Chapter 341: Spindle
The sounds of crying could be heard throughout the Buddhas Skeleton Temple. The monks and the devotees were busy carrying out the injured from within the collapsed palace.
At the same time, many of them were also busy cleaning up the debris as they tried to save the Flesh Bodhisattva from underneath the rubble.
Amidst all the chaos, no one noticed the black spindle that had rolled to a corner of the wall.
At that moment, two bloody pikes picked up the black spindle like a chopstick.
As he looked at the item that Zhuge Yuan had given him, Li Huowang frowned.
The spindle was made from a yellow bone. The bone was slimmer in the middle and thicker on both its ends. The marking on it showed that it was an old item. There were black threads wrapped around the bone, turning it into a spindle. The threads were extremely black and fine.
What is this? Are there any side effects to it?
Li Huowang wasnt sure what to do with it.
As he thought about it, he remembered the kindness that Zhuge Yuan had shown to him. If Zhuge Yuan really was the one who had killed Fa Cai, then his strength would definitely be above Li Huowang. Thus, if Zhuge Yuan wanted to kill Li Huowang, there would be nothing the latter could do.
Li Huowang used the pikes and examined the spindle while sitting on the stairway. He slowly tried to rationalize everything that had happened.
Zhuge Yuan Zhuge Yuan
Firstly, based on how that damned eunuch reacted to that name when he heard it, I can confirm that Zhuge Yuan belongs to another faction. Zhuge Yuans faction should also be much stronger than sects like the Righteous Monastery or the Benevolent Nunnery. Secondly, the mission this time, to obtain the Muddled One, was leaked to the Sitting Oblivion Dao and Zhuge Yuan. What happened was that Zhuge Yuan ended up killing Fa Cai and avoided Ji Xiang before obtaining the Muddled One, thus becoming the winner this time.
After having been here for some time, Li Huowang was well aware of the Surveillance Bureaus strength. If even they were cautious of Zhuge Yuan, then that would mean that the latter was much more powerful than he had originally thought.
There was also the issue with Zhuge Yuans power. Even though he looked like a scholar, he had still managed to defeat Fa Cai.
Li Huowang recalled what Ji Xiang had asked them before.
Let me ask you this. While at the Buddhas Skeleton Temple, did any of you feel anything strange? Maybe someone did something suspicious yet reasonable at the same time?
This was what Ji Xiang had said. However, Li Huowang didnt know what he meant. What did he mean when he said suspicious yet reasonable? Why was it related to Zhuge Yuan and why was Ji Xiang so shocked?
Benefactor, I know we mustn't lose sight of the bigger picture, and I know that the Surveillance Bureau has a great goal, but, if possible, please stop killing. Because of you, five of our monks have returned to Nirvana today, pleaded the old monk, kneeling in front of Li Huowang with his hands clasped together.
Looking at the nine scars on the old monks head, Li Huowang just stood up and walked out of the temple.
Another kind person? Maybe, but I dont trust him.
Once out of the temple, Li Huowant had decided on his new goals.
Rather than waiting here and thinking, I would just prefer to ask Ji Xiang and see if my questions can be answered. That eunuch surely knew who Zhuge Yuan was! Once I know who Zhuge Yuan is, I can think about what to do with the spindle.
Having made his decision, Li Huowang lowered his head and placed the spindle in his bag of torture tools before hopping onto his horse.
The horse started galloping across the muddy road, never stopping once.
As he moved, the cold rain splashed onto the horses back and on Li Huowangs face.
Li Huowang looked up at the dark skies as he continued to travel on the muddy road.
Back when he came here, they were in a horse carriage where he could hide from the weather; however, while traveling to the temple the skies had been perfectly clear. On the other hand, now that he was returning on horseback, the rain didnt seem like it would ever stop.
Even though it was already late at night, it was still raining. Li Huowang knew that he shouldnt be riding the horse, but he knew that if he stopped then he would be thoroughly soaked. He needed to find a place to take shelter from the rain.
Just then, Li Huowang saw a flag that had station written on it, causing his eyes to light up as he urged the horse to run faster. The flag was flowing wildly in the rain.
The stations were places provided by the Liang Kingdom where messengers and officials could rest, eat, and exchange horses.
Just as the person in charge of the station yawned and lazily walked out with a lantern, Li Huowang shoved his identity plate into the persons face.
Immediately, the half-asleep station master was freed of his drowsiness.
Soon after, the stable boy was awake. He came and took Li Huowangs horse and started treating it carefully.
The chef was also woken up, tasked with cooking the best of meals before serving them to Li Huowang in his room.