SFS Chapter 236 The Arrangements of the Two Sides
Chapter 236 The Arrangements of the Two Sides
After spending a few solid days with Kong and Paimon in Liyue Harbor, the Summoning Ceremony is finally ready and about to be officially held.
Thinking that he would be able to see Morax, the Rock God, up close today, Kong woke Paimon up early.
As soon as the two went downstairs, they saw Xu Ning waiting at the door with a big smile on his face.
Xu Ning could understand Kong's eagerness to see the Rock Demon God, but with Xu Ning and Ningguang's behind-the-scenes manipulation, today's summoning ceremony would be even more heavily guarded than in previous years.
Without his own guidance, Kong wouldn't even be able to enter Yujingtai.
"Brother Xu, you're here early today!"
Kong greeted Xu Ning with delight.
Xu Ning smiled and said, "When you asked me about our Rock King back in Mondstadt, I knew you wanted to see our god. I guessed you would get up early today, so I came ahead of time."
Kong was surprised that Xu Ning cared so much about his affairs, and was so moved that he clasped his hands in a salute to Xu Ning.
Xu Ning patted him on the shoulder, "No need for formalities, we're brothers. Let's go, let's get a good spot first."
Xu Ning led Kong towards Yujingtai.
Since the development of Guili Plains, the number of people purchasing properties and relocating to Liyue has surged, and the demand for various resources in Liyue Harbor has reached a new peak.
Moreover, during last year's summoning ceremony, the Emperor issued a total of seventeen decrees, creating countless business opportunities in Liyue.
Therefore, the number of merchants who came to listen to the Emperor's decree at this year's Seven Stars Summoning Ceremony has exceeded the highest number of people who have ever attended the ceremony.
With Xu Ning leading the way, Kong Hepaimeng didn't even feel anyone checking them, and easily arrived at the Yiyan Hall of Yujing Terrace, the main venue for the ceremony to invite the immortals.
"It feels like I've met as many people as there are in all of Mondstadt in such a short time!"
Paimon exaggeratedly described it: "Luckily we got a good spot in advance, otherwise we would have had to climb up the mountain to see it."
Xu Ning laughed and said, "With me as the host, how could I let you go climbing the mountain? Once the big bell over there has rung nine times, the entire ceremony to invite the immortals will begin."
"The auspicious time has come."
As expected, after the bell rang, Ningguang, dressed in an elegant and luxurious outfit, walked to the incense table with impeccable posture and steps, and lit the incense to invite the gods.
Ningguang then clasped her hands together, and pure rock element quickly gathered around her.
Four golden, glowing rock elemental polymers circled around her twice before being manipulated by Ningguang and embedded around the incense burner behind the altar.
A beam of golden light suddenly shot straight up to the sky from above the incense burner.
"This is called the Coiled Dragon Pillar. The Rock King Emperor will descend from the Coiled Dragon Pillar in the form of a divine dragon to issue decrees."
Seeing that Kong and Paimon were both staring wide-eyed at the sky, Xu Ning whispered an explanation behind them.
But the sky today is clearly different.
A dark cloud gathered almost instantly above the main venue of the summoning ceremony, and for a moment even the golden light that pierced the heavens and earth could not be seen clearly.
Everyone watching below also realized that something was wrong.
But before anyone could realize what was happening, a huge black shadow fell from the sky and crashed onto the altar where offerings were laid out.
Even the incense burner that was meant to receive the immortal body was overturned and rolled to one side.
Amidst the screams and shouts of the onlookers, the smoke and dust dissipated.
What appeared on the altar where the offerings were scattered was actually the body of a dragon.
The true form of the Rock King Emperor!
Ningguang was utterly shocked; such an absurd thing had actually happened!
When Xu Ning whispered all this in her ear that night, Ningguang even thought it was just Xu Ning's wild fantasy.
Is the era that belongs to "human beings" finally about to arrive?
Ningguang looked up and met Xu Ning's gaze, who was standing behind Kong.
As Xu Ning raised his hand to drink, he subtly pointed his left little finger into the air.
Ningguang understood instantly.
After taking a few steps forward and confirming that the dragon body in front of her was completely lifeless, Ningguang's face turned frosty, and she waved her hand.
"The emperor has been killed, the whole place is sealed off!"
The already prepared Qianyan soldiers quickly surrounded everyone present.
"All personnel, please remain where you are. People from Liyue, please stand over here. People from other countries, please stand over there."
Paimon leaned on Kong's shoulder. "The Rock... the Rock God is dead! Could the murderer be someone from here? Oh no, they've started checking suspicious persons. We're not even from the Seven Kingdoms. Could it be... Hey, where's Xu Ning?"
At this moment, Xu Ning had already taken advantage of the chaos to hide in the Moon Sea Pavilion, and even pulled Gan Yu, who was still stunned in place, in as well.
Ye Lan, who was leaning against the window and observing the situation outside through a crack, smiled at Xu Ning who flashed in and said, "What a grand scene! Who would believe something like this if word got out?"
Xu Ning said coldly, "Although only you, Ningguang, and I know about this, it's still enough. No one else can be allowed to find out the truth, or we'll all die if the Emperor's plans are ruined!"
"And her?" Ye Lan asked with a smile, pointing at Gan Yu.
I'm talking about people!
Xu Ning pulled the still-shaken Gan Yu aside with an annoyed expression and said seriously, "I have a very secret matter that I need you to handle immediately."
Ye Lan, who was staring out the window, said with a hint of excitement, "That kid was indeed rescued by the people over there. I need to make my move too."
Ye Lan's figure suddenly disappeared from the spot.
Xu Ning also handed over all the tasks that needed to be done to Gan Yu.
Seeing Gan Yu's still somewhat panicked expression, Xu Ning said gently, "It's okay, I'll be there soon. Just let them know first and don't do anything too drastic."
After Gan Yu nodded in agreement, she quickly went out.
Xu Ning went outside, and the checkpoints outside had been completely disrupted by the sudden appearance of the young master. Many of the Thousand Rock Army soldiers had already gone to chase after Kong and the others in the direction they had fled.
"Were there any casualties?" Xu Ning asked Ning Guang.
Ningguang said, "He was very careful with his actions, he never intended to hurt anyone, which shows he's a kind-hearted child. However..."
Ningguang's voice turned cold, "...That young master was ruthless; five people almost died at his hands, showing he intended to silence them. Fortunately, Bai Shu was here observing the ceremony, so his life should be safe."
Xu Ning said with relief, "That's good. I'll thank Bai Shu properly later. Have the Thousand Rock Army mobilize now and put all their pressure on the Northern Bank, so they don't have a chance to breathe."
Inside the Northern Bank, Prince D'Artagnan explained to Kong, who was still wary of him, "What kind of status does Xu Ning have in Liyue? He deliberately took you to the Immortal Summoning Arena, which ordinary people cannot enter, but then suddenly disappeared when the Emperor was assassinated. Isn't this logic of framing someone clear enough...? Okay, okay, even if you don't believe that this is a conspiracy deliberately targeting you, then what about the Emperor who was assassinated?"
“I guarantee that the Thousand Rock Army will find the Northern Bank in no time. This is a serious matter, and our Winter's privilege cannot protect you. Both you and He urgently need a force that can uphold justice. Don't you want to find out the truth and clear your name?”