The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1536: Ying Huo Shou Xin

The previous year crawled by, ushering in a new one. Across the Qin Dynasty, turmoil was rampant, causing immense suffering among the populace due to the ravages of war. Yet, in secluded mountain retreats, some individuals continued their tranquil existence, their daily lives unaffected by the surrounding chaos, irrespective of their standing.

This particular day held no special significance for the majority, appearing like any other. However, a subtle warning seemed to hang in the air, suggesting caution was advised.

In East County, within the region of Pu Yang.

"Quick, look up! What is that in the sky?"

"Wow, it’s a massive fireball!"

"What could it be? I’ve never witnessed anything like it before."

"Indeed, everyone should come out and see this phenomenon."

The city's inhabitants, drawn by the excited cries, emerged from their homes, their gazes fixed on the celestial spectacle above.

"I’m over seventy years old and have never laid eyes on such a sight," an elder on the street remarked, his hand gripping his cane, trembling involuntarily. Beside him, a child, innocent of the world's complexities, felt no apprehension but curiously tilted his head along with the adults, marveling at the sky-borne 'fireball'.

Penglai.

"Master, is this the event you predicted that could alter the empire's destiny?" a disciple clad in white inquired, his curiosity piqued as he looked at the middle-aged man beside him. The man offered no verbal reply, his gaze intently fixed on the heavens. After a prolonged silence, he turned to depart.

"We must press on with our journey; let's move."

Xianyang.

"Your Majesty, the winds are fierce outside; I urge you to return to the palace."

Within the imperial confines, Emperor Qin Shi Huang stood upon the city wall, his eyes scanning the heavens. The fireball blazed across the sky, a truly 'awe-inspiring' display. Yet, the Emperor, who had subjugated the six warring states, wore a somber expression. He remained silent for a considerable time, a faint glint of killing intent flickering in his eyes.

Concurrently.

Ye Shikai was engaged in a patrol with his contingent. Upon observing the 'celestial anomaly,' their movements ceased. A fireball blazed through the sky, leaving a luminous 'tail' in its wake, strikingly distinct and far more magnificent than a mere shooting star.

"Sir, what is that?" Man Cang questioned, his voice laced with curiosity. The soldiers below were equally abuzz with speculation. Having lived for over two decades, none had encountered such a phenomenon. The ancients held celestial events in high regard, believing them intrinsically linked to fate; consequently, surprise was etched on many faces.

"I have no idea either. Everyone, remain vigilant," Ye Shikai instructed, his tone calm. Regardless of the unfolding events, maintaining composure was paramount.

"This is an unusual celestial occurrence; I fear something significant is imminent," Shangguan Jian stated gravely, his voice chilling.

"Shangguan, have you encountered this before?"

"No, I haven't seen anything like it either," Shangguan Jian replied, shaking his head.

The 'fireball' in the sky continued its descent, drawing nearer to the horizon...

"Halt the entire army; we shall establish camp here. Xue San, take a detachment of soldiers to investigate," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Understood, sir. I shall depart at once," Xue San acknowledged, turning his horse and leading his soldiers into the distance.

"Discuss this matter sparingly. Any soldier found spreading rumors or causing disruption will face the full severity of military law," Ye Shikai decreed sternly.

"Yes, sir."

"Yes, sir."

The following day, within the confines of the military encampment.

"How did it go? Did you ascertain its nature?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"After a pursuit lasting a day and a night, we uncovered the truth: the fireball witnessed yesterday was, in fact, a meteorite. It landed within East County, near the border of East County and He Nei County," Xue San reported.

"A meteorite." Ye Shikai abruptly stood, as if jolted by a powerful force. The landing of a meteorite in East County... could this be the historical event, Ying Huo Shou Xin?

"Indeed, numerous villagers have already congregated to observe it. The local authorities, apprehensive of potential unrest, have dispatched soldiers to secure the vicinity of the meteorite," Xue San elaborated.

Though Ye Shikai had a habit of dozing during history lessons, he was acquainted with such 'curious tales.' In the thirty-sixth year of Qin Shi Huang's reign, the meteorite known as Ying Huo Shou Xin fell in East County. Bearing inscriptions deemed inauspicious for the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang consequently ordered the execution of all nearby villagers and the destruction of the meteorite.

"Old Ye, what is our next course of action? We are merely sixty to seventy miles from the impact site. If we depart now, we could reach it in about three hours."

"A dispatch, from Commander Ma's military orders." Abruptly, a messenger hurried into the tent, addressing the two men.

"Present it."

"Yes, sir."

Ye Shikai accepted the bamboo slip and perused its contents, his expression becoming increasingly grave.

"Old Ye, what does it say?" Shangguan Jian, noting Ye Shikai’s darkening visage, felt a sense of unease, yet could not refrain from asking.

"We are commanded to lead our twenty thousand troops to the meteorite's impact zone and await further orders," Ye Shikai stated, his face grim, his voice cold.

"So many troops, for what purpose?"

"I don’t know either." Ye Shikai’s voice sounded somewhat weak as he pressed his hand to his temple.

"Generals, Commander Ma emphasized that this military order is of utmost urgency—departure must be immediate upon receiving it, and any mistake will be punishable by military law."

"I understand. You may go," Ye Shikai waved him off.

"Yes, sir. I take my leave."

"Old Ye, what are we going to do next?"

"What else can we do, let’s set off."

..............................

"Quick, look at what this is."

"It’s a meteorite. Look, it seems like it’s still burning."

"Yes, last night when it hit the ground with a roar, shaking the earth, it was frightening."

"Indeed, the villagers stayed up all night, saying something big is bound to happen."

Thousands of villagers had already gathered around the meteorite. The scene was as lively as New Year; even though many soldiers tried to stop them, the villagers still surged forward.

Ye Shikai led his troops to the scene and understood why Ma Yao sent him: so many villagers were gathered here at such a sensitive moment; he feared chaos.

"Shangguan, have the soldiers disperse the villagers, remember, do not use force excessively," Ye Shikai instructed.

"Yes, sir."

"Gathered villagers, withdraw immediately," Shangguan Jian commanded, as soldiers formed lines, those at the forefront holding shields, pushing them back step by step. Seeing the Qin soldiers approach, the villagers did not dare to resist and scattered.

"All troops, hear my order. Surround this area, no one is allowed to come near."

Deep in the night.

"Old Ye, earlier the soldiers were talking in the camp, saying it seems like there are words engraved on the meteorite," Shangguan Jian entered the tent and said directly.

"What?" Ye Shikai was taken aback, his arm sweeping aside, sending bowls and utensils crashing to the ground.

"Yes, it was unclear during the day, but at night, the burning flames revealed the inscriptions."

Ye Shikai sat on the ground as if in a daze. If what was inscribed was true, then these words were ’forbidden’. He didn’t believe this was divine intervention—perhaps villagers had engraved it upon the meteorite’s descent.