Chapter 195

Words : 1227 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

“Oh, I wonder what major event has happened in Cangzhou this time?” Upon hearing Wei Shanhai mention something about Cangzhou, Lu Qing’s thoughts stirred slightly, and he asked nonchalantly. “Two days ago, something happened over at the state capital. There was a brothel, a place of ill repute, which for some unknown reason was massacred. It wouldn’t have been a big deal—these small, shady factions often offend others and get destroyed frequently, which isn't surprising. But unexpectedly, the second young master of the Zheng family from the capital was also there and was killed. This incident stirred up a hornet’s nest.” “Why is that? Is the Zheng family in the capital very powerful?” The old doctor was a bit curious. Sёarch* The nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “The Zheng family in the capital is a long-standing and powerful family. Their heritage is well-known throughout the state, ranking among the most powerful families in Cangzhou. Their ancestral matriarch, though a woman, has profound cultivation and was a formidable martial artist at the peak of the Precelestial Realm many years ago. Although she was severely injured and couldn’t advance further due to some events, she remains one of the strongest in the capital’s Precelestial Realm.” Wei Shanhai explained. “Is the big event you mentioned related to this Zheng family?” Lu Qing continued to ask. It seemed that the matter of Yuanyang Village being a Seven Kill Tower base had not spread. It was uncertain whether the news was deliberately covered up or if the guests who escaped hadn’t spread the word. “Yes,” Wei Shanhai nodded. “Initially, the death of the Zheng family’s second young master wasn’t considered a major issue. In these times, even disciples from top sects can die if they are careless during training, let alone a mere family young master. But this second young master was the beloved grandson of the Zheng family’s matriarch. After his death, the matriarch went mad, not only executing all his guards but also imprisoning their wives and children, threatening to sacrifice them alive during her grandson’s burial.” Hearing about live human sacrifices, Lu Qing didn’t react much. He was just a bit shocked by the Zheng matriarch’s ruthlessness. Killing the guards for failing to protect was understandable, but involving their families was excessive. Such behavior was unexpected for a prominent family. The old doctor, however, was horrified: “Live human sacrifice? Is the Zheng family matriarch really that cruel?” “Master, what is a live human sacrifice?” Lu Qing had rarely seen his master so agitated and couldn’t help but ask. “Live human sacrifice is an extremely cruel burial practice.” Before the old doctor could respond, Wei Shanhai had already explained. “In this practice, the sacrificial person is given a life-prolonging drug and then tortured with various severe methods. Finally, when they are on their last breath, they are sealed in clay, made into a clay figurine, and buried with the deceased. Because of the life-prolonging drug, even as a clay figurine, the person inside doesn’t die immediately but hangs on to a last breath. Then, in the eternal darkness of the grave, filled with immense fear, they slowly feel their life ebbing away, ultimately dying in endless resentment.” Lu Qing shivered slightly. He hadn’t expected live human sacrifice to be so cruel, no wonder his master was so moved. The old doctor’s face turned pale: “I remember this practice was banned by royal decree due to its cruelty and violation of natural laws.” Wei Shanhai nodded: “Not only the royal capital, but even the Sacred Mountain issued a decree against live human sacrifices. Hence, it’s rare for such incidents to occur nowadays. Even if someone were to perform this ritual, they would do it secretly, not daring to be overt.” “Then why would the Zheng matriarch dare to defy the world’s condemnation and perform such a cruel and inhumane ritual?” the old doctor asked. “Indeed, isn’t she afraid of the Sacred Mountain sending someone to hold her accountable?” Lu Qing added. “That I do not know,” Wei Shanhai shook his head. “But there are rumors that the Zheng matriarch has gone mad. She had two sons; the elder son was highly talented in martial arts and one of the most famous young talents in Cangzhou. The Zheng matriarch loved him dearly and intended to groom him as the family head. But unexpectedly, the elder son offended a passing Precelestial Realm martial artist and was killed on the spot. The Zheng matriarch, upon hearing this, fought the Precelestial Realm martial artist to avenge her son. However, she was severely injured, her lifespan greatly reduced, and she has only a few years left to live. It’s said that the recently deceased second young master was the posthumous child of her elder son. With such successive blows and her own nearing end, the Zheng matriarch might have lost her sanity, disregarding the Sacred Mountain’s ban.” “Even so, she shouldn’t perform live human sacrifice. This practice is too cruel. It is said that those tormented by this ritual have lingering resentment, their souls trapped in the clay figurines, unable to enter reincarnation or find peace. It’s a great violation of natural laws.” The old doctor’s face remained grim. “Senior Wei, since the royal capital has banned this practice, isn’t there anyone in the state capital to stop it?” Lu Qing asked. “The rumors about the Zheng family’s live human sacrifices haven’t been confirmed, and the Zheng family vehemently denies it. Without concrete evidence, not even the city lord’s mansion can act against the Zheng family. But what’s strange is that despite these damaging rumors, the Zheng family hasn’t tried to stop them, letting them spread unchecked. Moreover, they indeed imprisoned the families of those guards. So, many believe the rumors might not be baseless. As a result, there’s tension in the state capital, with everyone uncertain if the Zheng matriarch will truly go mad and perform such a heinous act during her grandson’s burial.” “Let’s hope the Zheng matriarch shows mercy and doesn’t commit more sins.” Hearing there might still be a chance, the old doctor felt somewhat relieved. He was always kind-hearted and couldn’t bear the thought of such cruelty. “But I heard that among the imprisoned families, there’s even a child less than a year old. If the child were to suffer such a fate, it would be too horrific.” Wei Shanhai sighed. The old doctor’s face turned heavy again. Lu Qing, however, felt a sudden realization from Wei Shanhai’s words, suspecting something. But he kept his face calm, continuing to chat with the two elderly men. Afterward, Wei Shanhai shared more recent events from around the world. Although the Wei family lived in a remote area, they kept an eye on external affairs. Especially after nearly facing annihilation two years ago and knowing that the world was on the brink of great changes, they were particularly sensitive to external happenings. Lu Qing thus gained a lot of information about the world. After Wei Shanhai had finished talking and returned to his courtyard, Lu Qing went back home, his expression calm as he quietly pondered. Table of content

Chapter 195

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