True Heiress Cuts Ties, The Marquis Household Bitterly Regrets-Chapter 289 - 288: Controlling Zhaozhao with the Demon-locking Rope?
"The divination indicates great misfortune; this doesn’t look promising at all."
Lianzhao the Mage, surrounded by followers, holds the divination compass and stands murmuring at the entrance of the Prince Su Mansion.
"Mage, you must save our children! They’ve been feverish for three days and nights; if this continues, they’ll be gone."
"Yes, Mage, we are willing to join forces to eliminate the demoness!"
"Mage, we implore you, for the sake of these poor children, take action."
This group has gone mad, brainwashed by rumors and hearsay.
They spared no expense in hiring Lianzhao the Mage from Qingyun Taoist Temple to ’exorcise’; they pinned all their hopes on him.
"Dear benefactors, I shall do my utmost."
Lianzhao the Mage presses his palms together, not rushing, instead calmly waiting.
"I wondered who it might be, and it turns out to be the sect leader of Qingyun Taoist Temple."
Dongfang Chenyuan steps forth, followed slowly by heads of other metaphysical families from the end of the street.
"Taoism and metaphysics are of one origin. Meeting so many fellow sect members today, truly, it’s a blessing thrice over."
Lianzhao the Mage has been waiting for them, and he is not the least bit hurried but rather greets them with a gentle smile.
"Tch, calling it one origin might be a stretch."
Mr. Situ calmly says, "We are only here on the Emperor’s orders to examine recent cases of children’s high fevers and see whether they’re linked with the supernatural."
Lianzhao the Mage replies with a smile, "I’ve examined them too. The children aren’t tainted by the supernatural, yet there is the scent of a demon. Of course, considering that I am not a Heavenly Master, I lack profound understanding of demons."
"Is that so?"
Mr. Situ personally inspects the children’s condition, his brows furrowing as he indeed perceives the faint presence of demonic aura.
"Seems Mr. Situ has noticed something?"
Lianzhao the Mage says, "I wasn’t lying. For these innocent children, I must uncover the demon behind this."
His compass points toward the Prince Su Mansion, "With this foreboding divination, perhaps any of you family heads could offer some insight?"
Dongfang Chenyuan rolls up his sleeves and points at him angrily, "Aren’t you just trying to redirect trouble towards the Princess Consort and involve other metaphysical families? What’s the point?"
"Does the Dongfang Family Head not find it strange that Yu Nianzhao, after being dead for half a month, suddenly resurrects?"
Lianzhao the Mage ignores Dongfang Chenyuan, instead turning to ask Dongfang Hong.
Dongfang Hong’s eyes are downcast as he coldly speaks, "Dying for half a month is just a rumor. Did Lianzhao the Mage personally witness her death?"
Since witnessing Yu Nianzhao’s abilities, Dongfang Hong has understood why Dongfang Chenyuan would bow to her.
Her abilities are immense; he has never seen such skills in the mortal realm.
It’s no exaggeration to say all his lifelong cultivation can’t compare to Yu Nianzhao’s talent.
Dongfang Hong believes that Yu Nianzhao isn’t evil, finding Lianzhao the Mage rather peculiar instead.
Lianzhao the Mage, naturally unaware of Dongfang Hong’s inner thoughts, retorts, "Didn’t the Emperor summon numerous Imperial Physicians who all concluded she was lifeless?"
"Doesn’t Lianzhao the Mage know of the cultivation technique known as Turtle Breath Technique?"
Dongfang Hong remains unfazed, making excuses for Yu Nianzhao.
Lianzhao the Mage, "..."
He’s speechless, weren’t they saying Dongfang Hong detested Yu Nianzhao?
How could it contrast so sharply with the rumors?
"I have lived a sheltered life."
Lianzhao the Mage responds through gritted teeth.
"But this ominous divination indicates there is indeed a demon hidden within the Prince Su Mansion!"
Lianzhao the Mage persists.
"You really insist on unearthing some demon within my place today, don’t you?"
Yu Nianzhao slowly comes out from the door, holding a small palm-sized mirror.
"Lianzhao the Mage, right? I’ve heard much about you."
Yu Nianzhao waves her hand at him with a meaningful smile, "Lianzhao the Mage, haven’t we met before?"
Lianzhao the Mage twitches his lips slightly and laughs awkwardly, "I’ve always resided in the mountains, rarely descending, we likely haven’t met, Miss Yu."
"Oh... I thought, when I saw you at the ghostly domain last time, you would remember me vividly. However, it seems I didn’t leave an impression, truly unfortunate."
Yu Nianzhao speaks regretfully.
Recalling the event, Lianzhao the Mage barely maintains his composure.
Still daring to mention the ghostly domain?
It was this battle, causing him to recover for so long, even now, the injuries still faintly linger.
"Haha, Miss Yu must be joking."
Lianzhao the Mage claps his hands, and other disciples respectfully hand him a rope.
"This is the Demon-locking Rope; if Miss Yu cooperates, the truth shall emerge. Will Miss Yu comply?"
Lianzhao the Mage sighs helplessly, "Or does Miss Yu think these children’s lives aren’t worth saving?"
Hearing the angry complaints from parents, Yu Nianzhao furrows her brow, causing her hand mirror to flicker.
A horse gallops in, a guard leaps down from it.
"Princess Consort Su, the Crown Prince has been feverish without cessation, the Imperial Physicians unable to swiftly bring down the heat. The Empress requests that you prove your innocence before heading to the palace."
The guard relays.
Yu Nianzhao purses her lips, glances at Lianzhao the Mage, and indifferently says, "Then use the Demon-locking Rope."
Lianzhao the Mage’s eyes gleam momentarily, "Very well, forgive me for my disrespect then."
Eagerly, Lianzhao the Mage winds the Demon-locking Rope around Yu Nianzhao, causing uncomfortable electric currents and making Yu Nianzhao kneel on one knee.
Lianzhao the Mage exclaims in surprise, "Didn’t expect the Demon-locking Rope to work; see, the rope keeps tightening, proving Miss Yu is indeed a demon!"
"What?"
Dongfang Hong and the others are equally astonished, simultaneously turning their gaze toward Yu Nianzhao.
"A demoness, she truly is a demoness; Mage, quickly exorcise her!"
The ignorant crowd urges, focusing everyone’s attention on Yu Nianzhao.
Lianzhao the Mage reveals a triumphant smile, secretly activating a talisman in his hand, suddenly raising it, its beams enveloping those present.
Time seems to freeze, everyone halts their movements, stiff in place.
Lianzhao the Mage’s smile vanishes, he speaks coldly, "Quickly, take advantage of this moment, search the Prince Su Mansion thoroughly, and make sure to retrieve Duke Luu’s soul."
"Yes!"
His disciples immediately rush into the Prince Su Mansion.
Then...
A strange occurrence happens, Lianzhao the Mage’s face reflects another.
He asks darkly, "Can my father’s soul actually be found? You’ve searched the prison for so long, found nothing! Our family has fed you for so long, don’t disappoint me!"
