Chapter 33: White Colt Part 7

Bila Ge replied, “The Liao Kingdom has already been conquered by the Jurchens of the Mohe tribe. Not long ago, General Yelu Dashi sent an envoy to Gaochang to borrow troops, and he is currently waiting in Tingzhou.”

Xiang Xian said, “We do not intervene in mortal wars. What we face now is a matter of survival for all nations.”

“The nations of the Central Plains are facing the most ferocious trial in history,” Xiao Kun said. “A great catastrophe is imminent, and we are seeking a way to resolve it.”

With that, Xiao Kun untied the pendant from his waist, from which billowing black Demonic Qi erupted. He said, “‘Demons’ have already appeared. We have briefly clashed with them in Chengdu in the Central Plains and in Kaifeng, the capital of Great Song.”

Bila Ge replied, “In Gaochang’s ancient tales, there are mentions of ‘demons’ that destroy everything. There is more than one; they are all evil seeds existing deep within the earth, feeding on the resentment and Baleful Qi of living beings. Slaughter will nourish them, allowing them to grow endlessly until, at the right moment, they burst forth from the soil and devour the entire world.”

Xiang Xian was quite surprised. “You know a lot.”

Xiao Kun felt a slight doubt. Demons numbered more than one? This contradicted the records of the Exorcism Division, but Gaochang’s tales were mostly legends, not reliable for verification.

Elon replied, “Many years ago, the Great Tang of the Central Plains fell into decline due to the ravages of the Heavenly Demon. The Tang Emperor ultimately borrowed troops from the Uyghurs to resolve the national crisis, and Gaochang has preserved quite a few records of your Central Plains’ rise and fall.”

Xiao Kun said, “Then there’s no need for further explanation. As Xiang Xian has said, we are Exorcists. Our duty is precisely to dispel Demonic Qi and defeat the Heavenly Demon.”

Ever since his appearance, Bila Ge had shown signs of fatigue, but at that moment, his gaze sharpened like a torch. He locked eyes with Xiao Kun, whose own eyes flashed with blue light, their color becoming even lighter, like sea-blue gems swirling with radiance.

Bila Ge said, “I am old and plagued by chronic illness. What can I do for you?”

Xiao Kun said, “I have brought a letter that needs to be forwarded to General Yelu Dashi. At the same time, I wish to know your stance on Liao. Beyond that, over the next month, we will be heading to the Aksu region and hope for some appropriate accommodations.”

Bila Ge did not directly answer the first question. Instead, he said, “Since seven years ago, after a strategist appeared at the side of Grand Vizier Li Er Man in Gumo City, they have frequently defied Gaochang’s orders. They are raising private armies in the areas of Yutian and Kucha. Now that you have arrived and are heading to Aksu, and you claim to be ‘Omnipotent,’ please investigate for me what exactly Li Er Man and his strategist are doing on the Southern Foothills of the Tianshan Mountains.”

“If possible,” Prime Minister Elon continued, “please, Omnipotent Lord Xiao, bring back Li Er Man’s head for His Majesty the King.”

“This…” Xiang Xian had more or less understood the situation. Though he did not know the exact position of this Grand Vizier, he could vaguely guess that the local lords were recruiting soldiers and buying horses, preparing to rebel, and Gaochang King Bila Ge had endured it for a long time. Now, the two of them had delivered themselves to his door.

Xiao Kun fell silent for a moment before saying, “Very well.”

“Once this matter is accomplished,” Elon said opportunely, “the two of you will be Gaochang’s eternal friends.”

Xiao Kun merely gave a faint “Mm.” Xiang Xian, meanwhile, had not responded at all. He finished looking at Bila Ge, then examined the portrait hanging behind him in the Royal Palace. It depicted a magnificently dressed Uyghur handsome man wearing rings adorned with red and green gems. His features were stern, his eyebrows thick and rugged, exuding an air of nobility.

Xiang Xian looked at Bila Ge again. At first, he suspected it was a portrait of the king in his youth, but the facial features and nose shape did not match. It must have been one of the royal ancestors.

“His Majesty the King will arrange for you to go to Aksu,” Elon said as he rose. Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun knew it was time to take their leave.

Bila Ge then asked Elon something. Elon answered, then said to them, “He will also assign a guide for you.”

At that moment, the curtain of the rear hall was lifted, and a youth entered, excitedly speaking in Uyghur as he hurried to Bila Ge and knelt on one knee in salute.

Upon hearing that voice, Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian were startled.

“Hulü Guang?”

“What are you doing here?” The newcomer was none other than Hulü Guang. At the same time, he called toward the curtain behind him, “Come on, come in!”

Chaosheng poked his head out, looking around curiously from side to side.

Hulü Guang was still explaining rapidly to Bila Ge, his speech quick and his voice bright, like a basket of pearls pouring out with a clatter. Bila Ge said, “Wait, you’re giving me a headache! There are guests here! Bai Ju’er!”

Xiao Kun immediately guessed what had happened. “Chaosheng?”

Chaosheng and Wu Yingzong also entered.

“Is this the Royal Palace?” Chaosheng asked.

Chaosheng was surveying his surroundings, while Hulü Guang continued gesturing and explaining to Bila Ge. Elon wore a puzzled expression, but Bila Ge kept nodding, indicating he was listening.