Chapter 237 Before the Coronation
Over the past two years, Ghost Manor had indeed resorted to widespread bloodshed and fear in its expansion, plunging the entire Imperial City into a state of terror where everyone lived in dread.
Among these events, the most shocking was the "Massacre of the Marquis of Western Town's Manor." An entire marquis's household—thousands of lives—were slaughtered, staining the streets with blood. This was the battle that cemented Ghost Manor's notoriety.
After this battle, Ghost Manor fully entered the public eye and drew the attention of all major factions in the Imperial City.
Murong Hua said, "A general's success is built on ten thousand bones. To grow powerful, one must inevitably tread upon the corpses of others. For Ghost Manor to expand, bloodshed is unavoidable—but it will never be excessive. I have long established laws forbidding the wanton killing of innocents."
"The massacre of the Marquis of Western Town's Manor was a decision made only after repeated discussions and careful consideration of the pros and cons between me, the Left Guardian King, and the Ghost Envoy. First, the Marquis of Western Town's Manor had long declined and was no longer a powerful force. Ghost Manor's current strength was more than enough to crush it."
"Second, Ghost Manor was newly established. To gain status, we needed to make a statement. Targeting a marquis's household was the most effective method."
"Third, the Marquis of Western Town's Manor had a dark background. Under the guise of nobility, they secretly trafficked young girls, forcing virtuous women into prostitution, and cultivated a large underground slave market in Huangcheng Market, committing countless heinous acts. Of course, this slave market now belongs to Ghost Manor. Some of the forcibly captured slaves were trained into Martial Artists, while others were released."
Ning Xiaochuan nodded. "The affairs of Ghost Manor are in your hands. For a long time to come, I will likely remain in the Imperial City and visit frequently. This time, I’ve also brought Yue Wuyang a grand gift."
"Oh? What gift?" Murong Hua suddenly grew curious.
Ning Xiaochuan smiled. "A secret."
At dawn, a resplendent carriage stopped outside Cloud Marquis House.
The carriage was pulled by a Green Deer Horse, with no driver in sight. Inside lay a cloud-patterned wooden coffin, adorned with funeral inscriptions and an incense burner.
Numerous armored soldiers surrounded the carriage.
"Who dares to be so bold as to deliver a coffin to Cloud Marquis House?"
"Lin Zi, go open the coffin and take a look."
A slightly scrawny young soldier cautiously approached the coffin and shifted the lid slightly. His legs immediately went weak with fright. "Inside... there's a corpse..."
The faces of the surrounding soldiers paled. A high-level Martial Artist stepped forward and blasted the coffin lid open with a single palm strike, fully revealing the corpse to everyone.
"Whose body is this? Why was it left outside Cloud Marquis House?"
"Look, there are words at the bottom of the coffin. 'Xiao... Cheng...'s Coffin.' Who is Xiao Cheng?"
The high-level Martial Artist's expression changed drastically. He hurried to the coffin, carefully examined the corpse, and confirmed its identity. Then, he immediately rushed into Cloud Marquis House.
A major incident had occurred.
Those soldiers who had heard of "Xiao Cheng" were filled with horror, sensing that a massive upheaval was about to strike Cloud Marquis House.
When Xiao Cheng's remains were transported to the Cloud Marquis House, Ning Xiaochuan also returned to the Jian Pavilion Marquis House.
Ning Xiaochuan's return naturally caused quite a stir in the Jian Pavilion Marquis House, as many knew he was now the rightful heir of the marquisate and the future Marquis.
A large group of servants and maids came out to welcome him, crowding around as they ushered him into the mansion.
Before Ning Xiaochuan could even settle in, a maid came to report, "Young Master, there's a young lady surnamed Duanmu outside asking for you. She claims to be your friend."
"I'll go meet her myself."
Back when Ning Xiaochuan was dealing with Xiao Cheng, he had asked Duanmu Linger to stay temporarily in White Dragon City. Later, Ning Xiaochuan went to pursue Xiao Cheng and temporarily lost track of her.
Duanmu Linger stood outside the gates of the Marquis House, her hands clasped behind her back, wearing a bamboo hat on her head. Her gaze fixed on the grand and imposing gates of the mansion, she thought to herself, Truly befitting a noble of the court—this estate rivals even the great halls of the Demon Sect.
Ning Xiaochuan stepped out and gave her an apologetic smile. "What are you looking at?"
"I'm looking at how wonderful this Imperial City must be, to make Young Master Ning abandon his beautiful cousin and rush back without delay. But indeed, the Imperial City is dazzlingly prosperous, with beauties everywhere," Duanmu Linger teased.
Ning Xiaochuan replied, "Actually, I know that with Miss Duanmu's intelligence, finding the Jian Pavilion Marquis House would be quite easy."
Duanmu Linger didn’t press the matter further. "Aren’t you going to invite me in?"
"Please, come in."
Ning Xiaochuan, ever the gentleman, escorted Duanmu Linger inside and settled her in the courtyard where Ning Xin'er once lived.
Not long after, the Old Marquis returned from the Imperial Palace in high spirits, laughing heartily as he entered the Jian Pavilion Marquis House. "What sweet retribution!"
Ji Bo greeted him with a smile. "Marquis, what joyous news do you bring?"
"Yue Wuyang's top disciple was killed by someone from the Demon Sect, and the body was delivered right to the gates of the Cloud Marquis House. By the time morning court convened, the news had already spread. You should have seen Yue Wuyang's face—it looked like he'd lost his own son." The Old Marquis was clearly delighted, barely restraining himself from throwing a celebration feast.
Xiao Cheng was no ordinary figure—his status was highly unusual. He was a crucial pawn Yue Wuyang had placed in Emperor's Martial Palace, tasked with winning over hearts, gathering geniuses, and managing the Cloud Alliance.
In essence, Xiao Cheng's value was comparable to that of a general commanding a million troops.
With Xiao Cheng dead, Yue Wuyang's influence in Emperor's Martial Palace would soon crumble—an outcome that was all but certain.
Thus, for both the Jian Pavilion Marquis House and the Golden Roc Prince's Manor, this was a cause for great celebration. The fact that they weren’t beating drums and gongs in revelry was already a courtesy to Yue Wuyang.
Ji Bo chuckled. "Let me share another piece of good news with you, Marquis—Young Master Ning has returned."
The Old Marquis immediately sobered, pondering for a moment before saying, "Seal the news of his return immediately—no one is to spread it. Also, have him come see me at once. I'll be waiting in the study."
The reason Yue Wuyang was certain Xiao Cheng had died at the hands of Demon Sect experts was that the Blood Qi in Xiao Cheng's body had been completely drained, a symptom eerily similar to the effects of the Blood Devouring Demon Art.
Of course, Ning Xiaochuan's "Northern Abyss Divine Art" could also devour a Martial Artist's Blood Qi. However, the gap in cultivation between Ning Xiaochuan and Xiao Cheng was too vast, so no one connected this matter to Ning Xiaochuan.
Upon learning of Ning Xiaochuan's return to the Jian Pavilion Marquis House, the Old Marquis immediately became alert, suspecting that this incident might be related to Ning Xiaochuan—otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence?
Xiao Cheng's corpse was sent back to the Imperial City, and Ning Xiaochuan followed shortly after. It would be strange if this didn't arouse suspicion.
Thus, he ordered the news of Ning Xiaochuan's return to be suppressed.
Knock knock.
Ning Xiaochuan rapped on the study door.
"Come in."
The Old Marquis sat in a rattan chair, glancing at Ning Xiaochuan with slight surprise. "You've reached the Transcendent Realm?"
Ning Xiaochuan still held great respect for the Old Marquis, treating him as family, and replied respectfully, "Transcendent Realm Fourth Layer."
The Old Marquis was even more astonished. In such a short time, his cultivation had reached such a terrifying level.
The Seven Orifices Divine Demon Heart Palace was truly formidable.
The Old Marquis attributed everything to the "Seven Orifices Divine Demon Heart Palace" and said calmly, "Did Xiao Cheng die by your hand?"
Ning Xiaochuan did not hide the truth. "Yes."
The Old Marquis stared at him deeply for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Well done! Truly worthy of being the future successor of our Jian Pavilion Marquis House. Your father wasn't as strong as you at your age. Sending Xiao Cheng's corpse to the Cloud Marquis House was indeed a fierce blow to Yue Wuyang's prestige. However, you shouldn't have returned to the Imperial City so quickly. If anyone saw you, they would undoubtedly suspect you."
Ning Xiaochuan said, "So what if they suspect me? Since leaving the Imperial City for the Nine Death Cliff, I've witnessed all kinds of bloodshed and fear. A battle between Yue Wuyang and me is inevitable. Since our enmity is already confirmed, why bother scheming in the shadows? I returned to the Imperial City precisely to tell him—Xiao Cheng has been killed by me. Now, let's see how he responds."
The Old Marquis gently stroked his beard, staring into Ning Xiaochuan's eyes. "Have you uncovered the truth of what happened back then?"
Ning Xiaochuan nodded.
"How much do you know?" the Old Marquis asked gravely.
"All that I should know, and most of what I shouldn't," Ning Xiaochuan replied.
The Old Marquis said, "Then do you still intend to investigate further?"
Ning Xiaochuan shook his head. "Marquis, rest assured. I know my limits. Against Yue Wuyang, I can strike forcefully. But there are some people I shouldn't provoke, and I won't act recklessly."
The Old Marquis nodded. "It's best that you understand this. Well, since you've returned this time, we'll select an auspicious day to officially declare you the future heir of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House. For now, stay within the estate and don't go anywhere. Once the situation calms down, we'll make the announcement."
Ning Xiaochuan knew that to survive better in this world, he needed more cultivation resources and to grow stronger.
Becoming the Minor Marquis of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House would undoubtedly grant him access to vast resources, greatly benefiting his cultivation. Naturally, he had no reason to refuse.
Over the next few days, Ning Xiaochuan stayed in the small courtyard where he once lived, devoting himself to cultivation. He refined the residual Blood Qi in his body to consolidate his Transcendent Realm Fourth Layer.
On the twelfth day, the Old Marquis publicly announced Ning Xiaochuan's return to the Jian Pavilion Marquis House. Invitations were sent to major nobles and State Preceptors of the third rank or higher, summoning them to gather at the Jian Pavilion Marquis House to witness Ning Xiaochuan's coronation ceremony.
This news not only caused an uproar within the Jian Pavilion Marquis House but also sent shockwaves throughout the entire Imperial City.
That same evening, Yu Ningsheng, the Imperial City's top beauty, returned alone to the Jade Viewing Tower, stirring yet another sensation.