Chapter 544: Pursuit

Chapter 544: Pursuit

Looking at the familiar faces standing before him, Li Huowang felt his patience wearing thin. He had never imagined that at such a critical moment, they would conveniently appear to cause trouble.

Suddenly, Li Huowang's expression changed as he heard galloping hoofbeats echoing from afar.

He quickly turned his head and saw twelve sleek chestnut horses pulling a carriage the size of a house, raising a thick cloud of dust as it thundered toward the eastern city gate.

When he noticed the badges on the riders' waists around the carriage, there was no doubt in Li Huowang’s mind—the person he sought was inside.

"Um, young master, old man has something to say to you. Do you have any contacts here in Shangjing? Someone powerful, someone with influence."

"I really don’t want to trouble you, but... in this place, if someone wants to buy a theater, no one can stop them. And maybe even borrow some money. But don’t worry—after all, you’ll be the owner of that theater, and about the money..."

At that moment, Prime Minister Lü sensed the change in Li Huowang’s demeanor and obediently fell silent, then bent down to pull up his shameless son.

Li Huowang clenched his fist, turning the endless chatter of Gouwa into a sudden crowing sound, finally bringing him to silence.

Once the carriage disappeared through the eastern gate, Li Huowang abruptly released Gouwa’s mouth, grabbed his neck, and dragged him forward, speaking with extreme severity: "Listen carefully!! Right now! Immediately go back to Niu Xin Village! No one is allowed to come find me again! If you don’t listen, neither you nor your wife will be welcome in the village anymore!"

With that, Li Huowang cast a cold glance at the Lü family troupe. Everyone instantly fell silent, not daring to breathe.

The young master used to be quite reasonable. Today, however, he truly seemed angry.

"Li Sui, let's go!" After finishing his words, Li Huowang chased after the dusty road, leaving behind a group of people utterly speechless.

"What’s wrong with Brother Li? Is he having another episode? That doesn’t seem right—he never acted like this before. Where’s Miao Miao? How could treating her eyes result in her disappearance?" Gouwa rubbed his throat, puzzled.

"You know, perhaps there really is something urgent. Cao Lang, what do we do next? Speak up," said Lü Yuanzhang, drawing out his tobacco pipe.

"He treats his own brother so harshly, even leaving red marks from his grip. Sigh, since Brother Li has spoken, what else can we do? Let’s just head home."

Hearing Gouwa’s words, the others brightened up. In a place where even drinking water or using the restroom cost money, they were already fed up and eager to leave.

The Lü family troupe hurriedly packed some dry food and began their journey back home.

Meanwhile, the letter written by the scholar, carried by a passing peddler, only reached Niu Xin Village now.

Inside the Bai family compound, everyone sat on stools listening to Gao Zhijian stammer through the contents of the letter.

When they learned that Gouwa hadn’t found either Li Huowang or Bai Ling Miao in Shangjing, all their expressions darkened.

Especially Chun Xiaoman, who was anxious like a flea on a hot pan.

"How long has it been now? Why haven’t we heard anything? Could Miao Miao really have met with an accident?"

"No way. No way. Li Huowang is so strong—how could anyone defeat him? Maybe something’s holding him up. He’ll return soon."

Zhao Wu softly comforted Chun Xiaoman, but it didn’t help much.

"I... I... I'll go!" Gao Zhijian stood up with determined eyes.

"Gouwa couldn't find them—what good would you do? Brother Li is strong—he must be fine."

But Gao Zhijian had clearly made up his mind. He walked toward his own room.

He didn’t carry much: heavy armor, a giant halberd, and silver coins for grain.

After packing everything, he turned to see Xiaoman leading a horse-drawn cart standing at the entrance of his courtyard.

"Don’t worry—I won’t try to stop you. I know you’re not stupid; you're just slow on the uptake. Since you say you’re going, there must be a reason."

"There are seven people in the village who can speak with divine power, plus your soldiers. The village will be safe."

Gao Zhijian nodded silently, took the reins, and headed toward the village entrance.

A few steps in, he turned back and, looking down at Xiaoman, stammered: "I... I am... I am the Emperor! I... I can... find... them!"

"I found them! They’re ahead!" Li Huowang looked at the clear tracks left by the carriage, his tentacles moving rhythmically with each step, increasing speed.

As two talismans were pasted onto his legs, Li Huowang’s body became a blur.

Just as he leaped over a low ridge, his body suddenly twisted, dodging a flying mace.

Using his arm to push off the ground, Li Huowang leapt into the air and pulled out his official badge from the Heavenly Observing Bureau: “Wait! I have urgent news to report to the Director of Astronomical Affairs!”

The attack stopped. As Li Huowang landed steadily, he found himself surrounded.

A black bird circling overhead perched on one man’s shoulder.

Scanning the crowd, Li Huowang failed to spot the distinctive appearance of the Director of Astronomical Affairs.

Looking at those staring at him, after a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke: “Where is the Director of Astronomical Affairs? I have urgent matters to report concerning the Forgetful Dao.”

"Just tell me. You have no right to meet the Director of Astronomical Affairs," said a man with a gloomy expression, stepping forward, his compass pointing directly at Li Huowang.

Behind him hung a long braid reaching down to his calf.

"I know where the hidden dice is! I want to ask the Director of Astronomical Affairs to deal with this despicable beast!"

Li Huowang decided not to hide anything. The Director of Astronomical Affairs would surely hear this.

"Er Jiu, real name Ji Zai, three-time rank holder of the Aojing sect, Guardian of the Celestial Observing Bureau, Left and Right Golden Guards’ Officer, accompanied by a dog-faced demon, stole the Tai Xu Sword from the Buddhist incense burner forty-six days ago, lives under Niu Xin Mountain, correct?"

The casual words from this man chilled Li Huowang to the bone. The other knew more than he had imagined.

"Yes, exactly! But there’s one thing missing—I hate the Forgetful Dao with all my heart!" Li Huowang clenched his fists and shouted at the man.

"You may speak. Remember, you're talking to whom. Think before you open your mouth."

Li Huowang took a deep breath and recounted the entire story of the Great Qi, including everything that happened at the Upper Gate.

To deceive someone, truth often works best.

"Nonsense! I’ve lived long enough and have never heard of the Upper Gate!"

This statement made Zhuge Yuan frown. "Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Ignorance is why the Upper Gate is disappearing."

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Next chapter updates at 00:01

(End of Chapter)