The former Dingshes of the Black Cauldron made their way to one of the cross roads leading to Longyang.
Their hearts burned with resentment, fueled by the memory of the Emperor’s treachery. The library, engulfed in flames, had been meant to be their tomb, but the they survived, barely now sought revenge.
As they hopped off their horses and approached a tavern. Zhu Mo Shi looked at Shi Jiu. “Patience,” He said calmly. “We’re at the end of the line…we’ll get our revenge,”
“Understood Master,” Shi Jiu said calmly.
They entered the tavern and scanned it, hunting for any signs of danger. The tavern wasn’t bustling as they were expecting, which was perfect. They didn’t need many eyes on them, only inebriated eyes.
The Dingshes made their way through the crowd, sifting through like ants, trying to make themselves small. A few men saw them, and sneered at them.
Zhu Mo Shi was used to it, he knew his neck burns would make anyone apprehensive, but Shi Jiu? He’d hardly lived life so he lacked the experience to ignore people.
Zhu Mo Shi grabbed Shi Jiu by the shoulder and pulled him along, ensuring he didn’t let anyone draw him into a useless crawl.
They made their way to the counter. The barkeep’s eyes were as stern the permanent frown his face held. Zhu Mo Shi slid his hand into his sleeve pocket and slide a note to the man.
The barkeeps jaw jutted forward. Zhu Mo Shi stared back into the man’s eyes, showing him he was unfazed, then he looked down at the note.
He picked up the note with hesitation, but once the uncrumpled the paper his eyes gapped in surprised.
He then offered a nod and a twisted smile, his eyes scanning their faces to ensure they were the ones he had been expecting. Once he was satisfied, he tilted his head and called a waitress over. He whispered something into her ear, then turned back to the Dingshes. “Follow her,” He rasped.
Zhu Mo Shi nodded and allowed the waitress to led them through the bustling tavern, out the back door, and into a large barn outside.
They walked into the barn and a sight Zhu Mo Shi hadn’t seen in years. Men draped in brown and green imperial robes were busily packing rice into large barrels. “Qian, you’re guest has arrived.”
Qian, the man who seemed to be in charge. Turned with a bamboo book in hand, making notes. As he turned, the brown and green imperial robes swayed.
His long, twirly mustache added to his regal appearance, and his sharp, stern face commanded attention. Qian’s thin lips were set in a serious expression, conveying a sense of authority and power.
Overall, he was an imposing figure, dressed to impress and exuding an aura of confidence and control. “Your late,”
“Hardly…” Zhu Mo Shi said gruffly.
“Humph. I take it you’re aware of the plan.”
“We are,”
“Good, then lets not dally. Those barrels over there are yours, Get In.” He ordered, his voice cold and authoritative. “We'll see to it that you reach the palace safely.”
“Mas—“ Shi Jiu tried to protest, but Zhu Mo Shi wasn’t having it.
“Do as he says, haven’t you been waiting for this opportunity? Do. Not. Waste. It!”
“Yes Master,” Shi Jiu said with a bow.
“Shi Liu,” Zhu Mo Shi said firmly.
Shi Liu bowed and kicked off the ground using his Qinggong and floated in the air and landed in the barrel with perfection. Shi Jiu on the other hand, stomped to the barrel as if he were a child. He needs that temper checked, or he’ll lose his head before! Zhu Mo Shi grumbled to himself. “How long till we arrive in the palace?”
“Three days max.”
“Three days?”
“Yes, we have to take into account the weather. I’ve been told that we’re expecting heavy rains.”
“That’s expected on the third day, ensure we reach the palace in a day.”
“Is this your caravan, or mine?”
Zhu Mo Shi ground his teeth, feeling the urge to snap this Qian neck in two, but there was no need for that. After fifteen years of being betrayed by the Emperor…his revenge will soon be here. “Of course it’s yours,” Zhu Mo Shi admitted, “I was concerned,”
“Your concern is noted,”
Qian turned, rolling his bamboo book in a dismissive manor, as if to tell Zhu Mo Shi that the conversation was over. He smiled bitterly at that, and made a mental note.
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As the Dingshes huddled within their individual cramped, wooden barrels, their bodies contorted to fit the limited space. The barrels rolled along the ground, feeling bumps that sent jolts of shock wave through their bodies.
Luckily, they weren’t typical men, so these bumps did nothing. For now.
After a few hours, the continuous sound of wooden wheels clattering against stone echoed in their ears. Their limbs grew numb, aching from the unnatural positions they were forced to maintain, while their muscles screamed in protest.
The sun beat down on the barrels relentlessly, causing the temperature within to rise unbearably. Sweat trickled down their faces, stinging their eyes and leaving trails of moisture on their flushed cheeks.
The barrels weren’t made for comfort, if they were, they would’ve sat in the lotus position and practice their internal arts, but that also required adequate space with limited noise.
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The barrels were close to a bee hive than a waterfall.
Each time the wagon carrying their barrels stopped, the three braced themselves for the impact, as their bodies collided painfully against the wooden walls of their confinement.
During another pit stop, the wagon's driver stopped. The sound of flowing water rippled from outside and into their ears. Water break for the house, Zhu Mo Shi mused.
Thankfully, the stop was short.
Another stop found them waiting in frustration as the driver struggled to replace a broken wagon wheel. The delay seemed to stretch on for hours, the heat inside the barrels becoming even more stifling, as they listened to the driver grumble and curse under his breath.
The terrain finally changed after a day of travelling, and the uneven feel of cobblestone clunked beneath them. Every bump and jolt roiled, but at least they knew their uncomfortable journey was coming to an end.
The barrels were heft and Zhu Mo Shi felt some relief wash over home. The barrel were drop, sending a shock wave through his body. He almost growled his annoyance but kept it in, and felt the barrel roll to a stop.
As Zhu Mo Shi sat there, he closed eyes and swirled his Qi within his Dantians. He began circulating through his meridians, strengthening his muscles along with soothing the aches and pains.
The light that poured into the barrels eventually went dim. He took his last whiff of water and simply sat there, breathing in deeply, keeping a state emptiness within his mind. If he allowed anything in, that would’ve made him annoyed, and flustered.
This wasn’t the time to let weak feelings such as those hamper his chances. His scar burns began to itch, a regular occurrence on cold nights such as this.
It was cold when the library was on fire that night.
The sound of stretching wood echoed above him. A loud snap followed and moonlight poured into the barrel. Zhu Mo Shi looked up seeing a guard with a prier and Qian standing behind him with another guard. “Welcome to the Dragon Palace,” Qian said mockingly.
He stalked to his left and a guard began prying open another barrel. Shi Liu pushed his head out and the process repeated for Shi Jiu who was sweating profusely.
As the Dingshes emerged from the barrels, Shi Liu looked unbothered whilst Shi Jiu held a permanent snare on his face. He's too excited, too too excited, Zhu Mo Shi noted.
Qian coughed attracting his attention. Zhu Mo Shi turned to the face the man’s austere expression, which only serve to infuriate him further. What is with this arrogance? Zhu Mo Shi asked, does he not realise...he’s just an inventory manager? Has arrogance even seeped into paltry positions of power. My dear Emperor...you will suffer a gruesome death for letting such inanity fester within the Imperial Palace!
“I believe...I've fulfilled my part in this arrangement, what you do next...is entirely up to you.” Qian said, raising his hands then dusting them off as if he were finished.
The anger roiling within Zhu Mo Shi was difficult to contain, but he knew now was not the time to unleash it on this insignificant man.
The greater prize, the emperor, was within his grasp. He took a deep breath and forced himself to nod in agreement. “Yes, you’ve done your part. We thank you.”
Qian smirked, turning to leave. “The attire you request is in that box over there, Good luck,” He said with a hint of sarcasm. With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving the Dingshes.
Zhu Mo Shi turned to Shi Liu and Shi Jiu, his eyes narrowing with determination. “Remember, we must stay focused. Our goal is to bring down the Emperor and bring justice to Huaxia. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment or hinder your actions.”
“Yes Master,” They said in unison.
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The scent of the Dragon Palace was unmistakable. It lingered in the air, a mixture of fragrant incense, wax from countless candles, and the faint aroma of aged wood.
Shi Jiu inhaled deeply, and as the scent filled his nostrils, he felt his burn scars beginning to itch. It’d been fifteen years since the emperor’s failed attempt to burn him, Master Zhu Mo Shi, and Shi Liu alive in the western library, but the smell still haunted him.
As the memories of the past washed over him, Shi Jiu couldn’t help but recall the harrowing physical therapy he had endured. His left hand had been limp, a constant reminder of that fateful night.
However, after four arduous years, he pushed himself mentally and physically. Pain and frustration were the only things he knew. Then, when he ascended to the Accentuation Realm, his left hand came alive once more, a testament to his determination and resilience.
The long sleeves of Shi Jiu steward garb, swayed as he walked meekly through the halls from the inventory warehouse to the Southern Section of the Dragon Palace.
His attire consisted of a pristine white, long-sleeved tunic with a high, mandarin collar. A deep blue vest was worn over the tunic, adorned with delicate, golden embroidery that mimicked the serpentine patterns of dragons. A sash, the same blue hue as his vest, was tied neatly around his waist, its ends hanging gracefully at his side. His pants were made of a fine silk, comfortable and loose-fitting, tucked into black, calf-high boots.
The steward’s outfit allowed Shi Jiu to move about the palace discreetly, granting him access to areas that would have been off-limits otherwise. As he walked, his steps were measured and silent, a testament to his years of training and experience in the art of stealth.
Shi Jiu’s appearance may have been that of a palace steward, but his essence, forged by hardship and determination, was unmistakably that of a Black Cauldron warrior.
As he arrived at the Southern Section of the Dragon Palace. The kitchen section of the Dragon Palace was a sprawling complex of interconnected buildings and courtyards, designed to cater to the needs of the palace’s numerous residents and guests.
Shi Jiu ventured deeper into this part of the palace, he couldn’t help but marvel at the architectural splendor that surrounded him.
The main building of the kitchen section was a magnificent structure made of rich, redwood beams that contrasted with the pristine white walls. The swooping, curved roof tiles were glazed in a deep, imperial yellow, signifying the importance of the area in which they were used. Intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures adorned the wooden pillars, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship that went into constructing the palace.
He passed through several open courtyards, each one impeccably landscaped with a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural grace. Serene ponds dotted with colorful koi fish were surrounded by lush, manicured gardens filled with fragrant flowers, bamboo groves, and carefully pruned trees.
The connecting courtyards and buildings were covered walkways, their elegant wooden latticework filtering the sunlight to create a soothing, dappled shade. The walkways were lined with ornate lanterns that, when lit at night, would cast a warm, golden glow across the grounds.
The hustle and bustle of the kitchen staff could be heard, despite how think the walls were. The preparation was outlined for the morning staff.
The aroma of simmering broths, sizzling meats, and fragrant spices filled the air, providing a sensory symphony that was both comforting and enticing.
As Shi Jiu continued his search, frustration began to swell within him. Where is he? Where’s the Poison Detection Black Cauldron associated with the Kitchen section? He pondered.
The Emperor only allowed ten Black Cauldrons in existence at a time. Majority of them would stay with the Emperor, his harem and the one who specialised in poison detection would be attached to the kitchen.
After what felt like hours of searching, Shi Jiu found himself in a dimly lit hallway that connected several of the kitchen buildings.
The air here was cooler and quieter, a stark contrast to the sensory overload of the kitchens. As he moved along the corridor, he noticed a man up ahead, methodically lighting the blown-out torches that lined the walls.
He swirl-pulsed the Qi within his Mind Dantian and wisp of Qi fluttered around the torch-lighter. Shi Jiu lips began to curl in a menacing smile, but he caught himself before his lips could finally form. I’ve finally found you, you bastard!
The torch-lighter snapped his neck left, as if Shi Jiu called out to him, making him weary. Did he notice me? Shi Jiu asked, No, he couldn’t he’s but of the Mind Awakening Realm.
As Shi Liu approached him, he hoped the skincoat that was commissioned for him was applied properly. He didn’t need to be discovered. Not yet before the task is done, He thought.
The torch-lighter bowed to him and he did so a return, but mockingly. He continued walking down the now brightly lit hallway and increased his pace to the inventory warehouse, because his task completed, which only left one thing to do.
Kill. The. Emperor.