Above the Great Dao
Chapter 305 - 157 Human Head Mushroom

Chapter 305: Chapter 157 Human Head Mushroom

The Hall Master spoke, and even though Incense Master Lu and others were concerned for their properties and lives, they still got up and hastily left.

Someone hesitated, whispering, "I’m afraid our Red Mountain Hall might be destroyed today." free𝑤ebnovel.com

Upon hearing this, Incense Master Lu said, "Knowing that calamity is upon us, yet ignoring the people and only caring for one’s own escape, what use is reading the sages’ books? Today’s events will end only in death!"

The people of Red Mountain Hall, upon hearing these words, were deeply stirred and united in purpose.

Chen Shi and Li Tianqing began to hear increasing noise from outside, probably caused by the people of Red Mountain Hall warning the neighbors of the impending danger.

Chen Shi walked outside and saw panic in the streets; people were calling friends and packing up their belongings. However, many were still watching, clearly doubting the imminent Demon Transformation.

At the residence of Governor Fei Tianzheng of Gongzhou, he was having his morning tea when suddenly there was a commotion outside; annoyed, he called for a servant: "Go see what’s happening outside."

The servant quickly returned and reported, "The people of Red Mountain Hall are spreading the message that Zen Master Ku’s Demon Transformation is imminent and that everyone should move out quickly."

Fei Tianzheng became furious, slammed the table, and bellowed, "Is Yu Tiancheng trying to rebel? Inciting the people, misleading the public, I believe the entire Red Mountain Hall, inside and out, wants its heads to move homes! Bring in Commander Yang, mobilize the troops, and crush these rebels!"

The lady of the house hurried in upon hearing this and asked, "My Lord, what has caused such thunderous rage?"

Still fuming, Fei Tianzheng recounted the events, and the Madam said, "Unfounded rumors often have a basis. My Lord, the Academic Officer came yesterday to mention that Zen Master Ku from Great Baoguo Temple had arrived in town, and you were planning to see him. I’ve heard that Zen Master Ku is over one hundred and thirty years old, his life span should be at its end, it’s not unlikely that he could really die in the city..."

Fei Tianzheng scoffed coldly, "The old Zen Master is an enlightened monk who has forged the Ten-foot Golden Body. Even if his life is exhausted, he wouldn’t just undergo a Demon Transformation. It is clear that Yu Tiancheng of Red Mountain Hall is plotting something vile under the guise of Zen Master Ku’s death! Kill him to warn the others!"

The lady of the house said, "I’ve heard that Yu Tiancheng is connected to the garrison eunuch and also quite close to Commander Ma."

Fei Tianzheng walked outside, his sleeves flapping: "His incitement is a capital offense. This matter, neither Cen Xuefu nor Ma Weigong can protect him! They’re probably figuring out now how to sever ties with him to avoid getting dragged down! My dear, prepare some more tea, others might be on the way here after hearing the news."

The lady hurried off.

In just a moment, as expected, General Xia, Governor Yan, Inspector Zhang, and Commander Yang and other officials of Gongzhou arrived one after another, and maids were promptly serving tea.

The officials took their seats, set aside their tea bowls, and began conversing in serious tones.

Fei Tianzheng looked around the room, his gaze settling on Ma Weigong, "Commander Ma, as the judicial officer, what’s your take on this?"

Commander Ma asserted gravely, "We follow the laws of Great Ming! If Yu Tiancheng acts lawlessly, we behead him. We’ll line up every single member of Red Mountain Hall and chop every head for the incense offerings!"

Commander Yang sneered, "Behead them once? Rebels from Red Mountain Hall should have their clans exterminated, their lineage erased! We must investigate who’s been instigating Yu Tiancheng in secret and who his backers are. Drag them out and behead them as well!"

Commander Ma’s expression shifted slightly.

Commander Yang had always been at odds with him, and now, seizing this opportunity, intended to execute his entire family as well!

General Xia coughed and said with a smirk, "Commander Yang is too murderous, but he’s not wrong; we do need to investigate. Yu Tiancheng hasn’t even passed the Scholar exams, so how does he even know how to stir the masses? There must be someone behind this."

Ma Weigong let out a forced laugh, looking to Cen Xuefu for help.

The eunuch Cen spoke, "Yu Tiancheng must indeed be killed, Red Mountain Hall must be destroyed—they’ve violated Great Ming’s laws and deserve death!"

He paused, then added, "But is it true that Zen Master Ku has passed away? Have you, esteemed lords, confirmed this? And about the rumors that Zen Master Ku’s passing will trigger a Demon Transformation—have any of you sent someone to investigate?"

Deputy General Jiang retorted with a smile, "Eunuch Cen, do you believe the rumors of Red Mountain Hall?"

Eunuch Cen, his plump face wearing a smile, quickly waved his hands, "How could I dare to believe? I just think that Yu Tiancheng isn’t a fool; if he dares to say such things, he must rely on someone. The lords would better send someone to investigate before we can rest assured."

Inspector Zhang replied, "I’ve already ordered an investigation, and news should arrive shortly."

At that moment, a report came from outside; someone knelt and loudly said, "Inspector, esteemed lords, the posthouse manager reports that last night, Zen Master Ku passed away at the posthouse and was taken to Daxing Zen Temple!"

The faces of the fourteen officials gathered showed no emotion. Some picked up their tea cups and took a subtle sip—the fragrance of the tea lingered in their mouths, offering a refreshing taste as it descended from the throat to the lungs.

The others too picked up their cups and drank in silence, no longer speaking.

Outside, a jumble of footsteps could be heard as accompanying officials hurried to Daxing Zen Temple to seek the news.

The accompanying officials, the ones most trusted by the high officials, known for their abilities and insight, could tell their masters’ wishes from their expressions and gestures.

Hearing the report and seeing their masters’ faces, they knew what to do and set off for Daxing Zen Temple.

After one tea session, the maids fluttered in, serving refills.

The fourteen high officials of Gongzhou remained silent, each engrossed in tea tasting.

By the time it to took to finish a second cup, the accompanying officials, given their speed, should have reached Daxing Zen Temple.

After two cups of tea, they would be able to return to the residence of Governor Fei, and all would be clear.

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