Chapter Sixty-One: Sobriety Amidst the Revelry

Big Mouth Devours All!

Upon receiving its command, Greedy Mouth charged forward like a tiger unleashed, bounding joyfully toward the first vengeful ghost. The mid-stage Foundation Establishment ghost was caught off guard, and turned immediately to flee—but where could it escape to? Greedy Mouth opened its cavernous jaws, releasing a fetid breath so foul it was as if its teeth hadn’t been brushed for half a year. The stench swirled in a circle, trapping the ghost in place, unable to move an inch.

At that moment, Greedy Mouth’s massive green teeth loomed above its prey. With two chilling crunches, half the ghost’s head disappeared, and after a perfunctory chew, Greedy Mouth swallowed it down whole and dashed toward its next target.

The next ghost was weaker, though somewhat sentient. Realizing it couldn’t run, it attacked instead, hoping to defend itself through aggression. Ten sickly green claw shadows slashed in a crisscross toward Greedy Mouth. But Greedy Mouth didn’t dodge or flinch; its red lips parted and closed, swallowing all ten claw shadows effortlessly. Then, baring its green teeth, it lunged again.

On the bone bed, the vengeful spirit’s skull flickered with green fire, and a strange wailing rose from its mouth. The remaining three ghosts, as if receiving an order, turned in unison and attacked Greedy Mouth together.

Greedy Mouth let out a gleeful cackle, showing no fear as it met their assault head-on.

Meanwhile, seeing Greedy Mouth entangled, the vengeful leader exhaled a cloud of black mist and tried to escape on a streak of light. How could Lei Xiang let him go? With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the Eight-Treasure Dragon Lance, its golden tip streaking straight for the ghost.

This ghost leader, once a Core Formation cultivator in life, would not surrender easily. With a sweep of his ghostly claws, he conjured two white bone spears, crossing them to block Lei Xiang’s attack. But Lei Xiang had already activated the lance’s dragon-horn lightning, and arcs of electricity leapt and crackled, piercing into the vengeful leader’s body.

Agonized screams erupted as several gaping holes were blasted through the ghost’s form, but still it clung to its bone spears, desperately resisting. By now, Greedy Mouth had dispatched the three fierce ghosts and turned to pounce on the leader.

With no strength left to resist, the ghost leader gave a long, mournful wail before being devoured whole by Greedy Mouth. Yet the beast seemed unsatisfied, smacking its lips and shaking its jaws, as though searching for more, as though still awaiting something.

Lei Xiang found himself both amused and exasperated—he hadn’t expected this gluttonous creature to be so effective against vengeful spirits. “Stop looking, there’s nothing left to eat,” he called, unfurling the Vermilion Banner. At that, Greedy Mouth let out a satisfied belch, yawned widely, and leapt into the banner, quickly falling into a deep sleep.

Lei Xiang paid it no further mind. Spinning on the Wind and Fire Boots, he slipped out of the crevice. Outside, without their leader, the remaining vengeful ghosts were quickly slaughtered by Yang Jian. Seeing Lei Xiang emerge unscathed, Yang Jian rejoiced, “Sir, you dealt with the ghost king inside? These lesser ones were nothing after that.”

Lei Xiang shook his head. “There was no ghost king—just a vengeful leader.”

As Yang Jian slew the last ghost, another explosion thundered overhead, this one longer and stronger, shaking dust from the very air and collapsing the massive cracked wall entirely.

“It seems both sides have played their final cards. We’d best hurry out,” Lei Xiang said, stowing his artifact and leading the way back.

Meanwhile, in the imperial city of Dongyue, multicolored lights dazzled across the sky. On the ground, groups clashed in fierce combat. Several high-ranking cultivators exchanged their greatest techniques in midair, explosions resounding one after another—a truly grand sight.

With a series of continuous detonations, the tide of battle turned—most skirmishes now resolved, and the blood-clad cultivators’ numbers dwindled. Beams of blood light scattered, fleeing in all directions, pursued by streaks of light in various hues. Suddenly, a voice like a great bell rang out, “The Blood Fiend Alliance is defeated! All must do their utmost to slay the remnants and avenge the Emperor! Kill!” The power-infused shout carried for miles, and more beams of light gave chase, while the remaining Dongyue cultivators encircled the last of the blood-robed foes for a final slaughter.

At this moment, Lei Xiang and his party arrived at the imperial city. Hearing the thunderous command, Lei Xiang frowned, thinking, “The Imperial Uncle has taken charge—and from his words, the Emperor has fallen. The battle must have been brutal. Good thing Dongyue prevailed, or I’d be branded a traitor for my part.”

As he pondered, several beams of light approached. Sensing their aura, Lei Xiang relaxed. The lead light resolved into a broad-browed middle-aged man—the Imperial Uncle himself.

“Haha! Young Master Lei, today’s victory over the Blood Fiend Alliance is all thanks to your insight. On behalf of all Dongyue’s subjects, I offer my deepest gratitude,” the Imperial Uncle declared.

Lei Xiang bowed in return. “I merely offered a suggestion that happened to bear fruit. It is you, sir, who held the line and brought about this outcome.”

After the formalities, a few others joined them—unsurprisingly, among them were Headmaster Situ of Hongji Academy, the Prime Minister, and Linghu Zhong. Clearly, the strength of Hongji Academy, which Lei Xiang had insisted remain hidden, had played a decisive role in this war.

With victory secured, the group followed the Imperial Uncle to the royal palace—a resplendent great hall, already prepared with a hundred banquet tables. Maids and eunuchs waited in anticipation.

When all were seated, the Imperial Uncle was nowhere to be seen. After the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, court music began to play, ribbons fluttered, and the Imperial Uncle entered, resplendent in his regal robes, accompanied by a host of eunuchs. All present fell to their knees, bowing three times and shouting “Long live!” The Imperial Uncle was radiant, the lines on his brow smoothed by triumph.

He took his seat, declared the feast begun, and gave a brief but stirring speech. Lifting the jade goblet before him high overhead, he intoned solemnly, “To our illustrious ancestors—may this first cup honor them.” He poured the wine to the ground.

“The second cup is for my late nephew. It was under his leadership that Dongyue flourished; he gave his all, even unto death.” With a long sigh, he poured that cup out as well.

“As for the third cup—I toast all of you, whose unwavering support made this victory possible. The mysterious Blood Fiend Alliance is destroyed, and our country can once again enjoy peace and prosperity. For our people, the path to cultivation is clear. Tonight, let us cast off all restraints—drink until we can drink no more!” He downed his cup.

The hall erupted in cheers. Cups were raised, wine flowed, and the atmosphere soared. The Imperial Uncle, his broad brow glowing red, strode from table to table. He came first to Lei Xiang. “Young Master Lei, this triumph is largely yours. Come, allow me to toast you first!” He drained his cup. Lei Xiang followed suit, then asked casually, “Your Majesty, I am curious—who was the mysterious leader of the Blood Fiend Alliance? Was he captured alive?”

The Imperial Uncle laughed heartily, “You may find it hard to believe, but the Alliance leader was none other than Master Chen of the Dongyue Sect. He was also a Core Formation cultivator—capturing him alive was impossible, so we joined forces to destroy him, leaving not even a wisp of his soul behind. The matter is settled, once and for all.”

“Chen Junxi’s father?” Lei Xiang’s expression did not change, but a wave of melancholy swept through him. The mysterious society that had troubled the realm for a century was gone, yet he felt no relief—only a mounting heaviness in his heart.

At that moment, Situ Hongji approached, cup in hand. “Lei Xiang, I heard you’ve studied this mysterious society closely. Did you ever suspect Master Chen was the mastermind? No wonder he planted his own son, Chen Junxi, in Hongji Academy—all premeditated from the start.”

Lei Xiang lowered his head, silent.

Situ Hongji, apparently tipsy, became quite talkative. “I hear you infiltrated the Alliance’s headquarters. Well? Did you find anything good? Share it with us!”

Lei Xiang was struck by a sudden thought, but replied coolly, “No, there wasn’t even a single spirit stone to be found.”

The Prime Minister joined them, saying, “How could that be? The Blood Fiend Alliance was wealthy as a nation—if not a million, they must have had tens of millions of spirit stones. Did you perhaps keep some for yourself? Haha—”

All eyes turned to Lei Xiang, but his expression did not change. He spread his hands. “I’ve already told you—there wasn’t a single spirit stone. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”

The Imperial Uncle stepped in to smooth things over. “Enough, enough, it was a jest. Young Master Lei, pay it no mind. Tonight, we drink and celebrate—no more talk of such things.” With a wave of his hand, he sent everyone back to their revelry.

Yet Lei Xiang drew the Imperial Uncle and Situ Hongji aside to a secluded spot, casting a soundproof barrier before speaking. “Something’s not right here. The Blood Fiend Alliance couldn’t have been so simple. And how could their headquarters be completely devoid of spirit stones?”

Both men were taken aback. The Imperial Uncle frowned. “Now that you mention it, I too find it suspicious. Very well—henceforth, I appoint you Inspector-General, with full authority to investigate this matter.”

Lei Xiang nodded.

Situ Hongji said, “Let’s discuss this tomorrow. Today is a day of joy—I’ve been stifled for days. Come, let’s revel to our hearts’ content! Tonight, you must drink hundreds of cups with me.”

The Imperial Uncle agreed. “Yes, tonight we relax. Tomorrow, begin your investigation—and keep me informed. Now, let’s return to the hall!” With that, he strode back inside, resuming his rounds and toasting the troops.

Situ Hongji, meanwhile, dragged Lei Xiang to his side, and the two drank cup after cup—who could say how many? Situ Hongji cried, “Drink! Finish it! If you can still stand by the end, I’ll take your surname! Haha, what a night…”

Though Lei Xiang was strong of spirit, even he could not withstand so much strong wine. His head grew heavy, and he planned to excuse himself, but Situ Hongji clung to him, whispering, “Don’t rush—the real show comes later. I’ll take you somewhere special. There’s an even more exciting program yet to come.”

Second chapter.