Silent Crown

Chapter 421: Witness

In the silence, Bastian chose a picture from the stack and showed it to Ye Qingxuan. The picture showed a barren village. Haphazardly piled stones and rotten wood managed to form things like homes on the cracked earth. Sallow-faced farmers clad in rags smoked some type of curled plants and showed their toothless gums.

“Ye Qingxuan, do you remember where this is?”

“Oz,” Ye Qingxuan answered. “It’s the village closest to Auschwitz and the last supply stop before entering Auschwitz. I was there before. I remember it. Sam…before he died, he had wanted to dig a well for them. He even wanted to borrow money from me.”

“Did you agree?” Bastian asked.

Ye Qingxuan nodded.

“Congratulations, you can keep the money,” Bastian said nonchalantly. “They do not need it anymore.” He took out a second and third picture for Ye Qingxuan. It was devastation. The village did not exist anymore. The buildings had collapsed and the earth was in ruins. There was only a tanned kid searching through the rubble.

“Because of your fallacy, the battle reached the surroundings,” Bastian said. “Including Oz, six villages are uninhabitable now. They had lost their last bit of land and now wander the world. This kid here is the last inhabitant. His mother abandoned him and fled. His father was buried by the ruins and died. If Heaven’s Gate opened half an hour earlier, they would be alive.”

Ye Qingxuan was silent.

“And look at this.” A broken s.h.i.+p was pictured. “One month ago, the s.h.i.+p Mick was attacked. It is our first known attack on Colt.” Bastian’s voice was coldly monotonous as if he was reading the news. “Sixteen suffered light injuries while one sailor was gravely injured. One pregnant woman had a miscarriage and lost her child. Her family fell apart and the doctor said she will never be able to become pregnant again.

“The s.h.i.+p’s company fell into debt due to this and was bought by another company. Two directors went bankrupt. The son of one had just been accepted by the First National University of Burgundy but decided to drop out. He could have become an actuary.”

“Objection!” Aldrich roared. “This has nothing to do with the case!”

“Objection invalid.” Borja pounded the gavel. “Continue.”

Thus, Bastian continued.

“The third one.” Bastian picked out another picture. “There was a mysterious disaster at the Bades chain motel. Six hundred workers became unemployed due to this. Most of them come from the slums and have nowhere else to go.

“The fourth, the Burgundy Rail Company…

“The fifth, the precious metal exchange of the Asgardian National Bank…”

Ye Qingxuan stared at the picture in silence. Veins bulged on the back of his hand.

“And this one…” Bastian displayed the picture in his hand. “Half a month ago, sixteen members of the Witch Hammer died in your attack before the Sacred City gates, as well as six musicians who had great futures.

“These are their bodies… Their families could not even recognize their fathers or husbands from the melted iron and ashes. A total of ninety-one innocent people lost a family member due to this.

“Some of them are sitting behind you right now. You can look back at them.” Bastian pointed behind Ye Qingxuan. “Tell them that you are innocent.”

Ye Qingxuan hung his head for a long while before looking back stiffly. In the back of the room, an old woman in a black veil curled in the corner with her head lowered. Beside her, a fourteen-year-old girl hugged her mother and glared at Ye Qingxuan. Her eyes were red but she definitely kept her tears from falling. Those eyes were familiar. It was as if he was looking at himself from seven years ago.

Ye Qingxuan stared before finally lowering his eyes.

Seeing his paling face, Bastian didn’t show any animosity or scorn. His expression was still calm as if waiting for a reply.

After a long while, Ye Qingxuan said, “C-can I look at it again?”

“Yes.” Slightly arching an eyebrow, Bastian handed all the pictures to Ye Qingxuan. Watching him look through the pictures carefully, the coldness and disdain in Bastian’s heart grew.

Everyone had weaknesses.

Everyone.

Pathos—this was the strategy that the sixteen examiners had concluded after a month of case studies. These sixteen examiners had sent countless villains, perverts, and psychotic killers into jail over the years and this was the weakness they found.

It was also Ye Qingxuan’s biggest weakness.

According to his personality profile created by Mind musicians, this d*mn criminal seemed to be normal most of the time but from certain aspects, he was an extremely paranoid psycho. From the way he acted, he also had a strong feeling of moral cleanliness and sense of mission. He sympathized with those who had suffered similar experiences, even more than he valued his own life.

This type of person only cared for his own ideals and thoughts. One could not use threats for these people. Temptation was ineffective as well because nothing could tempt them. Pain and suffering were only food for the mind that could strengthen him. Bastian had to admit that Ye Qingxuan truly was strong. He was very strong…almost to the point of being a saint.

However, saints had weaknesses too. Great weaknesses…

Bastian sneered subtly. If you think you’re right, then let me show you the evils you created and the sins of pursuing your ideals! Look at the disaster that resulted from the thing you gave everything to protect! When saints realize their original sin, they fall. What about you?

“Ye Qingxuan?” Bastian gazed at him. “Are you truly okay with this?”

“Objection!” Aldrich roared. “The prosecutor’s words are inducing! Bastian, stop your despicable traps! Do not taint the law—”

“It’s okay, Mr. Aldrich,” Ye Qingxuan uttered with his head lowered.

Aldrich froze and looked back at his side profile. Ye Qingxuan was looking at the pictures. He studied them one by one, not letting any details go. Staring at those crying faces, his expression darkened.

His eyes were sad.

Aldrich felt a chill. He yanked the pictures away and tore them up furiously before throwing the pieces into the trash. Rather than stopping him, Bastian looked mockingly.

“My party is mentally unstable. He cannot continue,” Aldrich said. “Your Honor, I request to end this session!”

“I’m very clearheaded.” Ye Qingxuan lowered his head and said something that Aldrich could not believe. “I feel fortunate for being able to see these pictures.”

Bastian smiled. “Then what are your thoughts?”

After a pause, Ye Qingxuan uttered, “I feel…sorry.”

Bastian stepped forward and studied the young man. He saw the dark gloominess and tears in those eyes. He was overjoyed as if seeing the last straw break the camel’s back!

He had finally made a breakthrough!

It was just as predicted. Ye Qingxuan’s heart had caved in from the evil feeling! No matter how Anglo got in the way, Bastian would just need to guide him a little and no one would stop him from walking to the gallows! But before Bastian could utter the words he had prepared carefully, his expression stiffened.

“—Because I wasn’t the one who made sacrifices and suffered.”

Wait! Bastian started feeling that something…was not right! Ye Qingxuan’s voice continued. It was filled with sadness but devoid of any regret.

“These days, I’ve been thinking how great it would be if I could suffer all these pains. Sadly, that is impossible.” The voice was so sad like a shark looking at the carca.s.s of its prey and shedding fake tears. What the f*ck was he saying?!

Bastian froze. He wanted to yank Ye Qingxuan’s collar and yell, that’s not what I want to hear!

Ye Qingxuan looked at him and smiled as if he had received salvation. “Fortunately, they can still hate me, right?”

–

Bastian’s pupils contracted. Cold sweat seeped out as he finally saw the true nature of the man before him. It was…a psycho! His heart twitched. He studied the young man but he did not dare to look at the grateful eyes. He could not breathe.

His guess was wrong. They had guessed incorrectly since the beginning.

This lunatic would never feel guilt for what he had done nor think that he had done anything wrong. Instead, he thought that he was completely right. The fatal attack that Bastian and the others had prepared were just medicine to heal the sadness in his heart! Now, Ye Qingxuan had swallowed the medicine and thanked him instead!

Now, he seemed to open his mouth wide, saying, it tastes so good. I want more! Thank you, Bastian. You’ve saved a freak…

Bastian regretted his arrogance. Ye Qingxuan was a freak but he had treated him like a regular person with regular thoughts. He thought the other was just a young man and became careless.

After all, musicians were oddities that went against morals and common sense. A genius praised by countless powerful men—the genius of geniuses—was also the oddity of all oddities.

Bastian should throw away all the so-called restraint and dignity. He would drag this freak onto the gallows and completely bury him!

In that moment, Bastian finally made his decision. He wiped the sweat on his nose and stepped back carefully. Looking away from Ye Qingxuan’s eyes, he said with a wavering voice, “Your Honor…I-I request to call the witness.”

“Objection!” Aldrich raised his hand. “There are no witnesses on the list!”

“This is a special circ.u.mstance. There is a vast amount of evidence and it is understandable.” Borja pounded the gavel. “Objection invalid.”

Bastian finally recovered his calmness. If he did not have enough weight, he could add more!

Let me see your limits, Ye Qingxuan… he thought.

Footsteps approached down the hall and the door opened. Accompanied by guards, a young man dressed in a white musician robe walked in. He stood at the witness podium and looked up at Ye Qingxuan. His features were gaunt and he had not shaved in a long time. As if he had not slept well, his eyes were bloodshot.

Ye Qingxuan froze. “Miller?”

Miller looked at him coldly as if looking at a criminal. After a long while, he looked away as if he had not heard anything.

It was Miller…

–

“Mike J. Miller,” Bastian said quietly beside him. “Tell everyone your ident.i.ty.”

“I am…a musician from the Trinity College, the Francois branch of the School of Choir. I was a partic.i.p.ant of the trial months ago and a survivor of the Auschwitz event.” He paused. Looking at Ye Qingxuan, his eyes were calm. “Today, I am here to reveal the criminal’s true nature.”

“Oh?” Bastian looked up at Ye Qingxuan in shock. “You have interacted with the suspect before?”

“We were in the same team in Auschwitz. I was the medic. My friend Sam invited him into the team and I did not oppose.” Miller lowered his head. “That is my biggest regret.”

“Is that so?” Bastian asked, “What do you think of the suspect?”

“Ye Qingxuan never fulfilled his responsibility as a musician. He was always outside the team and used unorthodox tricks. He was not keen on the trial and even purposely slowed down people’s progress. No one knew what he was thinking. Therefore, no one believed him. More people chose to follow Colt.”

He paused. Starting again, his voice was low, “…His relations.h.i.+p with the Romulusians was strange since the beginning.”

“Do you have evidence, Mr. Miller?” Bastian said lightly, “We must have evidence in the court. We cannot base things with just your words.”

“Every musician who was at Auschwitz can prove it,” Miller insisted. “I once saw him leave the tent of the Romulusian elder and have close interaction with the daughter. He even delayed the military because of the girl later. He…he…” Gritting his teeth, he said, “He seems to have a perverted affection toward the girl. Otherwise—”

“Miller!” a hoa.r.s.e voice rang out. Ye Qingxuan suddenly spoke out. His voice was sharp. Like a lion’s roar, it hurt everyone’s eardrums. Miller suddenly stopped and his body tensed.

“A warning to the suspect to keep silent.” Borja pounded the gavel. “Do not threaten the court’s order.”

Ye Qingxuan lowered his head. He grasped the railing tightly. His knuckles turned white and veins bulged.

“Elsa is already dead, Miller.” He stared at Miller’s figure and said hoa.r.s.ely, “Do not offend the dead!”

Miller had his back to Ye Qingxuan and did not reply. Bastian’s eyes lit up, practically overjoyed. He had found the breakthrough! He was not in a hurry though. An outstanding hunter was patient. He would slowly tighten the snare bit by bit until the prey had nowhere to hide! If he forced it too strongly now, it might backfire. He had to be slow and steady…

Pus.h.i.+ng down his impulses, he asked another question. “From what I know, you also included that Ye Qingxuan is suspected to have something to do with dark musicians. Is that correct? As someone who was attacked by dark musicians, did you witness it with your own eyes?”

“Yes,” Miller said. “I didn’t think of it then but thinking back, I discovered it. At that time, there were grandmasters from every country and elites from every school. However, we were still unable to fight back. There must have been a spy… I personally saw that he received special treatment from the dark musicians.

“The dark musicians thought highly of him, even more than everyone else… He even led the dark musicians right to where the survivors were grouped. He lured them to attack so more people would be tempted to escape with him.

“Later, I realized that he had a personal relations.h.i.+p with a dark musician named Naberius. They called each other friends. I saw these with my own eyes and heard with my own ears. It is completely true.”

The court was deathly silent.

“Naberius?” Everyone exchanged glances as the name felt familiar.

“Not many people know the name ‘Naberius.’ Perhaps his other names are more well-known.” Bastian sneered and handed a stack of doc.u.ments to the judge and jury. “He is a dark musician who rose up like a legend decades ago, known as the White Pupil or Six-footed Beast. He was known as a once-in-a-century genius.

“No one knows why he suddenly disappeared later but many terrorist attacks and deaths of more than sixteen Sacred City musicians are related to him. This also includes three detectives of the Silent Authority.

“The last time he appeared in high profile was in Auschwitz for the matter with the Romulusians. He escaped when the situation worsened and we have not been able to find his body. However, according to investigation, he holds a high position in the ‘peris.h.i.+ng praise’ and may even be one of the planners of this event!”

Ye Qingxuan did not want to keep listening. What Miller said was mostly the truth or was the misinterpretation of the truth. So what if he did not personally see most of these things? Even a shred could affect him negatively. The main reason behind making Miller stand here was probably not to target the judge or juror either. Ye Qingxuan understood that this was aimed at him…

This was a warning. Miller was just the beginning. Those who wanted to kill him and bring him to the gallows were telling him: your former friends will stand up here one by one and accuse you, destroying your reputation!

Chapter 422: Sudden Change

“Objection! The prosecutor’s witness is slandering without any evidence!”

Induced by Bastian, Miller continued no matter how Aldrich roared or retorted. He did not stop until he completely broke Ye Qingxuan’s ‘saintly disguise’ and smeared on a layer of vile blackness.

He did not say anything afterward. There was nothing else to say.

“Thank you for your support of justice and the law.” Bastian patted his shoulder. “I know that you are under great pressure to stand here. You’ve worked hard and can rest now.”

After a long while, Miller raised his head blankly, glanced at him, and let the guard lead him away. When he was at the door, he heard Ye Qingxuan’s voice behind him.

“Miller.”

He paused but did not look back.

“I don’t hate you,” Ye Qingxuan said quietly as he stared at his friend’s back. “I know how painful it is for you to stand here and can guess what has happened. It is because of me; it is my fault.”

Miller laughed emptily and walked away quickly with his head lowered. His figure was frail and hunched as if he was crushed by something.

Ye Qingxuan lowered his eyes sadly. Behind him, Bastian’s lips curled up and the coldness in his eyes grew.

This was only the beginning. There was still a lot of time.

The first trial, retrial, third trial…he had many gifts prepared. Bit by bit, Ye Qingxuan would collapse psychologically. When he clearly understood how much pain he had brought to the people beside him, he would end things in his own cell without anyone’s urging.

He tapped his finger lightly and smiled.

–

In the jury, Maxwell was expressionless. He glanced at Lancelot in the audience and nodded slightly. Lancelot looked down at his watch. He took a deep breath and made his decision.

He rose and left.

Soon, beside Aldrich, the student’s aether ball shone. After studying it for a bit, he looked relieved and murmured something to Aldrich. His mouth opened soundlessly but his anger dissipated. Cruelty emerged in the old man’s eyes as well as a chilling glint. Bastian froze. For some reason, he got a bad feeling.

“Your Honor!” Aldrich looked up and stated, “We also request to call for a witness.”

“Objection! Wit…” Bastian reflexively tried to stop Aldrich but he trailed off halfway through. What could he protest? That the witness was not on the list and this broke the rules? He had broken the rule first earlier…If he tried to argue on this fact, he would not win anything.

Judge Borja could not support him either. He had allowed for Bastian’s request earlier. If he stopped Anglo now, he would seem biased. Anglo could then target that and even say that the judge was keeping the court from being just. So how could he stop them?

The gears in Bastian’s mind spun. Countless laws flashed past his mind and he suddenly raised his hand. “Your Honor! I request that the witness’s ident.i.ty and credit are investigated before appearing to ensure credibility!” He paused and gazed at Aldrich meaningfully. “After all, this is the Sacred Court. If the defender grabbed a random pa.s.serby because he was losing, it would be disgraceful!”

Bastian requested the court to check the witness’s ident.i.ty before appearing in court. He must have the advantage and never become pa.s.sive! He did not know what evidence Anglo had but while the court was investigating the witness, he could have time to get ready. If he dragged things on purposely, the entire process could last up to thirty minutes.

Half an hour? For an examiner of the Amnesty Ministry, it was enough to check the witness’s entire background and make the right preparations. At that time, Anglo would lose the advantage of suddenness and instead become pa.s.sive.

Hearing this, Borja nodded slightly and raised the gavel but his actions froze.

“A random pa.s.serby?” Hoa.r.s.e coughing traveled from outside the door. “Is that what I am now?” The door was thrown open. An old man hobbled in with a cane. No guards stopped him; no one dared to stop him. As everyone looked in shock, Bastian froze and his expression stiffened as if he had seen a ghost.

After disappearing for half a month, the man seemed to have aged decades. He was even older than before—withered and decayed like a dead man who refused to stay in the coffin. He remained on this world because of his stubbornness and discontent, refusing to die.

Now, he wore the Church robe he had not worn in a long time. The black robe was lined with faint gold. He wore a black headpiece and old rosary beads were wrapped around his wrist. A holy emblem hung from it, swaying as he walked. It looked as if he was attending a solemn ceremony.

Leaning on his cane, he moved slowly into the court. He walked to the witness stand under everyone’s shocked scrutiny. He glanced at Bastian with disdain and finally to the pale Borja.

“Now, if anyone still doubts my ident.i.ty and credibility, please feel free to come investigate me. If you think that my status as a bishop is not enough, what if we add the t.i.tle ‘Commander of the Witch Hammer’?”

The silence dragged on. Borja did not speak but his expression changed dramatically. After a long while, he took off his gla.s.ses and studied the old man at the witness stand.

“Father Michel, according to customs, I should bow to you. However, this is the Sacred Court. As the judge, I cannot lower myself to anyone. Please forgive me.” His voice was a bit raspy. “Have you thought clearly what you are doing? Why are you here?!” The last word was practically an interrogation.

“Why?” In the witness stand, the dying old man coughed lightly. Hearing Borja’s question, he looked up and smiled. “Didn’t I tell you? I am here as a witness.”

The director of the Ministry of Information, the archbishop of the Sacred City, the commander of the Witch Hammer—Michel Grey—had appeared in court!

There were finally surprised cries in the audience. As the commander of the Ministry of Information, Michel had been bedridden and had not appeared publicly in a long while. Other than a handful of people, no one could recognize him.

Those who did recognize him thought they were hallucinating.

The Ministry of Information! The director of the Ministry of Information! The director of the Ministry of Information was appearing as a witness for Anglo!

Was this a f*cking joke?!

“Is he crazy?” The low murmur of the audience could no longer be kept down, despite Borja’s pounding of the gavel. People rose and left continuously to report this shocking news to their organizations. This was as bizarre as if Hyak.u.me and the Sacred City suddenly held hands and became good friends!

The Ministry that had raised Colt as a hero, the Ministry that had kicked Ye Qingxuan into h.e.l.l, the Ministry that had sacrificed so much to save Colt, the Ministry that had six musicians killed by Ye Qingxuan, the Ministry that had lost dozens of Witch Hammer members…The Ministry whose last bit of dignity was torn apart by Ye Qingxuan before the Sacred City gates… Michel had appeared as Ye Qingxuan’s witness! Was he crazy?!

Even the jurors stared at each other blankly. Finally, they looked at Maxwell in shock. He just looked down at the doodles on his paper as if s.p.a.cing out. He had already experienced this shock days ago.

That day, when he and Lancelot had realized that the one who had snuck into the Anglo emba.s.sy and walked into the office was Michel, he had thought he was hallucinating. He even thought that it was the Ecclesiastical Order’s evil plot. He could not believe it.

This great card should be left to the end but he had not expected that the Ecclesiastical Order would do everything they could to kill Ye Qingxuan. Even Miller, who came from a renowned family in the Sacred City, was forced to bow under their pressure, let alone others…

If they dragged things on, the matter would only worsen. Maxwell and Lancelot were forced to show this card early. They would also have to pay greatly for it…

–

After the long silence, Borja said hoa.r.s.ely, “Because the Sacred Court does not have any precedents or related procedures, I did not prepare fully for this. It is my mistake and I will shoulder all responsibilities.” He pounded his gavel. “Adjourn for thirty minutes.”

“No need.” Michel lowered his cloudy eyes and said, “If I’m not wrong, you will receive an order from the Papal Chamber very soon.”

Three seconds later, a bell rang in the distance with an indifferent voice.

“Continue.”

The radiance of the holy emblem descended from the heavens onto the courtroom. It projected a long table with seven figures behind it. They were robed and their faces were stern. It was the Cardinals!

“Judge Borja,” one of the figures said, “Under His Highness’s order, the Cardinals will witness this event. There is no need for any concern. Please continue.”

Borja’s expression changed. After a long while, he pounded his gavel and rasped out, “Continue.”

Thus, Michel let out a relieved smile on the witness stand.

“Here, I surrender myself to the Sacred City.” He placed his headpiece beside himself, revealing his spa.r.s.e white hair and ugly scalp. “Everything Ye Qingxuan did was under my command. Because of his position, he was forced to help me. I am willing to take all responsibility and pay for my actions.”

Chapter 423: Crusade

“Here, I surrender myself to the Sacred City,” Michel said. “I incited Ye Qingxuan to do all the things. He was forced to a.s.sist me. I am willing to take all responsibilities and pay the price.”

The spectators erupted in shock. Those who had just returned stared at his back with astonishment, then quietly got up, and again left to tell their boss this amazing news. The bathroom of the Sacred Court had never been overcrowded like this since it was built.

More people exchanged their shock with each other, whisper amongst themselves. The noisy m.u.f.fled sound was heard here and there. There was even a pious priest who came to witness Ye Qingxuan’s death denouncing Michel.

“Ridiculous! You—”

“Silence! Silence! Silence!” Borja pounded the gavel many times. The bailiffs got in and expelled the priest who roused this riot. Musicians forcibly pressed down everyone’s voice.

Everything fell into silence again. In the silence, Bastian was soaked through by sweat. As he contemplated, his complexion changed rapidly.

Borja’s urging eyes didn’t allow him to keep pretending. He interrupted Michel. “Bishop Michel, stop talking about such ridiculous words. Ye Qingxuan has nothing to do with you. Why do you have to be responsible for what he did? Moreover, the victim of this trial is the Ministry of Information. Why are you defending the suspect?”

Michel lowered his eyes and did not look at him at all, just holding the rosary beads in his hand without responding.

Borja urged again, “Bishop Michel, answer the prosecutor’s question. This is your obligation as a witness here.”

So Michel sighed and lifted his eyes.

“Ye Qingxuan has been member of the Ministry of Information from the very beginning. The Night on Bald Mountain that he inherited is the best evidence. Is there any other musician who will choose to practice this movement that can only be used to kill demons?”

He gazed at Bastian’s face and said word by word, “The Witch Hammer recruited him secretly ten years ago. His records are still in the archives of the Ministry of Information and are available for you to fetch. He has been the best man in the Ministry of Information for decades and the genius who will be able to revive the Department of Teaching and the Ministry of Information.”

“So what’s the explanation for Ye Qingxuan to kill Colt?” Bastian asked again, “Isn’t Colt also a member of the Ministry of Information? He was also hailed as the hero and savior of the Department…” Before he finished, he regretted his own panic. He should have insinuated, guided the testimony, looked for a loophole, to then change the situation rather than questioning directly…

He was suppressed from the beginning.

He looked up but was afraid to look at the solemn robe and the bishop’s heraldry. He took a deep breath and was ready to speak but heard Michel’s voice.

“This is my mistake.” Michel coughed violently. He drew his handkerchief from his pocket, wiped the scarlet from his mouth, and took his medicine. Soon, he stopped coughing. His face was suffused with red, looking radiant. Even the bent backbone was again propped up, seeming to return to normal. But purple-blue veins appeared under the neck. It was the vicious potion mixing in the blood, squeezing out every residue of his life.

“I ordered him to kill Colt in the name of the Ministry of Information.” He raised his voice but his voice was so hoa.r.s.e like metallic friction stinging the eardrum. “I did this to make up for my mistake but my woe still came and I have to pay the price.”

Bastian opened his mouth, trying to say something. However, Michel looked over.

“Shut up, don’t interrupt my words.” Michel looked at him coldly. “I am old. Even in court, at least one should learn to respect the old. Since our cardinals are here, do not be disrespectful.”

Bastian was stunned, sweating. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something but could not say anything. The old man’s eyes were like a nightmare. There was a dead darkness in that dark green that suffocated him.

This was the judge who had crucified countless demons on the fire rack!

They were both examiners. But unlike Bastian who would only sit in the office, Michel’s courtroom was in the wilderness of the Dark World. He arrested, judged, and executed. He erected the teachings of mankind in the Dark World and lit flames with the corpses of demons.

Over the years, he became terminally ill. He sank into the mire because of the political downfall. For various reasons, he lay in bed, watching the Ministry of Information die gradually. He was old. Now, he stood here again with the final determination. No one dared to stand in his way.

If you speak again, you will die, the pair of eyes said clearly.

Bastian swallowed. His face turned pale.

“I hereby confess my sin to the Sacred City.” Michel raised his hoa.r.s.e voice and it echoed in the court. “I set foot on the path of the devil to revive the Ministry of Information.

“In order to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I was blinded by Colt. Without any scrutiny, I disregarded the will of the Sacred City and made my first mistake by allowing him to be a member of the department.

“After I realized his real nature and the sins he had committed, I made my second mistake.

“In order to protect the honor of the Ministry of Information, I ordered Ye Qingxuan to execute him secretly at all costs. I also prepare to sacrifice him afterwards to show the innocence of the department. ”

“Everything that Ye Qingxuan has done has been approved by me. My secretary will submit the detailed records to the Court as evidence to convict me in the future.”

Borja looked at the sluggish Bastian several times but Bastian was transfixed. He was unaware of the judge’s eyes and did not even dare to speak.

Borja frowned and asked, “Bishop Michel, how do you explain the protection of the department to Colt as well as the sacrifice of dozens of Witch Hammers and purgatory musicians?”

“It was all an act,” Michel said softly, “Those who died hold different political views from mine. Those traitors had long forgotten the glory of the Ministry of Information. In order to ensure their death, I even attacked a church where two innocent priests were displaced. I am guilty.

“I am glad that in the end, Ye Qingxuan can stand up and correct my mistakes. Even though knowing that he would be sacrificed, he still faithfully carried out my commandments and never betrayed me. What he said in front of the gate of Scared City at the end was actually targeted at me.

“I was so ashamed of myself that I knew I had made a mistake. Even if I prayed, my guilt and regret would never be diminished. I have betrayed the path of G.o.d, and have thus committed many unforgivable sins. I’m willing to accept all punishment and pay any price for it.”

He looked back at Ye Qingxuan who was totally stunned. This was the first time he had been so close to this startled young man. Thus, he smiled. Everything after this…will be your duty.

He withdrew his sight and whispered softly, “May the Lord have mercy.” Divine light descended from the sky. The majestic purity of the light was like a flame, enveloping him inch by inch and pulling him into the fire. He was slowly turned to ashes.

Under the screams and startled eyes, the juries’ faces changed, and even the Cardinals’ projection became turbulent.

“Stop him!” Borja lost his grace. He got up from his seat, yelling at the sluggish bailiffs, “Musicians! Get the musicians! Stop him!”

Michel wanted to die here! Unfortunately, nothing could stop him. This was a musician’s suicide. Even if the King of Red was here, it would still be impossible to stop it. When he said he was willing to pay the price, he activated the symphony of predestination in his body. Containing the divine punishment, it turned into a mighty flame after igniting the aether and swallowed him from within. He had made up his mind when he entered the courtroom. It was impossible for the Ministry of Information to fight with a colossus like the Ecclesiastical Order. Even if Michel had put all the blame on himself and made such testimony, a loophole could still be found.

There might be traitors in the ministry and even he also had weakness that common people wouldn’t know… As long as the Ecclesiastical Order found any chance, his desperate attempt would still fail. So this was his last chance.

Witnessed by the Cardinals, he surrendered himself to the Scared City in the Sacred Court and settled everything with his death.

Death was not horrible.

He had lived enough

In the burning flames, he stood at the witness’s stand, whispering the words in the Scripture. But his eyes looked over the flames, staring at Maxwell.

Maxwell did not want to meet that pair of eyes. He closed his eyes and lowered his head.

Michel smiled, as if he had been redeemed from the dirty world and mire. He died willingly.

“Bishop Michel, why choose us?” Maxwell’s voice seemed to ring again.

“Because only Anglo needs the power of the Ministry of Information at this time. In order to preserve this power, they are willing to become the enemy of half the Scared City.”

That moment, Michel knew that he was going to die here instead of the battlefield of the Crusade or a hospital’s bed. There was no glorious ending for him. He must bear the sin and die in humiliation and humbleness.

The judge died in the trial. Your Majesty, is this the outcome you chose for me?

Seeming to understand, he laughed softly.

Good! This is what I want… Thank you for your mercy and compa.s.sion, as well as your forgiveness.

In the burning of flames, pain hit him. He felt as if his body turned into flying ashes inch by inch and drifted from under the robe. It seemed that some people screamed, some shouted out of panic, and some tried to approach but could not enter the sacred radiance. Gradually, nothing could be seen anymore. There was no sound. Only the burning pain continued like something endless that would burn to the end of purgatory.

Memories of the past seemed to be lit by the flames. They turned into ashes together with him. But in the trance, there was a faint voice as if he had returned to seventy years ago…

“I am telling all of you here and all of you who are not here that this is the will of G.o.d!” the solemn voice said from above as if it conveyed the Gospel of Heaven.

“Let us plunge into a holy war, a great crusade to regain the land for mankind! Let all dispute and strife rest. Let us embark on this journey! Reclaim the fertile soil from evil and demons! That Dark World, as the Holy Code says, is the land that G.o.d gave to our forefathers!”

In the trance, Michel suddenly wanted to cry. He stood in the dark, followed by those who had been waiting for so long. Together, they set foot on the path to the deeper darkness.

He shouted. Under the calls, he walked forward with his pa.s.sed teachers, his dead comrades who had died in humiliation as well as those gloomy priests.

“…Let those who used to fiercely fight with others just because of personal affairs to fight the demons for their countrymen now! This is a battle worth fighting, a battle to be won!

“Let those who used to be robbers now fight for mankind to become the knight of G.o.d! Let those who had fought with their friends and relatives in the past now justly fight against those who profane the Holy Land!

“Go east and receive the eternal reward!”

“Crusade!”

“Crusade!”

“Crusade!”

Many people cheered. Michel rejoiced but could not help weep.

“Go east, everybody… go to the Dark World…” In the dying yearning came the last words of mourning, “Go to the battlefield where we dream of…go to the blood and the bones…If one day you go there, please take my soul with you…”

Michel faded away in the darkness.

–

In the silence, only pure white ashes and a solemn robe were left on the witness stand. Silently, the cardinals’ projection dissipated and departed.

Everyone stared at Michel’s last vestiges.

“Recess for ten minutes.”

Borja pounded the gavel.

–

The Scared City’s bells rang. At the port, a common merchant s.h.i.+p to Anglo was about to set sail. The crowd gathered. The young and middle-aged people seemed to come from all over the world. But when they stood together, they had a similar aura.

When the bells rang, the whistle sounded loud.

Those who boarded the boat looked back involuntarily, staring at the steel city in the distance. Some people looked sad, some looked indifferent, and some of the elderly shed tears.

Michel was dead. The Ministry of Information would not exist anymore. The dead sh.e.l.l would sink into the mire. The new blood and backbone would be taken to the displaced road to rebuild their hometown in the Dark World with the help of Anglo.

Chapter 424: I Changed My Decision

There was a short break. In the heavily guarded room, Ye Qingxuan sat across from Maxwell, neither speaking. After a long time of looking, Ye Qingxuan asked, “Michel…why did he do that?”

“Perhaps he woke up from his dream,” Maxwell said. “He should have understood decades ago when the Inquisition disbanded that the dream was over. He put in everything to extend the dream. Recruiting Colt was a risk. He had wanted to give the Ministry a steroid shot but now it has turned into poison. The Ministry has completely become a joke and will never rise again. He has no other way.”

“Actually, he didn’t have to do that…”

“For an idealistic person, the scariest thing is realizing the distance between reality and the ideal. This is more painful than falling into h.e.l.l, isn’t it?” Maxwell glanced at him. “I believe you understand this feeling.”

Ye Qingxuan remained silent.

“I know you’re not willing to accept it but you must respect his sacrifice. You should think about the people you care for. You don’t wish what happened to Miller to happen again, right?

“People live to care for things and are willing to do dirty things for what they care about. If he did not stand out today, then his family would fall apart… His parents and brother, everyone he cares for would lose everything. Stop giving people reasons to attack you, Ye Qingxuan. You don’t fear dying but think of your teacher, think of Bai Xi.”

Ye Qingxuan was silent for a long while. Then he asked, “Got a cigarette?”

Maxwell tossed a pack into his arms. With his handcuffs on, Ye Qingxuan awkwardly tore open the package and bent down before Maxwell’s lighter to light the tobacco. He sucked in the painful smoke and sighed after a while.

“Maxwell, the adult world is so complicated.”

“Yes.” Maxwell nodded. “Complicated and dirty. That’s why adults all become so jaded.”

“What did Anglo promise Michel?” Ye Qingxuan asked.

“Many things,” Maxwell said. “It includes a new colony in the Dark World, three thousand literate youths, many resources, and fifty musicians every year… Fortunately, I have most of these. I gave him my fief.”

Stunned, Ye Qingxuan smiled wryly. “I owe you.”

“You don’t owe me anything but you should feel regret because these things should have been yours.” Maxwell glanced at him. “Just think of it as buying your life. Remember to work hard in the future and earn my retirement fund back.” He rose and patted Ye Qingxuan’s shoulder. “Rest well. When you get out, I’ll treat you and the others to the best restaurant in the Sacred City to celebrate for you.”

Ye Qingxuan nodded and watched him leave. After a long while, he lowered his eyes. He remembered the darkness that had flashed past Borja’s eyes and could not help but sigh.

“Hopefully.”

–

The office was silent. Faint light fell past the curtain to Borja’s face. He was livid and he stared at the holy emblem on the wall without speaking. After a long time, a hoa.r.s.e voice came from the dark corner.

“One-sided words shouldn’t be believed easily.”

“Everyone knows those are one-sided words but who can say that?” Borja shook his head. “Mr. Ludovic, if this continues, I can only rule Ye Qingxuan as innocent. After all, isn’t it easy for the Ecclesiastical Order to kill him? Why must it be here?”

“Ignorance!” Ludovic sneered. “If we truly wish for him to die, we do not have to wait until the court. The prison cell, the toilet, even the bath… It is very easy to kill someone but his death will only aggravate the problem. The only solution is for him to die from the court’s ruling. Only then is it meaningful and can prove that the Sacred City’s laws cannot be ignored.

“Do you not understand, Borja? Otherwise, the Sacred City’s laws and dignity would become a joke. Where would you be at that time? You do not wish to inherit an empty Amnesty Ministry, correct?”

Borja remained silent. His gaze wavered.

“Borja, think of Michel’s result.” Ludovic’s words did not stop. “The Inquisition was once so powerful but in the hands of the ignorant countries, what has it become? To revive the Ministry of Information, he could only die a humiliating death in the courtroom.

“That freak deserves to go to h.e.l.l. He could not forget about his dream of another Crusade. When he was alive, he was like the living dead and is troublesome even in death. Do you wish to be like that?”

“I am thinking…” Borja lowered his head and suddenly asked, “What if this is what His Majesty wishes? If…”

“But the problem is, this would not be what His Majesty wishes.” Ludovic’s voice was raspy like eerie wind from a cellar. “Since he was wounded in the battle with Hecatoncheir thirty years ago, he should have understood that his position as the Pope had started to lose meaning.

“All these years, he has been pretending to be strongly ruling over the countries and natural catastrophes. However, his injury has already worsened at an unstoppable pace. There is no way for him to give a clear opinion.”

Borja was completely shocked.

“Otherwise, why would he pretend to be inscrutable?” Ludovic sneered. “He knows better than anyone that he is about to die. If he revealed his weakness, all dignity and prestige would be gone. He would be nothing.”

Borja inhaled sharply. “If this is the case, the Sacred City…”

“The Bible says, ‘I am the Lord thy G.o.d, thou shall not have any G.o.ds before me.’ But the most laughable thing about the Sacred City is that all glory and power and placed on one man. Borja, our ancestors have gone through so many hards.h.i.+ps to create this but it is only enjoyed by one man. Are you truly content for him to take all this to the so-called Heaven?

“Stop your naivety, Borja. Do you really believe that his Majesty gave you all this? No, we did! We have been maintaining the world all these years, maintaining the stability between the countries. Do not bow before a body waiting to rot on the holy throne. It is time to take back what is ours!”

In the silence, Borja swallowed dryly. After a long time, he managed, “This…does my father know?”

“The day he joined us, he understood everything.” Ludovic walked out of the shadows and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Borja, the Ecclesiastical Order was born for this. You will become one of us.”

“I understand.” Borja nodded. His expression changing, he finally made his decision. “I will take care of it.”

–

Ten minutes later, the adjournment ended. However, Borja was five minutes late. He arrived belatedly for the first time to show his power but there was a vague bad premonition. When he hurried to his seat, his expression had become solemn and stern.

“The trial begins now.” Borja pounded the gavel.

Everyone stared at him in the silence. The trial began now but how would it begin again? No one knew what to say. Even Bastian looked confused.

Aldrich asked, “Your Honor, must this meaningless trial continue?”

“The case is not yet clear and there is no conclusion. The trial has not ended.” Borja was expressionless. “Continue according to procedure. This is not your first day in court. Must I teach you what to do?”

Aldrich frowned. “Your Honor, I believe the case is already completely clear. We can already make a conclusion!” He demanded, “Are you overlooking Father Bishop’s testimony?”

It was silent enough to hear a pin drop. Under everyone’s eyes, Borja finally said, “The witness’s testimony still awaits verification. We cannot come to a conclusion based on one man’s testimony.” He paused and said indifferently, “Because the witness is involved in the case, he cannot be seen as a pure witness. At the same time, he has not been registered as a tainted witness. Therefore, before his testimony can be verified, his testimony will not be used by the court.”

Aldrich’s face darkened.

Register as a tainted witness? What a joke. If he had taken a stack of forms through the seven ministries half a month ago to register a tainted witness, he would have given his best card to the Ecclesiastical Order and Michel’s testimony would rot in his stomach.

His testimony still needed to be verified? How would it be verified? Through what process would it be verified? How long would it take? Who would still remember this weeks later?

The court was obviously pus.h.i.+ng Michel’s death to the side. When it cooled down, it would be swept into the paperwork. After the short period, Michel’s final sacrifice would dissipate soundlessly. It would become a story to laugh at, only remembered by a few people.

Aldrich clenched his fist. He glared at Borja, veins bulging in his arm. The worst case scenario had come true! If Borja wished to keep his image of justice, the holy throne had now completely become biased toward the prosecutor’s side under the Ecclesiastical Order’s influence. Whatever evidence Aldrich prepared now would be useful.

After the referee of a game was bribed, the winner and loser would be determined already. And this was not a game where both sides could work hard. This was the court where the judge made all the decisions.

Aldrich had no way of requesting to change the judge either. If the Sacred Court made the decision, appeals would be of no use.

Appeal? Appeal to whom? The Sacred Court was the highest point of the world of law. It was second only to the Pope but would the Pope help Ye Qingxuan? It was impossible…

“Objection!” Aldrich roared. “Michel’s test—”

“Objection invalid,” Borja interrupted coldly. “Mr. Aldrich, I have already warned you three times to not yell in the courtroom. Come, someone take him away.”

Expressionless guards walked forward and dragged him away.

“Ridiculous!” Aldrich struggled and yelled. “Where is the law? Where is the discipline? Borja, you will be nailed to the wall of shame! For eternity!”

The door slammed shut. Silence.

Borja pounded his gavel. “The trial will continue. Suspect Ye Qingxuan, if you require defense, the court will find a new attorney for you.”

Maxwell was livid. He had not expected for Borja to ignore justice so blatantly and force Aldrich away. Ye Qingxuan remained silent. When he looked up at Borja, his eyes had changed. They were cold.

Maxwell put a hand to his forehead. He really had a headache now. Even worse things would probably happen.

The trial continued.

Bastian wiped away his sweat. He regained confidence and determination. “Your Honor, we would like to offer new evidence. During the Auschwitz War, Ye Qingxuan—”

He was cut off by a voice behind him. It was Ye Qingxuan. “Your Honor.” He looked up and sighed. “There is no need for all the effort. Let’s all conserve our energy.”

“Suspect, please watch your language.” Borja furrowed his brows. “It is not time for you to speak.”

“Are you worried I’ll reenact what happened at the city gates?” Ye Qingxuan asked back. He chuckled. “Don’t worry. This is the courtroom and I am the suspect. The judge is the highest authority. There’s nothing to be worried about. Look, I’m still chained up nicely.” He raised a hand and shook the handcuffs. The chains grated with sharp jangles. In the silence, the sounds were jarring.

Staring into Borja’s eyes, he said, “Actually, I had already been prepared to confess. I had accepted that I will hang from the gallows. However, the prerequisite is that it will be due to a just trial. Not a joke like now!”

A low murmur rose and Borja pounded the gavel.

“Ye Qingxuan, please watch your language. This is your last warning!”

But Ye Qingxuan did not stop. “I am very sad. There is none of the justice or truth I want here. I should have understood this the moment you made Miller come. But I did not realize until Michel died that this place does not have what I want. So, I’ve changed my decision.”

“Ye Qingxuan!” Borja roared. “Do you not know what awe and respect are?!”

“I’m sorry, Your Honor. I came to the north all the way from the south to the Sacred City. I did not come here for the disgusting things that only look glorious.” Staring at him, Ye Qingxuan enunciated, “Continue the trial, Your Honor. You can bring all of my friends here and make them accuse me. But I hope you understand that I will never surrender. For every bit of pain they feel, I will give it back thousand-fold!”

“Presumptuous!” Borja screamed. “Ye Qingxuan, this is the Sacred Court! How dare you spout blasphemy? The suspect is disturbing the court order! Someone come and give him the silent treatment!”

The gavel fell. A guard rushed over and pushed Ye Qingxuan down. A hand hit his throat, causing his vision to go black. He could barely breathe. Then heavy chains wrapped around his neck; he could barely stand up straight. The chains tightened until he only had the s.p.a.ce to breathe. Ye Qingxuan coughed violently but his voice was locked up. He could only breathe in silence.

“Mr. Borja, isn’t this too cruel?!” Maxwell rose and uttered, “No offense, but your actions make me doubt your neutral stance.”

“If you are unhappy with my stance, you can report to the Amnesty Ministry,” Borja said coldly. “But in the Sacred Court, the judge’s position in undeniable. This is another warning to the representatives of Anglo. You have broken enough rules today!”

The furious blade was forced back down. Livid, Maxwell sat down silently.

Mr. Hu placed a hand onto his shoulder. “Calm down.” He sighed. “There may be another chance.”

Maxwell looked down and did not reply.

Bastian looked coldly at Ye Qingxuan’s pathetic state. His eyes filled with mockery. He opened his mouth to speak but then there was a commotion outside the door.

Amid heavy footsteps, a man in a black robe and an odd lacquered crown broke in. His face was milky white and hairless like a little girl but his eyes were pure black. He pushed the guards away and strode in. He said in his high-pitched voice, “Look at you all! How dare you stop me, the eunuch?”

Under everyone’s shocked gazes, dozens of guards dressed in black and armed with swords entered behind him. They just broke into the Sacred Court like that. The sudden change stunned everyone.

That man looked around. However, there were too many people and he could not see clearly. He called, “Where is the duke? Which one is Duke Ye?”

No one replied in the silence. Confused, the man’s eyes fell onto the jury and brightened.

“Mr. Hu, I’ve been looking for you! I came here at noon and searched for you!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Something happened.” Mr. Hu’s expression grew awkward. He cleared his throat and walked over. “Eunuch Zhao, why did you bring so many people here? This is the Sacred City. The Majesty did not allow you to come make a mess.”

Chapter 425: What to Do?

“Mr. Hu, you must help me!” Eunuch Zhao grabbed his sleeves, almost shedding tears.

“It is hard for me too! Not only did I travel to this place without stopping for half a month, I can’t even understand these barbarians’ language. I can’t find the person you’re looking for, and the emba.s.sy said that you were here so I rushed over without even a sip of water.

“And look, these dogs blocked me outside! I said that I came with our emperor’s orders but he just wouldn’t listen! I’ve never been so wronged like this! It’s fine if I have to stand out in the sun for a few days, but if I fail the Majesty, it would be horrible!

“Oh, right. Why are you here? Where is the duke? My eyes are failing me. Can you please show me?”

Mr. Hu’s expression was extremely awkward. Under Eunuch Zhao’s highly antic.i.p.ating eyes, he pointed at Ye Qingxuan. Overjoyed, the eunuch rushed over and bowed.

“Duke, well met!”

Ye Qingxuan was silent. He was speechless and also could not say anything. After not hearing a reply, the eunuch looked up in confusion and squinted. “Ah, what are you wearing…” Before he could finish, he saw the chains clearly and his face paled. “You barbarians! What is this? How dare you? Hurry and unchain the duke! If this was in the East, all of you would be exiled!”

“Order in the court!” Borja pounded the gavel. “Mr. Hu, what is this? This is the Sacred Court! Intruding the court is one thing. Yelling without any rules is another. Do Easterners not understand manners?”

“Wait, wait, this is a misunderstanding!” A priest drenched in sweat who had been chasing the eunuch finally ran in. He stopped the guards and spoke to Eunuch Zhao in basic Eastern language. The eunuch nodded in annoyance.

“Fine. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since this is the court, then I’ll follow the court’s rules.” He waved at his men. “Dismissed.”

Then his expression turned ugly. He pointed at Ye Qingxuan’s chains. “These must be taken off. Now! This is a serious political case. Mr. Translator, tell that guy pounding the hammer up there that if he can’t give a proper explanation, the Aurora Empire will view it as humiliation from the Sacred City! Manners, does he understand?!”

The priest responsible for interpreting froze. He glanced at Ye Qingxuan and his face turned green when he saw the chains. Running over to Borja, he murmured something.

Borja furrowed his brows and loudly said, “I don’t care who this Easterner is. This is the Sacred Court and I am the judge. I make the decisions!”

“…What is that barbarian saying?” The eunuch was confused and looked to Mr. Hu.

The man was helpless. “He said that he’s judging the trial. He’s the biggest.”

“Preposterous!” Eunuch Zhao’s face changed. He walked over to the podium, got onto his toes, and yelled at Borja, “The trial?! Huh? You? You’re qualified?!”

Mr. Hu buried his face and wished he could disappear.

“What is he saying?” Confused, Borja looked at the eunuch who was yelling with spittle flying.

“He’s insulting you! Don’t mind that. I’ll explain later but please get rid of the chains!” The interpreter wiped at his sweat. “Otherwise, it really will become a diplomatic problem.”

Borja was stunned. His face darkened. “This is my courtroom! I don’t have to listen to others. If he wants to interfere, then give me the Pope’s order. Otherwise, I won’t listen!”

The interpreter’s face darkened as well. His job meant being yelled at from both sides. Since Borja refused to listen, he would not hold back anymore. He awkwardly returned and told the eunuch, “Judge Borja is judging the case now and refuses to retract his order.”

“How dare he!” The eunuch was furious. He pointed at Borja, roaring, “What right do you have to judge him? Do you think that you’re the minister of the Cabinet? Why don’t you barbarians understand the rules?! Even if he has committed a crime, he should be prosecuted by us. Who do you think you are?”

The interpreter rolled his eyes. He skipped the insults and just said, “According to the second amendment, the Sacred City should not interfere with a country’s matters! According to the law, n.o.bles should be judged by their own ruler. Ye Qingxuan’s ident.i.ty is sensitive. Judge Borja, please consider your decision carefully!”

Now, the confused Borja finally felt something was wrong. There was a hint of fear but he could not back out now. He could only keep going. “As far as I know, the suspect is a musician without a nationality. There is no ident.i.ty that the Sacred City recognizes. The law is inapplicable to him…”

“No, no.” After hearing the interpretation, Eunuch Zhao chuckled. “Ye Qingxuan is the heir of the Ye Dragon Bloodline. He was born with the status of a duke. How can he be judged like a n.o.body? Thankfully, I hurried over quickly. If anything happened to you, would you be able to take responsibility?”

Under everyone’s eyes, he took out a rosewood box and opened it. He took out a yellow scroll and unfurled it, revealing the stamp left by aether. It was the national seal of the Eastern Aurora Empire. The unique alchemy mark was impossible to forge.

“Before coming, my emperor wrote this personally.” He glared at Borja and stated, “The Ye family has inherited the Dragon Bloodline for thousands of years and is hereditary n.o.bility. Today, Ye Qingxuan of the Ye family is of age. He is now given the t.i.tle of Marquess Changyu with six thousand fiefs!”

The silence was deathly. Everyone stared at Ye Qingxuan in shock. Even Ye Qingxuan could not wrap his mind around this.

Ye Qingxuan…Marquess Changyu…Six thousand serfs… How did he suddenly…become a duke? This had been arranged at birth?

Marquess Changyu? Why did this name sound so weird? Was it a joke? It did not seem like a random t.i.tle thought up by the country either and was an official t.i.tle recognized by the Sacred City?

What?

Eunuch Zhao held the scroll and smiled without speaking.

When the nine dragon bloodlines transformed music theory as something inheritable centuries ago, Deva’s blood began existing in the world. Those born with it were n.o.ble. The Nine Dragon Bloodlines were the general term for the nine n.o.ble families with Deva’s blood! As the sole survivor of the Ye family, Ye Qingxuan had not felt it but he became the heir at birth!

When Ye Qingxuan officially became the family leader, he could become a duke. He would be at the same level as the other kings and second only to the emperor!

When the Dark Age ended and the golden era arrived, after the countless changes and wars, there were only two emperors other than the Pope, who ruled the Sacred City, who were recognized by all countries.

One was the Eastern emperor. The position rotated through Nine Dragon Bloodlines. The other was the Asgardian emperor but the position had been empty for sixty years. Other than those, the rules of Anglo and Burgundy called themselves ’emperor’ but they were not recognized by the other countries. At most, they were archdukes.

This meant that, if Ye Qingxuan went to the East and was tested by the Dragon Bloodline path, he would become a duke. His status would immediately rise. Other than the Pope, the Eastern emperor, and the Asgardian emperor which did not exist, he would not have to care about anyone else.

When he finally understood this, he was a bit shocked.

Ye Qingxuan looked up at the eunuch and coughed awkwardly. “Uh…Sir, of age is twenty, right?” he asked quietly. “I’m only eighteen…”

“Duke, you must have remembered incorrectly,” the man replied with a smile. “The birthdates of the members of the Dragon Bloodline are all recorded carefully. There aren’t any mistakes.”

Ye Qingxuan could only remain silent. Not only was he suddenly a duke, he also gained two years. This entire thing felt weird but if he could give the Sacred Court a taste of their own medicine, Ye Qingxuan definitely would not correct them.

After the Church verified the scroll, Zhao sneered at Borja. “Please tell your decision. Even if the Marquess Changyu of Aurora committed anything, it should be decided by our emperor. The Sacred City isn’t qualified!”

Borja’s face darkened and he did not reply.

Within a few minutes, notifications from the various ministries arrived. The Cardinals had sent a command as well. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs even expressed that if Borja could not take care of this well, he would have to shoulder all responsibility. Now, his actions of throwing away all pretense of justice and leaning toward the prosecutors looked like a joke. Not only did he destroy his image, he had to endure the mocking eyes too.

If people heard of this, the Amnesty Ministry would not let him remain as the judge anymore. Of course, he could continue insisting that Ye Qingxuan’s ident.i.ty was unclear and refuse to let him go. But if this became a foreign affair crisis, all the countries would probably support Aurora. At that time, if someone decided to use this chance to revise the third amendment, he would have to pay for it as the initiator. The lightest punishment would be being exiled to the Dark World or spend the rest of his life in the Judgement Tower. Or someone may nicely give him a cup of poison…

But now, what could he do?

What to do?

Chapter 426: Troublesome Duke

Just as Borja was sweating and s.p.a.cing out, Ludovic’s voice sounded in his ears. After hearing it, Borja’s expression changed drastically. After a long while, he opened his mouth and rasped out, “Due to Ye Qingxuan’s status, this case will be handed to the Aurora Empire in accordance to the third amendment.”

The gavel pounded. He rose with a defeated expression and left quickly without looking back.

The spectators seemed to be stunned by this explosive news and had not processed it all yet. When they finally did, they looked at Ye Qingxuan strangely. What was with this guy? In their eyes, Ye Qingxuan looked like bad luck in human shape. Wherever he went, there were problems. Whoever he met would run into trouble.

When he arrived at Avalon, there was a political earthquake. When he arrived at Auschwitz, it was invaded by a natural catastrophe. The Ministry of Information lost all dignity before he even arrived at the Sacred City. Now, the Sacred Court was affected as well.

The ones that met him and had better luck would lose their reputation and image. The unfortunate ones would die or completely disappear… The human-shaped natural catastrophe that the Easterners spoke of was probably him.

Hearing the discussions, Ye Qingxuan’s expression grew troubled. He even heard a bishop tell the men beside him, “Be careful in the future. Don’t interact with this guy, you hear me?”

Ye Qingxuan wanted to die.

Now, Maxwell’s expression was troubled as well. Thankfully, he had experienced worse things. This was sudden but he could still bear it. Looking at the awkwardly standing Mr. Hu, he said, “I can’t believe that you were not just comforting me earlier.”

“To be honest, I’m not so sure about this either.” Mr. Hu sighed. “I just reported Ye Qingxuan’s situation to the emperor. I hope Anglo won’t think that I’m b.u.t.ting in.”

“Anglo can’t change Ye Qingxuan’s ident.i.ty. He is Deva’s blood, after all,” Maxwell said. “As an official of Anglo, I hope we won’t have anything to do with Aurora but from a personal level, I think it’s a good thing.”

“Thank you for understanding.” Mr. Hu smiled and bowed slightly.

“And I, you.” Maxwell nodded. “I still have a question that I hope Mr. Hu will clarify for me though.”

“Yes?”

Looking at him, Maxwell enunciated slowly, “How will Aurora judge this case?”

–

“Marquess Ye.” Eunuch Zhao pulled Ye Qingxuan to the side and told him, “The Majesty has another order for you.”

“Oh.” Ye Qingxuan nodded. However, Zhao’s face was completely serious and did not seem to be going to open his mouth. Suddenly understanding, Ye Qingxuan nodded. “Uh, I need to kowtow, right?”

“The Majesty said to follow your customs,” Zhao said. “Do as you would to your king.”

Ye Qingxuan lowered onto one knee and lowered his head.

Eunuch Zhao nodded and pulled out a palm-sized box. As the gears cranked, the springs trembled and the sounds converged until it finally became the cool voice of a woman.

“Ye Qingxuan, I know about your situation,” the voice from the box said indifferently. “Because you are young and ignorant, and seeing as this is your first offense, I shall take four-hundred serfs and that will be all. The world may be interesting but home is where you should be. As a member of the Ye family, you cannot always be wandering through the countries. Come back after two years. You must inherit what belongs to the Ye family. That is all.”

The voice stopped.

“That’s it?” Ye Qingxuan asked, looking up.

Eunuch Zhao nodded. “That’s it.”

“What now?”

“What now? Now you can do as you wish, Marquess.” Zhao shrugged. “I must return to report to the Majesty. Would you like to come with?”

“Uh…can I not?”

“Oh, look at you. Would I force you?” Chuckling, Zhao handed him a piece of jade. “This is your proof. Do not lose it. I will stay in the emba.s.sy tonight. If you change your mind, come find me at any time.”

He really seemed to have just come to act as the good guy. After bowing, he left. When Ye Qingxuan finally processed everything, the eunuch was already gone.

Then he heard Mr. Hu’s voice behind him. “Can we talk?”

He nodded.

–

Behind the Sacred Court, there was a quiet courtyard. Ye Qingxuan walked through the greenery with the scholar dressed in white.

“I still haven’t thanked you, Mr. Hu,” Ye Qingxuan said. “You must have done a lot for me.”

“I just hope you won’t mind me b.u.t.ting in. To be honest, I didn’t think it would turn into this.” Mr. Hu scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward.

“Even if I didn’t do anything, you would have been fine. Today was only the first trial. Maxwell has many cards hidden even deeper… I haven’t met him many times but I think that the man probably still has things that no one knows about.”

Ye Qingxuan chuckled but did not reply.

“In a few days, I will return. After all, I came to the West in the beginning with the mission to find Ye Lanzhou.” Mr. Hu sighed. “After all these years, I couldn’t find him but found his son. I should go back now… I’m sure many people were unhappy that I was wandering around outside.” As he spoke, he pulled out a thick notebook. “These are the music scores that I have been collecting for you. Jiu Xiao Huan Pei is a very good instrument. Do not let it down.”

Ye Qingxuan accepted the sheets. He did not know what to say and just felt emotional all of a sudden. All this time, he had learned much from Mr. Hu. His advice had helped Ye Qingxuan break through the Barrier of Knowledge. He had even helped collect the rare Eastern music scores. The notebook was thick and almost all were handwritten. Mr. Hu probably had started preparing this long ago.

“When are you leaving?” Ye Qingxuan asked. “I’ll see you off.”

“No need. You are a marquess now. It would not be right.” Mr. Hu shook his head. “If the East hears of it, those people will probably be able to write books of complaints. It’s the thought that counts.”

“Marquess?” Ye Qingxuan chuckled dryly. “To be honest, I can’t accept the fact that I’m suddenly n.o.bility. The name Marquess Changyu sounds weird too. Like the Earl of Glamorgan, it sounds uncomfortable.”

Mr. Hu smiled. “Wear the hat proudly and pull the gird long. The clean and dirty mix and only a pure nature will not become tainted,” he said. “You must understand what the Majesty means.”

Ye Qingxuan’s mind was blank. “What does she mean?”

Blanching, Mr. Hu’s expression grew awkward. He finally realized that this kid had grown up in the West and did not understand cla.s.sical Eastern language…

“This is a quote from an ancient essay,” Mr. Hu explained. “It basically means that to wear a tall crown and long accessories. Even if spices are mixed with mud, the purity would not decay.”

Hearing this, Ye Qingxuan was still a bit confused. “So the Majesty wants me to be a good person?”

“Something like that.” Mr. Hu said meaningfully, “You must be a good person but who’s good person?”

Ye Qingxuan was still confused.

“You must have heard about the East,” Mr. Hu said nonchalantly. “As the Majesty matured, the people have been calling for the Regent to return. The Majesty and the Regent seem amiable but they are actually clas.h.i.+ng dangerously.

“Even the children’s folk songs sing, ‘the emperor is tyrannical; there is Bai Heng. Support the country; distinguish between clean and tainted…

“Bai Heng has the urge to revolt. If not for the t.i.tle, righteousness, and that some officials still wish to protect the true leader, he probably would have a.s.sa.s.sinated the Majesty long ago.

“There are only six families left of the Nine Dragon Bloodlines. Three have pledged allegiance to the Bai family now. If not for now understanding Bai Heng’s plans, they probably would have prepared the necessary procedures.”

Mr. Hu paused and studied Ye Qingxuan. “Do you understand how troublesome your position is now?”

Ye Qingxuan asked, “The Majesty wishes for me to support her?”

Mr. Hu nodded. “Even if the Ye family is just an empty sh.e.l.l, there are still countless people who know the name. As long as you’re willing to return, you can revive the family no matter what. You can just lie there and make babies for the rest of your life.”

“To be honest, I’m antic.i.p.ating the life of just whiling my days away.” Ye Qingxuan chuckled dryly. “But I think Bai Heng must hate me now.”

“You just realized? Ever since your news traveled to the East, you became something to get rid of.” Mr. Hu shook his head. “And in his eyes, you are not just the heir of the Ye family.”

“Huh?” Ye Qingxuan did not understand.

“I don’t know if telling you now is too early or not but I can only say that Bai Heng’s ident.i.ty is not just a rebel. In a few years, I think he may…” Here, Mr. Hu stopped. He started again, hesitated, and finally smiled wryly. “Never mind. Speaking of these unsure things can only add more frustration.”

After a long silence, Ye Qingxuan asked, “So you don’t wish for me to return?”

Chapter 427: Problem

After ending the conversation, Mr. Hu left.

Lost in thought, Ye Qingxuan was somehow brought to a restaurant. A full-course meal was placed before him and he was sitting there with utensils. He stared blankly and his expression was dazed as if he was pondering the deepest secrets of the universe.

Who am I?

Where am I?

Where am I going?

Ye Qingxuan usually never thought about questions that had no answer. However, he was now stuck in this ditch and it was hard to climb out. Ye Qingxuan instantly became lost. He did not even know that he had used too much black pepper and did not taste anything different.

“Is it really okay to give him hot peppers as black pepper?” Abraham looked at Bai Xi.

Bai Xi glanced at Ye Qingxuan and shrugged. “It’s not like he can tell. Hey, Professor, eat more. Look, the caviar is pretty good. No wonder this is the best restaurant in Sacred City.”

Abraham was speechless. Looking at Ye Qingxuan’s glazed eyes, he felt uncertain. “Is he too happy?”

“For these cases, the most effective is to slap him.” Bai Xi urged Abraham mischievously. “I heard that that’s how they cure Eastern musicians who are too happy from getting into the Tak Lok Department.”

“Really?” Abraham’s eyes brightened. He raised his s.h.i.+ny metallic arm and waved it before finally sighing. “I can’t control my strength. What if I hurt him?”

“Let me, let me. Professor, look!” Bai Xi volunteered herself and moved up. Her hand slammed down, ready to slap happily. Ye Qingxuan was still in a daze. But when the hand was at his face, his hand came up and blocked Bai Xi. The girl froze. Ye Qingxuan had snapped out of his daze too and looked at her in confusion. “Why are you hitting me?”

“…I was worried you were too happy.” Bai Xi smiled caringly. “Cousin, listen to me. You’ll be fine after I hit you. Come on.”

“Wait!” Seeing that she did not give up yet, Ye Qingxuan jumped up in fright. “Put your fork down! You almost stabbed me!”

“Psh.” Bai Xi pouted and put down the fork between her fingers.

“You have worked too hard these past few days and have not rested. You’ll be fine after sleeping.” a.s.sured, Abraham said gently, “Let’s go home earlier after eating.”

Ye Qingxuan shook his head. “I’m alright but—”

“Oh, right, Cousin!” Bai Xi suddenly uttered as she moved closer, curious. “I heard that a bunch of things happened in court! We were listening to livestreams outside but it wasn’t enough. You’re a duke now?”

“Uh.” Ye Qingxuan’s expression grew uncomfortable. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later but now—”

“Cousin! I just thought of something else.” Bai Xi batted her eyes, looking completely innocent and curious. “Are you going back to the East now?”

Ye Qingxuan fell silent. After a long while, he shook his head. “I’m not sure yet.”

“If you’re sure or not is one thing. If you want to go back or not is another.” It seemed that she was going to get to the bottom of things. “Just tell the truth.”

After thinking for a bit, Ye Qingxuan said honestly, “Not really but kind of.”

“…What?” Bai Xi was confused. “Is that a riddle?”

“I never wanted to go back. I thought my white hair is strange but I thought Easterners were all like this. I didn’t know about Deva’s blood or the Nine Dragon Bloodlines. I never thought that the East was my home so I never thought about going there.” Organizing his words, Ye Qingxuan explained, “It’s different now. I feel like I should go back once and clear some things up, so I’m still hesitating.”

“Oh.” Bai Xi nodded, seeming to understand but not really.

“Don’t overthink. Even if I go to the East, I’ll still come back.” Ye Qingxuan smiled and ruffled Bai Xi’s hair. He looked at Abraham and said, “But now—”

“Cousin, try this.” Bai Xi suddenly picked up a lamb chop and tossed it onto Ye Qingxuan’s plate. “It’s fresh and juicy. It’s great!”

Ye Qingxuan stared at the juicy meat. He looked up, saying, “But I want—”

“Don’t talk while you eat. That’s an ancient proverb. Hurry up and eat!” Bai Xi tossed another grilled shrimp onto his plate. “Hurry and eat! You need to eat to have strength to talk.”

Wordless, Ye Qingxuan lowered his eyes. His plate had a big shrimp that Bai Xi had broke, and a sad-looking steak. He looked up. Abraham looked awkward while Bai Xi was serious.

He put down his fork. “Professor, are you trying to keep something from me?” he asked seriously.

Abraham started coughing but Bai Xi got before him and nodded forcefully. “Yeah, yeah…” She paused and put on a surprised look. “I requested to graduate early and pa.s.sed the test! How is it? Are you surprised?”

“Really?” Ye Qingxuan froze and then smiled. “You pa.s.sed the test even though you cut cla.s.s every day? Did you cheat?”

“No, no.” Bai Xi shook her head and patted her chest seriously. “I’m a genius. Cousin, you gotta believe me.”

“Oh.” Ye Qingxuan nodded and glanced at Abraham. “Professor, are you okay?”

Abraham nodded and smiled stiffly. “Just how I always am.”

“Then here’s the problem.” Ye Qingxuan’s smile faded. He looked at them and asked, “Where is Charles?”

Abraham and Bai Xi fell silent. One looked down at the plate while the other whistled and looked up at the ceiling.

“How come I haven’t seen Charles this whole time?” Ye Qingxuan asked. “He couldn’t have been locked up just for spitting. Plus, even if he was, he should be out already, right? Why don’t you want me to ask about him? Professor, what happened?”

Bai Xi jumped out again, forcing a mischievous smile onto her face. “Cousin, actually Charles—”

Slap! Ye Qingxuan suddenly slammed a palm down on the table. The plates shook and the loud sound echoed through the restaurant. Everyone looked over in confusion. Bai Xi’s smile stiffened as well.

Ye Qingxuan looked at her, his eyes hardening. “Bai Xi, if you still lie to me, don’t call me ‘cousin’ again. Tell me, what happened to Charles?”

Bai Xi stopped talking. She looked at him with reddening eyes. A glossy film covered her eyes and she bit her lips.

“Yezi, don’t be angry.” Abraham pulled Bai Xi away and said gently, “I told her to keep it from you.”

Ye Qingxuan fell silent. His expressions battled until it became apologetic. “Sorry, my emotions are out of control.” He lowered his eyes. “It’s my fault. But what happened to Charles? Professor, why was he locked up in the Judgement Tower? How come he wasn’t even let out for breaks? I looked for him everywhere but no one had even heard of him. What happened?”

“Let me tell you,” said a familiar voice behind him. Ye Qingxuan turned around and saw Wolf Flute in a black coat. It had been a while. The man seemed to not have slept or shaven in a few days. He looked bedraggled and there were dark circles under his eyes.

“You look like sh*t.”

“Yeah.” Wolf Flute chuckled dryly. “It’s not their fault for not telling. The matter involves many things and the Silent Authority had them sign a non-disclosure agreement. They must keep it secret. Plus, you were still in prison at that time and could not help.

Chapter 428: Forbidden Technology

The Silent Authority. This secret violent inst.i.tution was created by the various countries and the Church. It was formed by elite musicians from every field to protect the stability of human society. It was organized by the three kings. They were protected by the countries and could go anywhere. They were basically a spy organization—and the most troublesome one at that.

They were responsible for maintaining the world’s stability and peace, eradicate cults, capture dark musicians, and even arrest musicians who broke the rules. All registered musicians must cooperate with them fully when needed or even make sacrifices at times.

Most of the time, they would not appear in public for secrecy. Even in the Sacred City, they just rented a storefront and have three secretaries visible. Most members were secret and had double ident.i.ties or more. People would not know their true roles until death.

However, from what Ye Qingxuan knew, the first musician that he had met—Wolf Flute—was one of them. His position was not low either.

“Charles’ matter is a long story…” Wolf Flute sat down, his expression troubled. Before he could speak, a server came over and poured a cup of coffee for him. Seeing it, his face turned green and he pushed it away.

“Sorry, I’ve been staying up for too many nights. Now I want to throw up when I smell coffee…” He paused and looked around. “Want to go drink with me? I know a good place around here. It’s clean, quiet, and has good wine.”

“Okay.” Ye Qingxuan nodded without hesitation.

Wolf Flute nodded. “Someone will come pick you up later.”

–

After Wolf Flute left, Ye Qingxuan calmed down and realized he made the most fatal mistake. He had somehow gotten the courage to yell at Bai Xi! He begged and pleaded but Bai Xi still ignored him. Helpless, Ye Qingxuan looked toward Abraham. Professor, help.

“How come other teachers only need to teach but I have to take care of children?” Shaking his head, Abraham reached out and helped Bai Xi wipe her tears. Then he waved at Ye Qingxuan to leave. Saved, Ye Qingxuan scurried out.

As soon as he left, the pitiful Bai Xi raised her head. Her complexion looked bad. “Why did that b*stard leave? I’m so p.i.s.sed!” She angrily took Ye Qingxuan’s plate and hacked at the steak and lobster. “He dared to yell at me! Yell! At me! I cried and he still ran! So I can’t call him ‘cousin’? So what? I don’t care!”

Abraham looked up to the sky and sighed. These kids used to be so nice and cute but after they grew up, they all became so troublesome. This world was too hard to understand…

–

Ten minutes later, Ye Qingxuan got off a carriage. Under the cold and wet fog, he pushed open a door and saw Wolf Flute. And his expression grew strange. “This is the place you said is good?”

Wolf Flute c.o.c.ked his head. “Is it not good?”

A dim light was lit in the empty and old warehouse. Wolf Flute sat on a ragged sofa, clutching a box of snacks. There were many bottles of beer beside him. Clothes were strewn on the ground and there was a weird smell. This was basically the home of a street urchin.

Ye Qingxuan sighed. “How can you describe it as clean, quiet, and with good wine?!”

“s.h.!.+” While munching on snacks, Wolf Flute put a finger to his lips and hushed Ye Qingxuan. “If you don’t like this place, people will be unhappy.”

Ye Qingxuan felt an eerie breeze behind him. Getting gooseb.u.mps, he spun around but could only see a fleeting shadow. Under the dim light, there were various shadows projected onto the wall. He could sense faint breaths in the air.

They were wolves. Somehow…he had fallen into a pack of wolves.

“This is my home.” Wolf Flute gestured for Ye Qingxuan to sit anywhere.

“You’re a Scepter already, right? Even if you’re not a saint, you’re still a powerful man. Why must you live in a place like this?”

Wolf Flute sighed. “It’s hard to find a place in the Sacred City where I can let them out. Don’t be so picky. Just get some beer and I’ll eat something first.”

Chuckling dryly, Ye Qingxuan picked up a dusty gla.s.s. He glanced at the dirty bucket of beer in the distance and put his gla.s.s down.

After a bit, Wolf Flute had finally finished eating. He drank half a gla.s.s of beer in one breath. Sighing, he sprawled onto the sofa. “I can finally rest now. I was so busy these past two days that I couldn’t even go to your first trial. Didn’t think you’d come out so quickly. Should I call your Marquess now?”

Ye Qingxuan rolled his eyes. “Can we get to the point?”

“Fine.” Wolf Flute straightened. He sat for a bit as if organizing his thoughts. Then he let it drop, “Newton disappeared.”

“Huh?!” Ye Qingxuan froze. “Newton? The one from the Anglo Royal Research Inst.i.tute?”

“Would I care about any Newtons other than him?” Wolf Flute sighed. “Even more troublesome, before he disappeared, people reported him for being involved in forbidden research.”

“Forbidden research? He’s not a dark musician. Would he be researching on human bodies?”

“…Why do you think that only dark musicians do forbidden research?” Wolf Flute rolled his eyes. “Have you forgotten about the steam crisis a century ago?”

Ye Qingxuan fell silent. A century ago, when Anglo’s queen was still Victoria, the arts had developed rapidly. Technology had made great innovations as well. The steam engine was seen as the technology that represented the future’s hope. Because of it, coal had become a hot item.

But when thousands of steam engines operated at the same time, it led to disruptions in the aether and created horrible consequences. That was when humanity realized that it was a dead end.

The losses that resulted could not be calculated. The aether eruptions in the borders due to the steam engines had become a terrifying legend. The machine led to h.e.l.l. The Grim Reaper would climb out of the engine along with the steam according to the various myths.

The steam engine was still a painful sore for all mechanics and engineers. As someone who had studied mechanics before, Ye Qingxuan understood this. Forbidden technologies always had temporary benefits but would definitely bring terrible consequences.

For example, decades ago, Choir musicians mutated some bacteria from the Dark World and invented a cure for people to regenerate limbs. However, they did not expect that there would be strong side effects and sudden changes. After it combined with rabies, it became a new mutation. Within a night, the entire city became wild zombies.

The Silent Authority burned the entire city down and killed all those who were infected. More than ten cities were involved, including one-hundred thousand people, and it took half a year. They poured thousands of tons of sulfur onto the land and even now, nothing could grow there.

Another example was when a Modifications scholar created an elemental separation impact channel dozens of kilometers long for superheavy elements. A fortune was spent, but the end result was a giant bomb that destroyed half of the mountain outside the school. After three years, the poisonous dust still hovered above, polluting the water. Six cities were evacuated. Countless people became infected with a strange disease and were tormented to death.

All forbidden technology was dangerous and untouchable. However, from what Ye Qingxuan knew about those fervent researchers, once it was related to their goal, they would not care if it was legal or not. Otherwise, why would there be so many dark musicians?

After pondering, Ye Qingxuan asked, “Did Mr. Newton study the legendary intelligent machinery that goes against humanity?”

“You’re overthinking.” Wolf Flute glanced at him. “But the thing he did isn’t any better. All these years, he scammed Anglo of all this money to secretly research man-made musicians.”

“That’s impossible.” Ye Qingxuan shook his head resolutely. “Anglo’s research in the human body is only average and Newton is a grandmaster in mechanics. Crossover research like this is difficult and not worth it.”

Wolf Flute chuckled dryly. He drank half a bottle of beer and sighed. “Who told you that the musician must be human?”

Ye Qingxuan froze.

“Get it now?” Wolf Flute found a moldy pack of tobacco from under the sofa. He tore it apart and lit it. Inhaling deeply, he rasped out, “He wanted to create machines that can replace musicians. According to the clues we received, he almost succeeded.

“This is good. There’s nothing bad about it. Man-made musicians are musicians too. Machines can become even better… However, this will completely destroy the structure of human society.

“A total shuffling of the cards? With the looming threat of natural catastrophes, no one can bear it. Can you imagine how many wars will happen because of this? How much blood will be shed?

“Newton knew that no one would allow him to continue researching so he did it secretly. When we discovered it, it was already too late. He just suddenly, mysteriously…” Wolf Flute inhaled and blew the smoke away. “He just disappeared.”

It suddenly dawned on Ye Qingxuan. “Charles was involved because of this?”

Chapter 429: “One Hundred Ways to F*ck Yourself Up”

“Ye Qingxuan, he’s the main planner.”

The moment Wolf Flute finished, Ye Qingxuan’s expression grew as troubled as his. “Are you…joking?” he asked instinctively.

Wolf Flute looked at him seriously, giving him a headache. He thought that maybe Wolf Flute was telling the truth. Charles was annoying, horrible, and unreliable but his skills… It made Ye Qingxuan angry but Charles was definitely a one-of-a-kind genius. Yeah, a bit more talented than Ye Qingxuan too. If Charles could become a musician, he would probably already be a world-famous grandmaster. Therefore, Ye Qingxuan did not find it strange that this matter had something to do with Charles.

Before joining the Royal Research Inst.i.tute, he had messed around and created so many things in the bas.e.m.e.nt. He had even used trash to create a suit of armor. Now that he had Newton as an accomplice, it was not strange that he could make even bigger messes. However, even so, Ye Qingxuan had truly underestimated Charles’ abilities if he had made such a world-changing thing within a few months.

Ye Qingxuan shook his head bitterly and sighed. “Okay, that’s probably something he could do.”

“Your senior is a genius.” Wolf Flute patted his shoulder. “According to our investigation, he doesn’t only have a deep understanding of mechanics and music theory. Newton solved the problem with the mechanical principle and he solved the obstacle to communicating with aether. We don’t know where he found a bunch of music note experiment records and other data related to music theory. That is why we suspect there is someone else hidden—the true background controller!

“This person is obviously a grandmaster who could supply them with music records and data. Machines cannot sense aether, yet he found a stable structure within the changing music theory and simplified the bulky music notes, creating a new structure… He was able to use non-aether sensing machines to stimulate the aether using standard music and create the needed effect…

“According to our research, there are only a few grandmasters who can reach that level and none had gone to Anglo. I have flipped through all the archives and researched the people he had interacted with but other than dark circles under my eyes, I’ve found nothing.”

“Uh…really?” Ye Qingxuan’s expression did not change, albeit becoming a bit stiffer. “Ah, wow, so weird. I don’t get it.” He managed to force out a confused expression but there were thousands of alpacas running across his mind, back and forth.

F*ck! F*cking Charles! You f*cked me up! Ye Qingxuan subtly wiped away the sweat on his forehead. If he had guessed correctly, the mysterious background guy that Wolf Flute was trying to find was him! Who else would spend so much time figuring out those techniques? Where else could Charles find all that data? No wonder Charles kept asking him questions on music theory after he left Anglo. Charles had dragged him to the bas.e.m.e.nt for so many tests and experiments too.

At that time, he had thought Charles had rekindled his interest in music theory and gave him everything without even thinking. He even gave dozens of extra notebooks! As well as the cla.s.sicism records from Hermes…

No matter how strong Ye Qingxuan was mentally, he could not take the weight of all the alpacas in his mind now. No wonder Charles had been so enthusiastic and warm during that period! He had even treated Ye Qingxuan to dinner many times. Ye Qingxuan had felt flattered but now he knew why. He was totally f*cked!

Wanting to cry, he looked away. A beer would be nice now. However, the most important thing was to get Charles out first. What if he couldn’t stand the torture and dragged Ye Qingxuan in?

“If I remember correctly, Charles can get bail, right?” Ye Qingxuan asked. “If he got involved in forbidden technology without realizing it, and he signed the related vow, he can return to society under the countries’ surveillance… This is hard but I’m willing to help him.”

“If that’s the case, it could work.” Wolf Flute sighed. “But the problem is that that’s not the only crime he committed!”

“Huh?!” Ye Qingxuan blanched. The alpacas started galloping again. There was something else?! What else did Charles do?!

“You know, Anglo forbade Newton to continue researching musician robots. He was unable to do related work at the Royal Research Inst.i.tute and would receive no funding. However, research is something that needs an endless amount of money.” Wolf Flute smoked. “So who gave him the money and supplies needed?”

“He betrayed the nation?” It dawned on Ye Qingxuan. “Did he sell this technology to another country?”

“Not just that.” Wolf Flute’s face darkened. “The ones who supplied him were the Revolutionaries that always wanted to overthrow the Sacred City and nations…”

Well, f*ck. It’s over. Goodbye, Senior. I’ll take care of the professor. I hope there aren’t Revolutionaries in Heaven.

Hearing this, Ye Qingxuan rose and walked toward the door.

Wolf Flute was confused. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to write a declaration that I’m breaking all ties with Charles,” Ye Qingxuan turned around and said seriously. “Tell the Silent Authority to rest a.s.sured. This man has nothing to do with us in the future.”

“No, wait.” Wolf Flute blocked him reflexively. “It’s not that bad yet. There’s still some hope.”

“Oh?” Ye Qingxuan stopped. His lips curled into a mischievous smile.

Wolf Flute realized that he had misspoken and his face grew awkward.

Ye Qingxuan sighed. “We’re old friends. Can you get rid of the superfluous talk?” He sat back down on the sofa and looked at Wolf Flute. “What is going on?”

–

The Revolutionaries were a mysterious organization that arose in the New World colony in the Dark World twenty years ago.

Okay, they were not that mysterious but were far removed from the average person.

Their leader was Gaius, the Angloian official from decades ago who once frequented the Sacred City and had been the hottest figure of all the nations, but was now the top traitor of humanity.

This Romulusian had united pirates, tribesmen, and homeless people. Commanding his loyal military, he took over the authority of the New World colony. After receiving technology and heavy industry from the Chainsaw Fraternity, they established a unique dominion in the barren land. This was the only organization in the entire human world who dared to go against the Sacred City and destroy all unfair authority. All these years, they did everything and sacrificed everything they could to damage the Sacred City’s plans and missions.

Kidnapping, a.s.sa.s.sins, damage, poisoning… The records of the crimes they committed and disasters they caused could fill half a library!

The countries and the Sacred City always went by the t.i.t-for-tat strategy. Anyone connected to the Revolutionaries would be executed after being captured. No exceptions. No matter their status or backstories.

This was a line that anyone who wanted a quiet life would never touch. Thinking of this, Ye Qingxuan could not help but moan from his bed. “Senior, it seems like you’re totally dead this time.”

It was one in the morning now. He had already left Wolf Flute two hours ago. After returning to the emba.s.sy, he tossed and turned on his bed. It was his first day out of jail and he already had insomnia. Thinking back to Wolf Flute’s words, he felt a chill.

“Newton and the Revolutionaries had some sort of agreement and received supplies in return. The one responsible for getting the supplies was Charles…”

“No way!” Ye Qingxuan had retorted. “Charles doesn’t have common sense but he wouldn’t be stupid enough to interact with the Revolutionaries.”

“I know he’s innocent.” Wolf Flute had sighed. “Look at him. I’ll believe you if you say he runs nude through the women’s bathhouse. But to say that he’s brave enough to deal with the Revolutionaries…”

“Then what’s going on?”

“To be honest, he did not know he was dealing with the Revolutionaries from start to finish. He thought they were rich merchants from India and wanted to fund a new project. He treated them warmly and called them his brothers. When we followed evidence to arrest him in the Sacred City, he didn’t even know what was going on. He thought we were arresting him for spitting on the ground! Spitting, oh my G.o.d…”

Wolf Flute had buried his face in his hands. “When he said that, the guy in charge almost turned green. How could he turn the Silent Authority into city guards?”

“That’s how he is. Just beat him up if you don’t like it.” Ye Qingxuan sighed. “He’s not insensitive though. If you tell him how severe this is, he’ll cooperate with you. Would you like me to talk to him? If you can have some mercy and imprison him for life, we can definitely find a way to reduce his sentence!”

“I know he is innocent and he’s been cooperative.” Wolf Flute nodded and his features turned troubled. “That’s why we gave him a chance to redeem his sins.”

–

Thinking of this, Ye Qingxuan was heartbroken. He rose and pulled out the hardest liquor in Maxwell’s cabinet and drank it all. After finis.h.i.+ng, he fell onto the bed and tossed and turned. Finally, all his complicated feelings could only turn into a sigh.

Chapter 430: Frustration Increases

“Charles has been enlisted by the Silent Authority now and is doing a secret mission.” At that time, Wolf Flute had pulled out a doc.u.ment with a vow. He placed it before Ye Qingxuan with a pen he had clearly prepared. “If you want to hear more, sign this and join us.”

It finally dawned on Ye Qingxuan. “You just wanted to drag me in?”

Wolf Flute shrugged. “Even if I didn’t, you’d try to join in, right? Instead of having you mess around, I’d rather get you in officially.”

Ye Qingxuan scanned the paper and signed his name. When he printed his music theory, the contract’s secret music theory seeped into his body as well, forming a contract.

“Welcome.” Wolf Flute pushed a cup of beer over. He did not mind that Ye Qingxuan was still unmoving. Smiling, he downed his own cup. He wiped his lips and said straightforwardly, “Four months ago, we secretly captured the deputy commander of the Revolutionaries, Constantine. He’s locked in the Judgement Tower but sadly, we found nothing.

“According to our spy’s information, the Revolutionaries have moved a large amount of elite power to the Sacred City. They’re planning something big after the Winter Festival. We must know clearly what they’re planning… Otherwise, we don’t know how many people will die.”

“Spy?” In an instant, Ye Qingxuan understand what the Silent Authority was planning and frowned. “You want Charles to get in? Stop joking. Does he look like a spy?!”

“Yeah, if even you don’t believe it, who’ll suspect him?” Wolf Flute’s expression was strange. “We locked him in the top level of the Judgement Tower. Our planted agent told us that a few days later, there’ll be a prison break. Before that, he must receive Constantine’s trust, escape with him, and enter the core of the Revolutionaries…”

“And then he’ll blow his cover and get cut into dozens of pieces. His feet and hands will get mailed to you and the head’ll be given to us for sentimental value?” Ye Qingxuan asked coldly. “Charles isn’t suitable for being a spy at all. He probably won’t even be able to move past the first step!”

“I told him the consequences and he agreed.”

“Yeah because if he doesn’t, he’ll be sent to the gallows!” Ye Qingxuan raised his voice. “Who wouldn’t agree? You’d die anyway!”

“At first I volunteered you.” Rather than defending himself, Wolf Flute muttered, “I thought you’d get out of the trial then. After everything’s over, you could just disappear and change your ident.i.ty…but I didn’t expect that you could come out without my help.”

Ye Qingxuan fell silent.

“If you’re angry, then just blame me. For some things, I have no other choice.” Wolf Flute smoked and said, “I promise, he’ll return safely. Believe me, Ye Qingxuan. Have I lied to you before? You’ll be in this too. If you think it’s dangerous, you can stop this mission at any time. I’ll take care of all the responsibilities.” He snuffed his cigarette. The conversation was over.

Thinking of all this, Ye Qingxuan also remembered something Maxwell had said. “You always have to do dirty things for the things you care for…really?” he murmured with his eyes open. The moonlight outside the window illuminated his face. No one replied in the silence. He sighed and climbed up from the bed.

It was two in the morning. In his daze, he seemed to have dreamed about many things but he could not remember anything when he opened his eyes. Tossing and turning for so long, he did not feel any sleep coming. He could not sleep, could not get drunk, could not eat, could not laugh… Everything horrible seemed to happen within these few days. They all came to live with him and refused to leave.

He was frustrated.

He washed his face and took out another bottle of liquor that looked expensive. He placed it under his elbow and found the book Mr. Hu had given him. If he could not sleep, then he would have to find something to do.

Casually, he flipped to the first score.

“Liang Xiao Yin?” Ye Qingxuan laughed at himself. He opened the bottle with his teeth and downed half a bottle. He didn’t know what the music was but he would just try it.

Calling out Jiu Xiao Huan Pei, the instrument strings appeared in thin air and crisscrossed. The sound of cracking indus resounded in the still night sky. The music was like chimes but also the roaring of a dragon.

“I’ve let you down all this time,” Ye Qingxuan murmured. He held the music sheets with one hand and ran his other hand down the instrument strings. Disordered notes fell from his fingers. As he deciphered the music score, the music theory overlapped and scattered in the air. It slowly solidified and soon, the moonlight was filled with a gentle melody. It was so serene.

As the music theory came into shape, Ye Qingxuan felt the Heaven Ladder within him start turning. The vast music score was established inside him, filling his limbs and creating a complex yet detailed system. Finally, it connected with Liang Xiao Yin. The two used Jiu Xiao Huan Pei as a bridge to become one. The quiet Heaven Ladder took in the new music score without any hesitation as if it was rain after a long drought.

Heaven Ladder strengthened considerably. The chaotic music theory within him had somehow become more coherent than ever.

Ye Qingxuan was stunned. This was the Heaven Ladder? It crossed over the seven schools and operated uniquely! It was originally used to unify all types of music theory under it. All music theory could find a place here. This was the special skill of the Ye family!

“This way leads to the heaven!” It suddenly dawned on Ye Qingxuan. “That’s what it means?”

The Ye ancestors had used music theory that crossed the material and aether world to create Jiu Xiao Huan Pei. They also added in the Heaven Ladder that could unify all types of music theory. It was just so they could have an unshakeable foundation!

As long as they had the Heaven Ladder, the Ye descendants could add whatever music theory they wanted to create their own way to the heavens. But no one expected that, down the line, someone like Ye Qingxuan, who had never learned Eastern music theory, would appear. He had never thought of the deeper meaning. He had been using a diamond as a hammer. He didn’t know how to use it to its full potential! If Mr. Hu had not given him this music score, allowing Heaven Ladder to lengthen, Ye Qingxuan would still be clueless.

“I really embarra.s.sed myself…” Ye Qingxuan buried his face and sighed.

But when he processed everything, he glanced at the music score weirdly. Liang Xiao Yin was not overly-amazing but it was still a standard official music score. Representing dazzling moonlight and a beautiful dream at night, it was a perfect Mind score. Its influence range was wide and should be extremely difficult.

How did he learn it just by drinking liquor, flipping through the book, and playing casually? His features twisted.

“Mr. Hu, did you give me some children’s songs to joke with me?”

Taking a few more gulps, he opened to another score.

“The phoenix flies, searching for the other in the world.”

It was “Searching for Phoenix.”

This should be the introductory music score for the Eastern School of Summoning. It allowed bird-like phantom beasts to have the aura of a phoenix. If he delved deep enough, he might even be able to summon the kingly aura of a phoenix ruling the world.

“Summoning score? Never learned this before…” Gripping his chin, he thought for a bit and then shook his head. “Whatever. Let’s just learn it!”

Putting down his liquor, he placed his hands on the instrument. He deciphered the complex music theory in his heart, but his mind was still drunk. He had no clue what he was doing.

In the beginning, he stumbled over the notes. Things became smoother in the middle until finally, a clear sound spread. Under Jiu Xiao Huan Pei’s control, the music theory seemed to come to life. It came out of the aether and transformed into a blurry apparition that flowed under the moonlight. Finally, the blurry bird perched on the instrument and fused into Heaven Ladder. It trembled and extended. The countless music theories shook and a new melody was created.

“I learned it just like that?” Ye Qingxuan was stunned. A little unsure, he opened another bottle to calm himself down. After resting a bit, he flipped to another score.

“The fallen leaves come and go. The perched crows startle…” It was ‘Autumn Wind.’

The instrument sounds once again. Under the gloomy melody, silhouettes of crows startle inside the thin moonlight. They pace under the light. An autumn scene appeared.

Reminiscing, oh the long memory; short nostalgia, oh the endless pain…

This was ‘Autumn Wind.’

He learned it so quickly! Ye Qingxuan gulped down more liquor in shock. “It seems pretty easy?”

Again!

‘South Wind Blows.’

In an instant, a spring breeze blew from the soil. Vitality resounded within the melody and spread. The music seemed to transform into the south wind and blow in all directions.

Thus, everything began growing. Heaven Ladder extended again. It rose happily, taking in the scattered music theory continuously. It was taking shape instantly.

“This works?” Ye Qingxuan scratched his head and flipped the page. Continue!

‘Ji Yue Yin,”Qing Ye Yin,”Feng Lei Yin’…

The room had become a mess. Everything seemed to have left the material world. Under the music, everything was blurry and inside the melody. At times, a sun would rise and everything would renew; sometimes, it would be an endless night with the moon in the sky and a cool breeze blowing; other times, wind and thunder raged furiously… The Heaven Ladder continued growing.

Within the melody, a faint rhythm emerged. It was like a pulsing heart.

Ye Qingxuan continued.

‘Listening to the Spring on the Stone,”G.o.d’s Words,”Man and Stork’!

The singing of a bubbling creek came from all directions, transforming into a flood and thundering river. It flowed over the stone and things were reborn. It became solemn and grave, old and crude. As if meeting with a G.o.d, it was ancient yet vigorous. Finally, it turned and there seemed to be an old man with a sword and white storks dancing. The man and stork emerged within Jiu Xiao Huan Pei and joined the Heaven Ladder.

It trembled. Countless music theories broke apart at once then rejoined under an invisible power. Finally, the vast music theory of Philosopher’s Stone was enveloped as well, becoming one. The majestic vitality spread from his limbs. All his wounds healed instantly. Fresh blood began flowing through him like a flood. There seemed to be a river inside his body.

Under the rumbling of the flood, a heavy and low heartbeat sounded. A whirlpool appeared in the aether sea. Countless aether was sucked in by the msic. Silver rays of light flowed into the instrument strings and collected within his body. They operated with the complex music theory. Under the guidance of the aether, the vast music score finally started turning and showed its true nature.

Ye Qingxuan realized that he was unstoppable. Finis.h.i.+ng the bottle, he started flipping through all the pages.

“Moon of Mount Guan,”Dragon Roar in the Sea,”Changmen Complaint,”Huo Lin Cao,”Wind and Cloud’…

The instrument sounded once again. Spa.r.s.e notes scattered. The bright moon illuminated Mount Guan and wind raged. Sea tides crashed and the dragon roared without end. The moon hung in the night, illuminating those inside Changmen.

Ye Qingxuan was lost in his own world. His eyes scanned the music scores and he strummed Jiu Xiao Huan Pei. Aether rose in waves and spread out. Finally, the melody spilled like mercury into all directions.

The crisscrossed strings covered the entire emba.s.sy, extending with the scattering moonlight. Within the light and melody, a faint heartbeat sounded. Under the unclear rhythm, the entire emba.s.sy became wispy. Countless apparitions rose under the moonlight. It was as if everything had become removed from reality and entered a hallucination. Moonlight shone down. The line between illusion and reality blurred.

Everything in his dream was before his eyes now.

In the end, all the scenes were woven into a vast and beautiful dream by the melody. Reversed dreams appeared, a moon hung in the sky, the sun shone radiantly, rivers flowed, the land stretched to the horizon, dragons roared…

“So annoying!” Bai Xi was startled awake from her dream. She tossed her pillow in anger. “Who the f*ck is playing music at midnight?!”

Furious, she climbed out of bed but discovered that her room had somehow changed. The western-styled furniture had become somber eastern decorations. White curtains fell from the large room. Two lines of firelight illuminated the room. The pearls on the walls reflected with the light, creating an elegant and luxurious scene.

Stunned, her eyes quickly turned cold. She clenched a fist. Faraway bells rang under her fingertips. Zhaodang flashed past and destroyed the realistic dreamscape. Everything blurred and broke.

She put on a jacket and slippers and walked out. She was annoyed. Her mood was already bad from dreaming of all that. Seeing it when she woke up really p.i.s.sed her off.

Cracking her knuckles, she was ready to find that annoying guy and have a good ‘talk.’ But when she pushed open the door and followed the music, she found Maxwell and Abraham sitting in the hallway and smoking.

“Princ.i.p.al?” She frowned and said without hesitation, “What are you all planning now?”

“What can I do?” Maxwell smoked and said lightly, “It’s your messed up cousin. The day he got released, he became a marquess, signed an agreement with the Silent Authority, drank all my wine, and leveled up.

“His heart of sound resonated with the aether sea. Disturbing reality, he saw into the dreamscape.” Maxwell stared at the large moon outside the window and murmured, “He’s at the Disturbance level now.”