Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1542 - 954: A Guest Arrives (Part 2)

Di Lianggong’s countenance immediately shifted to one of extreme displeasure.

Fang Chi stated, "The Witch Plague has now spread to an extent that we can no longer control. Our urgent and primary objective is to utterly annihilate the Mechanical Puppets to preserve the tranquility of Shifang."

"Yet, Elder Di is attempting to incite everyone to retain the remaining Mechanical Puppets. May I inquire if there is a personal agenda behind this, knowing full well that once the destruction plan commences?

The entire city will undoubtedly initiate a large-scale confiscation of puppets using formation stones; by then, you will be unable to safeguard your puppet wife."

"Fangru is not a puppet!"

Di Lianggong’s voice grew suddenly agitated, the veins on his neck bulging:

"She possesses thoughts! She has her own consciousness! She is unlike those cold, unfeeling mannequins! She is my wife! Why can you not accept her?"

"And who, precisely, cannot accept whom?"

Fang Geyu's voice interjected as she commenced her descent from the elevated platform.

As she moved, she casually disarmed an armored guard of his saber.

The blade descended, not causing a single drop of blood, but instead, Huo Fangru’s attire was rent asunder, sliding down to her waist.

A collective frown of displeasure spread across the onlookers' faces; despite her being a Puppet Mecha, such an action was undeniably humiliating.

In the ensuing moment, the elders' pupils widened in sheer astonishment as they looked upon the pulsating purple core at the center of Huo Fangru’s chest, which strikingly resembled a fully manifested Witch Plague.

Furthermore, the infection was profoundly deep and alarmingly virulent.

It became evident that Elder Di's wife had long been afflicted by the lethal toxin.

A profound tremor of dread coursed through the hearts of everyone present.

A puppet, already infected by the Witch Plague, exhibited no outward signs of distress, appearing no different from an ordinary individual to onlookers.

Fang Geyu's expression remained impassive: "If my understanding is correct, Elder Di's advocacy for the plan to refrain from destroying the Mechanical Puppet Army originated from Mrs. Hou's proposal, did it not?

If all proceeds according to Elder Di's wishes, then Huo Fangru would parade amongst the Puppet Army as the elder’s beloved wife.

When the auction commences, with guests arriving from all corners, and infected armies dispersed throughout, how then will my Shifang City possibly contend with such a situation?"

Di Lianggong’s gaze fixed upon his wife’s state, his face utterly crumbling in disbelief.

"This is impossible! My Fangru... How could my Fangru possibly..."

Fang Geyu elaborated, "During Elder Di's youth, you cherished a childhood sweetheart, an old acquaintance named Huo Fangru. In your pursuit of the Dao of immortality, you wed the daughter of a descendant from an Immortal Sect, leaving Huo Fangru to succumb to sorrow and pass away prematurely, leaving behind an indelible sorrow in your heart.

Years later, how could it be that you encountered a puppet in Shifang City bearing an identical likeness to your former acquaintance?

You convinced yourself that puppets lacked hearts, that injecting consciousness would allow everything to unfold as you desired.

Yet today, the very creator of these puppets finds themselves ensnared within the puppet's internal world, manipulated at its whim, completely unaware."

Di Lianggong's heart turned to dust, utterly incapable of comprehending a single additional word.

Fang Geyu surveyed the assembly, her voice calm as she declared, "Objects maintain their innate simplicity, while artificial craftsmanship invites ruin. Cryptic words conceal intent, as speech falters and blades emerge.

All things that stray from the natural order pursue paths contrary to truth; the rising sun must eventually set, the full moon is destined to wane."

The remaining elders acknowledged the validity of Fang Geyu's reasoning, yet struggled to concede: "Does the Third Lady truly perceive no alternative course of action?"

Fang Geyu's gaze shifted, a chilling smile gracing her lips: "If you can offer assurance that those who lie beside you, who serve tea to the elders, the children who bring you delight will, on some future day... beneath their attire, reveal themselves as cold metallic forms with pulsating purple cores.

And should you still remain detached, prioritizing personal gain, then I shall retract all that I have stated."

An immediate silence fell upon the crowd.

The escalating chaos of the Witch Plague within Shifang City undoubtedly signaled clandestine efforts to extend their influence into the city, step by insidious step, amidst the pandemonium.

Even a venerable figure such as Elder Di had fallen prey to such a deception.

Who could have possibly foreseen that the mastermind behind these machinations aimed to infiltrate and control them by secretly orchestrating the demise of their most cherished loved ones?

And subsequently, fabricating an identical replica using cold mechanization, imbuing it with their daily routines and habits, and then positioning it by their side, observing their every single movement...

The mere contemplation of such a scenario was utterly horrifying!

A collective shiver coursed through everyone involuntarily, and after a prolonged pause, one elder hesitantly voiced,

"While the Third Miss presents a compelling argument, the distinctions between right and wrong in this world are seldom as straightforward as they appear.

One must comprehend that a leviathan swallowing a vessel cannot contend with the myriad ants upon the land. Should we eradicate all the Puppet Mechas ourselves, it would be tantamount to renouncing the legacy bequeathed by our ancestors, akin to severing our own limbs.

At such a juncture, Shifang City would inevitably disintegrate, scattering like grains of sand. I would sooner embrace death than witness such an epoch unfold!"

"That's right! We'd rather face death with a defiant cry than perish in hushed silence!

We refuse to be like desert foxes, burying ourselves in holes. If the city's defenses crumble, where will we find refuge?"

Fang Chi let out a cold laugh, retorting, "Such noble and brave words! If you're all set on meeting a heroic end, perhaps I should be the one to hasten your demise right here."

The elders trembled with indignation, exclaiming, "You're being utterly unreasonable!"

"Precisely. Since the Third Miss has set her sights on this path and is determined to dismantle the thousand-year legacy of Shifang City, we are prepared to heed your esteemed command.

However, we also implore the Third Miss to bear the responsibility and devise a secure strategy for Shifang City's survival.

Should you fail to do so, forgive us for our inability to comply and for withholding the Puppet Mechas."

Fang Chi erupted in angry laughter, asking, "Have you no sense of shame left?"

Fang Geyu, raising a hand to cut off Fang Chi's furious outburst, offered a faint smile. "I possess a method to ensure Shifang City's heritage endures. For this endeavor, however, I require each of you to contribute three thousand top-grade spiritual stones and various materials essential for refining puppets."

Instantly, a wave of reluctance swept through the assembly. "Only the City Lord holds the authority to mobilize the resources of the seven elders and the spirit stones. While the Third Miss is designated as the future successor of Shifang City,

considering the current City Lord has not yet passed, is the Third Miss's request not showing disrespect to the old City Lord?"

These obstinate elders, upon hearing Fang Geyu's intention to access their wealth, were absolutely unwilling to concede.

Fang Chi spoke with frigid resolve, "If this arrangement doesn't suit you, nor does that, then why did you display such righteous and urgent demeanor earlier, so concerned for your own interests?"

"Steward, your statement is inaccurate. We can understand the need for refining materials, but the Third Miss is demanding three thousand top-grade spiritual stones, not common ones.

It is crucial to remember that three thousand top-grade spiritual stones are equivalent to three million regular spiritual stones. We are truly perplexed as to why the Third Miss requires such an immense quantity of spirit stones."

"Indeed. Three thousand top-grade spiritual stones! What power within the Four Seas of the Mortal World could possibly amass such colossal wealth instantaneously?

Furthermore, the Third Miss has always maintained a detached demeanor, and over so many years in Shifang City, she has never achieved anything noteworthy. No one can guarantee that she is not merely acting on impulse."

"Now, as Shifang City finds itself in a dire crisis, forgive us for being unable to comprehend why the Third Miss suddenly requires such a substantial sum of spirit stones."

"The Third Miss acts according to her own whims. You have squandered the city's spirit stones and resources for many years.

Neither the City Lord nor we have ever uttered a single word of complaint.

Yet, now you demand three thousand top-grade spiritual stones. We believe even your father, the City Lord, would not indulge you to this extent!"

"Absolutely. The Third Miss's request for so many spirit stones is indeed somewhat unreasonable."

As the crowd voiced their collective opinions, it became evident that unless Fang Geyu presented a foolproof plan to safeguard Shifang City, they would never permit the destruction of the Puppet Mechas within the city.

However, her proposed solution was met with skepticism, and they were unwilling to expend their resources in vain.

Fang Geyu gazed down at the arguing assembly, her fingers lightly tracing the cracked blue gemstone set in her sword's hilt.

Her usually indifferent and casual gaze slowly intensified, her pupils narrowing into two exceptionally fine vertical slits, betraying a chilling, hidden intent.

"Reporting to the Third Miss, a visitor has arrived at Shifang City."

At that precise moment, a City Guard, brandishing a long halberd, stepped forward and knelt on one knee before her.

Fang Geyu swiftly banished the cold, silent intent from her gaze, reverting to her customary lazy and indifferent demeanor. She casually instructed, "Announce them."

Shortly thereafter, under the escort of a City Guard, a young woman entered the hall, clad in a grey robe and concealed by a flowing silver moon mask.

She offered a bow to Fang Geyu and announced, "Member of One Drop of Blood, Qingxin, pays her respects to the Third Miss."

Fang Geyu toyed absently with the tassels on her sword, remarking, "One Drop of Blood? Is that the recently established Demon Alliance power on the Human Continent these past few years? I don't recall any past dealings or conflicts between my Shifang City and your One Drop of Blood organization."