before he felt a chill on the left side of his face .
Xuan Bing did not turn his head. Being a necromancer, no one understood better than him about three torches that followed humans since their birth. They were located at one's left, right and back.
As long as these three torches continued to glow, one's Qi of Yang would always be more powerful than the Qi of Yin.
If one of the three torches was extinguished, one would be blitzed by the Qi of Yin.
That was why the elders continuously reminded us to not look around when we were walking alone at night. Even if one heard noises from his or her back, one should never turn around. This was to prevent being trailed by spirits.
Similarly, at this instant, Xuan Bing heard his name being repeatedly called behind his back.
Amidst the bedlam, he saw the Alsatian which he tortured to death.
It was staring at him with a pair of eerie and resentful eyes, as though it was waiting for him to lose the competition before it could pounce on him and rip him into pieces.
Xuan Bing was a man who hated failure. During his cultivation, he would vent his anger on his Alsatian whenever he met someone who was better than him.
No one knew about this because he was always known as a man who was unconcerned about all earthly affairs.
After his Alsatian died, his brothers from the Elder Compound expressed their condolences and offered to organize a ritual for the Alsatian, hoping that its soul could rest in peace.
On the outside, Xuan Bing seemed to be in grief. However, in fact, he did not care about his Alsatian at all. Besides not helping to rest its soul, he also snitched the Alsatian's life essence, breaking its soul permanently. As a result, its soul would not be accepted by hell and could only wander in the human world hopelessly.
Apparently, Helian Wei Wei was able to see the Alsatian too even though the exorcists failed to see it. Helian Wei Wei knitted her brows before she rubbed her eyes. What is going on?
"Baili Jia Jue, can you see that Alsatian?" Helian Wei Wei was certain that His Highness could see what the exorcists could not.
As expected, Baili Jia Jue replied succinctly in a muffled tone, "Yes."
Helian Wei Wei continued, "Why is the Alsatian emitting a dark aura which seems rather different from the reaper's aura?"
Baili Jia Jue furrowed his brows as he stared at Helian Wei Wei with a solemn gaze. "You can see the grievance in the Alsatian?"
Helian Wei Wei acknowledged, "Yes. It seems like the dark aura is getting increasingly powerful."
Baili Jia Jue remained quiet as he continued to look at Helian Wei Wei with his sombre eyes. Is she the reincarnation of Phoenix Girl? Is this why she's so sensitive toward the dark elements?
"What's the matter?" When Helian Wei Wei received no response from Baili Jia Jue, she turned to look at him.
"Nothing much," Baili Jia Jue spoke in an indifferent tone. "In most situations, even exorcists are not able to see that Alsatian unless they have achieved a certain level of cultivation."
Helian Wei Wei was exhilarated. She gently raised her brows as if she was expecting a compliment from Baili Jia Jue. "Does it mean that I'm extraordinary?"
"Yes." As Baili Jia Jue watched the smug Helian Wei Wei, his eyes sparkled with happiness, despite the fact that no one else sensed his overwhelming affection toward Helian Wei Wei.
After receiving the praise, Helian Wei Wei recomposed herself. "Is this Alsatian holding grudges against Xuan Bing?" Otherwise, why does it appear extremely bloodthirsty? Moreover, it seems so sorrowful and ready to attack regardlessly...
"You're right." Baili Jia Jue twitched the corner of his lips. Wearing a disdainful expression on his beautiful face, he continued, "Dogs are born loyal. Under usual circumstances, they are even willing to sacrifice their lives for their masters. However, Xuan Bing was too brutal toward his pet. Other than torturing it in public, he took away its life essence after its passing. Then, he repeatedly used its soul to practice the Art of Soul Binding, trapping its spirit within the mountain for years. Now, it's finally gotten a chance to take revenge on Xuan Bing!"
When Baili Jia Jue finished his words, he immediately felt a cool breeze!
"Woof! Woof!"
Everyone heard the unusual yet relentless bark. The deep tone of the bark sent chills down their spines!
"Where does the sound come from?" The exorcists turned to their right as they tried to search for the source of the sound. They appeared extremely perturbed because, according to the Study of Yin and Yang, dogs had psychic powers and their barks indicated the arrival of the evil spirits.
All the ministers stood up with horrified expressions plastered on their faces. Since the start of the competition, the event had gotten increasingly inconceivable.
The dog's bark resonated across the Great Hall, frightening everyone terribly.
What vicinity is the imperial palace located at?
This is where the Crown Prince stays.
With the tight security, how did this dog appear?
Unless...
Unless it's a dead dog!
The ministers paled at the thought of it. They huddled together as they studied their surroundings while the deep and eerie bark continuously resounded across the Great Hall. The atmosphere was exceptionally sinister.
Xuan Bing could no longer contain his curiosity and turned to look at his left.
A face was resting on his left shoulder. It was pallor face with a pointed nose and thin lips. As if it had died a long time ago, it carried a chilly temperature.
However, that was not what horrified Xuan Bing. He was petrified because the pallor face appeared exactly the same as his!
Xuan Bing took a step back and his eyes were filled with dread, scaring the audience as well!
"Stand fast!" Zongzheng Wen Ren yelled outside the perimeter. "What you are seeing isn't real. Stop moving around or you'll ruin the entire formation!"
At this moment, Xuan Bing came to his senses. He straightened up and flexed his fingers. Before long, he was surrounded by the yellow runes again. However, this time, the runes were not glowing like before.
When he heard the first bark, Xuan Bing knew that he was in danger as he was no longer under the protection of the spiritual glow.
The Alsatian, which was covered in blood, was no longer hiding in the corner. It took a step forward in spite of its one lame leg. It stared at Xuan Bing with its bloodshot eyes before it pounced on Xuan Bing and tore him up with its sharp teeth!
Xuan Bing cursed under my breath before he kicked the Alsatian back. He raised his hand and was ready to recite incantation!
Helian Wei Wei recognized the deadly incantation that was used to destroy the targeted souls.
The Alsatian continued to stare at Xuan Bing with its crimson eyes that were filled with indescribable emotions.
Helian Wei Wei knew that this Alsatian was here to take revenge on Xuan Bing. However, if it was not for the Alsatian's whining, the reaper on Xuan Bing's left would have already broken the formation and took away his soul!
It seemed like animals were always more grateful than the humans.
Knowing that Xuan Bing raised it, it repaid his kindness before it took revenge on him.
The Alsatian still carried some empathy.
Yet, Xuan Bing's only goal was to wipe the Alsatian off the face of the earth.
Otherwise, he would not have applied the most lethal spell in the Art of Exorcism, the Yin Yang incantation!
Helian Wei Wei looked into the Alsatian's eyes and was disheartened. Then, she raised her palms and gathered her aura before she yelled, "Break!"
Helian Wei Wei's spiritual aura was evidently stronger than Xuan Bing's.
With Helian Wei Wei's succinct command, the Yin Yang incantation lost its supposed spiritual power.
The Alsatian, which was initially trapped, revealed its sharp teeth once again and sunk its teeth into Xuan Bing's neck!
The yellow runes fell onto the ground. Overwhelmed by excruciating pain, Xuan Bing knitted his brows. The next second, horror was written over his face like never before. He could feel a gust of wind that came along with the machete in the reaper's hand as the reaper slowly approached him.
At this moment, Zongzheng Wen Ren flashed past. His plain white fur coat fluttered as he blocked in front of Xuan Bing with a wooden sword in his hand. The yellow runes levitated in the air again and protected Xuan Bing with a brighter glow.
At this instant, the reaper and the Alsatian retreated in synchrony.
Unfortunately, Zongzheng Wen Ren could not see the Alsatian but only the reaper.
Xuan Bing's pupils contracted out of shock. After a while, he recomposed himself and greeted, "Your Highness."
"Get up," Zongzheng Wen Ren spoke with an icy tone.
Knowing that he had blown things out of proportion, Xuan Bing cupped his hand around his injured neck as he stood up. There was no physical cut on his neck, but it was stained by the dark aura. Besides feeling guilty, Xuan Bing was infuriated.
He had cast the Yin Yang incantation. Yet, the Alsatian was able to counter his attack!
Unbeknownst to Xuan Bing, the Alsatian was not the one that countered his attack. Instead, it was the silent Helian Wei Wei who had been standing in the corner all this time.
Now, the Alsatian had returned to its originally invisible form and was only visible to Helian Wei Wei and Baili Jia Jue.
In the dark, the Alsatian limped toward Helian Wei Wei with its injured left foot. Then, it got down on its knees.
Although Helian Wei Wei did not understand the dog's language, she knew that this dog was grateful for her help. Helian Wei Wei figured that since she knew the Art of Yin and Yang, she should probably help the Alsatian's soul to rest in peace.
Unexpectedly, the Alsatian shook its head before it stood unyieldingly before Helian Wei Wei, as though it had sworn to protect her...
Helian Wei Wei hesitated.
Baili Jia Jue's graceful voice rang in her ears again. "If it doesn't take no for an answer, then you should just let him stay."
Upon listening to Baili Jia Jue's words, Helian Wei Wei remained silent.
Meanwhile, Fire Qilin and Green Dragon, who were standing aside, exchanged looks.
An ordinary dog would not be able to wander in the netherworld without its life essence.
Moreover, it carried magic with it.
Evidently, the Alsatian was never an ordinary dog even when it was still alive.
Coupled with its swamping resentment during its death, it resulted in an extremely rare phenomenon for the Alsatian to absorb the grievance from heaven and earth. Once it was adopted by a master, it would then into a magical dog. Unlike the other mythical beasts, if the power of the magical dog was utilized wisely, one should be afraid of no demon from both the magical realm and Underworld.
In the past, the master would always want to tame these rare species to be his mounts.
However, this time, he decided to give this dog to his wife...
Helian Wei Wei only rescued the Alsatian out of convenience. She was not expecting anything in return. As she had a pet dog as well, she knew that the dogs were the most loyal animals. She only saved the dog out of courtesy. After listening to His Highness' words, she was now considering his suggestion.
The malevolent prince could immediately read Helian Wei Wei's mind. "If you don't take it as your mount, sooner or later, it will not be able to control itself and lose its natural instinct."
The Alsatian seemed to understand His Highness' statement. As though it was agreeing to Baili Jia Jue, it leaned forward. At this moment, it was surrounded by the fog-like black aura.
Helian Wei Wei was flustered. So, who's your master now? Why are you obeying His Highness? "Alright. But, Whitey lives in my Fantasy Space as well. Please do not fight with each other."
The Alsatian nodded. The magic that was radiated from its body turned the environment freezing cold.
After Helian Wei Wei decided to keep the Alsatian, she acted promptly and bit her finger before the audience removed their gazes from Zongzheng Wen Ren. Immediately, three drops of blood dripped down her cut finger.
The Alsatian quivered as the dark aura around it intensified. Eventually, it was completely hidden by the black fog. When it reappeared, it was covered with thick dark fur while its size had increased by at least two-fold. At this moment, the Alsatian appeared like a respectable and prestigious king.
The only thing that remained the same was the dark fog that was exuded from its body. It was thicker than before and blended perfectly into the darkness.
Again, Green Dragon and Fire Qilin exchanged looks. This time, both the mythical beasts were astonished.
Unlike them, Baili Jia Jue remained indifferent as he threw a glimpse at the Alsatian.
The Alsatian nodded as it stood in front of Helian Wei Wei. Now, it was more evident that the Alsatian was trying to protect Helian Wei Wei. Its menacing beast instinct seemed to be able to scare away all ghosts and spirits.
After what had happened, Xuan Bing was unable to see the Alsatian anymore. He seemed to be embarrassed and his initially neatly-combed hair was now ruffled.
As a scholar-official of War Dragon Dynasty, Liu Yu finally proved his eloquence useful. "We have now witnessed Xuanyuan Kingdom's skill in exorcism. He was able to subdue four reapers! Haha. He's actually risking his own life for the contest."
"Old Liu, you're such a sweet-talker. From what I see, he tried to boast about his ability but failed to fulfill his exaggeration!" Xiong Jing guffawed. "Not only that, he had the audacity to ridicule our Third Princess Consort. But, in actual fact, he was the true coward!"
Xuan Bing clenched his teeth when he noticed that all eyes were fixed on him in a mocking manner.
Listening to the tittle-tattle around him, his face was flushed red. Then, he decided to lay the blame on the Alsatian. He defended himself loudly, "If the Alsatian didn't appear out of nowhere, my formation wouldn't have been ruined!"
"The Alsatian?" Elder Xu Wu furrowed his brows as he listened to Xuan Bing's statement.
Xuan Bing replied in resentment, "Master, do you remember the pet I used to keep, the Alsatian? I raised and fed it, but this was how it repaid my kindness! It disturbed me even after it's dead. Because of its appearance, the reapers had the chance to attack me."
"I remember how you always brought it to the palace." Slight anger was painted across Zongzheng Yu Er's tiny face. She spoke in a righteous manner, "It's so ungrateful! You should never keep a brute as your pet! It even attacked its master after it's dead!"
Elder Xu Wu was not bothered about what happened during the contest. To him, the most important thing was to find a reason to protect the Xuanyuan Dynasty's reputation.
At the very least, the appearance of the Alsatian could serve as a justification for Xuan Bing's malperformance!
"So, that's why you didn't perform as well as usual. There was something hindering your act." Elder Xu Wu stroke his beard, thinking that it was a good excuse for Xuan Bing's substandard gig.
However, at this moment, Helian Wei Wei's lips curled into a smile. "All the exorcists knows what exactly happened. Dogs are the most loyal and purest animals. Why did it come to you at this moment? Xuan Bing, do you think that you can hide all the inhumane felonies you've committed forever?"
"I have no idea what Third Princess Consort is talking about!" Xuan Bing exclaimed. Yet, he felt a pang of guilt deep within. It's impossible for the woman to know what happened in the past!
Sensing the tense atmosphere, Elder Xu Wu quickly said, "That's enough. Xuan Bing, your performance was below your usual standard. Go and take a rest first." He understood clearly that Helian Wei Wei was making an insinuating remark. He would never allow her to reveal anything that could jeopardize their reputations.
"He lost because he performed below his usual standard? Are people of the Xuanyuan Kingdom born shameless?" The little one munched his dessert before he raised his head.
As the little one was savoring the desserts, the imperial official was afraid to return to his seat, worrying that the Seventh Prince would devour him as well.
The little one's remarks were like a slap in Xuan Bing's face. Feeling extremely embarrassed, Xuan Bing clenched his fists.
Zongzheng Yu Er chuckled in a graceful manner before she gazed at Little Seven. "The Little Seventh Prince is truly an innocent child. Xuan Bing has successfully summoned four reapers. If the Alsatian did not appear, he would've won the competition. Meanwhile, I wonder how many reapers can Third Princess Consort possibly summon? The competition has yet to be concluded and it's definitely too early to call us a loser."
"Princess is right. Being a citizen of Xuanyuan Kingdom, I never like to bicker over trivial matters. However, no one knows whether Third Princess Consort is capable of summoning the reapers. Yet, you are here mocking me. Little do we know, she might fail later!" Xuan Bing was confident that, even if he had not succeeded, he was still better than the Third Princess Consort who had never learned the Art of Exorcism!
Upon listening to this, the ministers of the War Dragon Empire were perturbed. After all, he was right about Third Princess Consort's ability. It might be rather difficult for her to summon the reapers...
"Summoning the reapers is certainly a risky task. If the Third Princess Consort is not capable of doing it, wouldn't it be better to have someone else to do it on behalf of her? Otherwise, she might get hurt," Zongzheng Yu Er said, pretending to be kind. In reality, her rhetorical words were meant to make the two old ministers from the War Dragon Dynasty to lose faith in Helian Wei Wei.
Most of the crowd got increasingly doubtful, fretful or scornful of Helian Wei Wei as time went on. It was especially so for the exorcists, as not a single one of them believed that she would succeed.
Helian Wei Wei did not move a muscle. She stood lazily in the center of the formation. Her hooded fur cape, which draped over her shoulder, fluttered gracefully in the wind as she stood in the Great Hall. She appeared relaxed even though she was not holding on to any yellow rune in her hands. She continued to stand still, apparently indifferent toward her surroundings.
"She can't possibly summon any reaper in such posture." Xuan Bing sneered. "She's indeed a greenhorn. Does she really think of exorcism as child's play?"
Zongzheng Yu Er heaved a sigh before she made a purposeful remark, "The Third Princess Consort is always so competitive. She is determined to win even if the subject is not her forte."
At this moment, the ministers of the War Dragon Empire had already despaired although they had never looked forward to Helian Wei Wei being the victor.
In spite of that, they did not want their nation to be trounced either.
Judging from the princess consort's posture, they reckoned that no reaper would appear at all.
They were taken aback when a gust of black wind suddenly rushed into the Great Hall from the outside. Then, it quickly dispersed and filled the entire hall like a fog.
Helian Wei Wei clenched one of her hands into a fist. Then, she steered her spiritual energy, causing it rushed toward her palm!
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. At my command, rise!"
The invisible energy quickly rose from the ground upon the recitation of the spell, lifting Helian Wei Wei's cape and bringing her dark long hair to dance elegantly along the wind. At this moment, she appeared extremely dashing and enchanting.
The crowd widened their eyes upon witnessing the inconceivable event that had just occurred right in front of them. The air was no longer just cool. Instead, the temperature was now freezing as ice began to form at the edges of the walls.
When all eyes landed on Helian Wei Wei once again, there were 10 reapers, who were in their black robes, standing before her, with their heads hung low. Although their faces were not visible, they seemed to be respectful toward Helian Wei Wei!
Apart from the ministers, even the exorcists were astonished by the scene. Stupefied by shock, their eyes lost focus.
"10? She actually summoned 10 reapers?"
"How did she do it? She evidently didn't have any yellow runes in her hand, right?"
"Everybody, look at the reapers. What... what are they doing?"
The young man mumbled to himself, "They're paying respect! They are paying respect to the princess consort!"
"That is impossible!" the exorcist from Huangzi Nation immediately disagreed. He did not have any prejudice against Helian Wei Wei. However, it was a fact that the reapers would only bow to the top-tier exorcists! Otherwise, it was impossible for such an event to happen!
"This is totally bizarre!" The other exorcists joined in the conversation and voiced their opinions. But, nevertheless, they were flabbergasted by Helian Wei Wei's performance. How did she do that?
Liu Yu and Wu Jing gaped at the scene. Before long, their shock turned into inexpressible joy. "We've won! We've won the competition! There are 10 of them! Princess consort has actually summoned 10 reapers!"
"The four reapers from before were nothing! Look at what our princess consort has accomplished! She's summoned 10 of them! Can any of you do that?" The people from the Xuanyuan Kingdom had always agitated Wu Jing as they always abused their power to take advantage of the others. It serves you right!
As soon as the 10 reapers appeared, Xuan Bing's expression changed. His initial confident face had been replaced with a straight face and pale lips.
Zongzheng Yu Er grasped her white handkerchief as she recalled her words from before.
Even Zongzheng Wen Ren did not expect that Helian Wei Wei could summon 10 reapers!
However, at this point in time, Elder Xu Wu was not ready to admit his defeat yet. "Lord Wu, Third Princess Consort has not sent the reapers away and it is still too early to conclude the result of the competition. Let's focus on the ending instead. It has been a while and the reapers are still around. I suppose that the Third Princess Consort may not be as relaxed as she seemed."
Upon hearing Elder Xu Wu's words, the young man's heart began to sink. "The longer reapers remain in the human world, the more likely it is for accidents to happen. I am worried that the princess consort is unable to send so many reapers back to the Path of Yin and Yang in one go."
This theory might sound foreign to a layman, but it was nothing new to the exorcists. Everyone took a step back when they realized that none of the reapers had left yet.
Thinking that he had made an accurate prediction, Elder Xu Wu stroked his white beard as he heaved a long sigh. "The princess is right. The Third Princess Consort is always very competitive. If she fails to send these reapers back in time, even if the Crown Prince and I join forces, we may not be able to rescue her from so many reapers."
"She probably doesn't have sufficient spiritual energy to send 10 reapers away," Zongzheng Wen Ren added nonchalantly.
His confidence had severely perturbed the people of the War Dragon Dynasty.
If the reapers were not dismissed in time, the Third Princess Consort would be in danger!
However, at this moment, they were overwhelmed by an unprecedented sight again.
Helian Wei Wei appeared to be mumbling a few inaudible words under her breath, and immediately, six of the reapers within the circle were sent away, leaving four of them standing within the fog.
Then, Helian Wei Wei approached the messengers from the Xuanyuan Dynasty, leading the four reapers. The darkness that was following behind her seemed to be ready to devour everything.
"What are you doing?" The initially eloquent Elder Xu Wu stopped her in her tracks as he stared at her intently.
Helian Wei Wei replied in a deep and menacing tone, "Elder Xu Wu, this has nothing to do with you. I suggest you to step aside."
"Third Princess Consort, you are taking four reapers with you. Are you really going to negotiate with our Xuanyuan Kingdom in such a manner?" Elder Xu Wu intended to use the same old approach that he had been using to deal with others in the imperial court.
Helian Wei Wei sneered. "I have no interest in getting involved in Xuanyuan Kingdom's affair. Before this, your exorcist failed to summon reapers and chose to put the blame on the Alsatian. Coincidentally, the four reapers are present now. We can now watch as they settle their unfinished business." After she finished her words, Helian Wei Wei threw a glance at Xuan Bing before she ordered, "You can take him away."
The audience were dumbstruck when they realized that the four reapers were obeying Helian Wei Wei as they charged toward Xuan Bing.
Elder Xu Wu quickly blocked her with his arm. "Third Princess Consort, please don't cross the line! Xuan Bing hasn't done anything wrong. Why are you ordering the reapers to take him away? Do you want to kill him?"
"Has he really not done anything?" Helian Wei Wei chuckled before she continued with a low voice, "Blackie, show yourself."
A fog appeared amidst the darkness. Standing within the fog was the Alsatian that was glaring at Xuan Bing. The resentment in its eyes terrified everyone who was present.
Xuan Bing staggered backward and almost fell onto the wooden chair behind him.