"Kid, you said you gestated one or two ancient Taboos and that's what brought down the Sacred Judgment? What kind of Taboos?"
Old Monster Tang had heard of ancient Taboos, but only in passing. Apart from seeing references in ancient texts, he'd never encountered one, nor did he know what kind of ancient Taboo could provoke the Sacred Judgment.
"Those two things are probably still in a dormant state, won't wake up for a while."
"Utter nonsense! The more you talk, the more preposterous it gets."
Tang Manqing couldn't listen any longer and rebuked, "While I've never encountered an ancient Taboo, I do know that no matter what kind of Taboo it is, it cannot be dormant, and it certainly cannot summon the Sacred Judgment."
"Little niece, there are many things in this Heaven and Earth you haven't experienced."
"You fraud, don't get cocky! I warn you, I've already sent a flying letter to tell Fairy Hua about you. When Fairy Hua arrives in person in a few days, let's see if you dare keep impersonating the Monarch."
"Why did you have to go and call Su Hua over for no reason?"
"Hmph! Are you scared?"
Gu Qingfeng nodded, then stood up and stretched. "I really am scared of that woman Su Hua finding out I'm still alive."
Su Hua had been looking for him. Gu Qingfeng was well aware of this and knew she was seeking him over so-called karmic ties. He was almost certain it was either karma from a past life or karma related to the Sinful Blood.
Gu Qingfeng hadn't even figured out the karmic ties of this lifetime yet; how could he be in the mood to deal with those messy entanglements?
Tang Manqing wanted to say more, but Gu Qingfeng had no patience to listen further. He glanced at the sky; it was almost noon. He rubbed his stomach. Though not hungry, he felt like eating something just for the taste. "Alright, Old Monster Tang, let's call it a day here. We'll chat again when we get the chance."
"Again?" Old Monster Tang also stood up. "Kid, you're leaving? Where to? What for?"
"Staying with you, old man, for a few days has been so boring I'm about to sprout wings. This master wants to find a place to stroll around, maybe grab a bite. Drinking for days on end, I'm almost sick of it."
"You haven't forgotten what you promised this old man, have you?"
"What did I promise you?"
"Damn it! You just said you'd help our Yanluo royal family."
"You keep harping on such a trivial matter. Don't worry, if the Immortal Dynasty dares to trouble your Yanluo royal family, I'll kill every one they send!"
"Hehe, that's more like it!"
Gu Qingfeng then looked at Tang Manqing with a smile. "Little niece, farewell. Oh, right, when your father, Tang Yunhao, returns, don't forget to tell me. I haven't seen that kid in a long time. Gotta admit, I'd like to meet him again."
"Don't you worry!" Tang Manqing glared angrily. "When my father returns, he will definitely expose your true face!"
"Hahaha! Fine, I'll be waiting."
Gu Qingfeng waved his hand and was about to call Fei Kui to leave when he noticed Tang Rou'er's pitifully moving eyes fixed on him. He was about to walk over, but Tang Manqing blocked his way. Standing protectively in front of Tang Rou'er, she asked cautiously, "What do you want!"
Gu Qingfeng ignored Tang Manqing and looked at Tang Rou'er. "Little girl, do you have something to say to me?"
"Rou'er, don't pay attention to this fraud!" Tang Manqing, fearing Gu Qingfeng might have some ulterior motive towards Tang Rou'er, quickly shielded her.
But Tang Rou'er also ignored Tang Manqing. Looking at Gu Qingfeng, she said softly and weakly, "You... are you really the Monarch?"
"That question... I really don't know how to answer for the moment."
"Since Great-Grandfather says you are the Monarch, then you should be the real Monarch, but..." Tang Rou'er slightly furrowed her brows, seeming quite puzzled. "But I also feel what Sister Manqing says makes sense."
"Then what do you think? Do you think I'm real or fake?"
Tang Rou'er shook her head slightly. She had been listening silently, just as she said earlier, feeling it was both real and fake. She couldn't distinguish the truth from the falsehood.
"Jin'er mentioned you to me."
"Jin'er?" Gu Qingfeng asked in surprise. "You know Little Jin'er too?"
"Mhm, mhm. Jin'er and I are very good friends."
"Is that so?" Gu Qingfeng still clearly remembered that nine years ago, when facing the Sacred Judgment, Little Jin'er said she would wait for him, and he promised her he would definitely return. He wondered to himself if Little Jin'er was still with Su Hua now.
"Jin'er told me you are the Monarch."
"Oh?"
"Jin'er also said that when the Heavenly Mandate descended, the Three Thousand Great Daos wanted to erase you, but you beat them to a pulp."
"Seems you and Jin'er really are good friends, for her to tell you such things."
"Jin'er also said that Fairy Hua didn't deliberately deceive the Immortal Dynasty to protect you; she truly thought you had been reduced to ashes by the Sacred Judgment. However, Jin'er believes you definitely didn't die. She said as long as you don't want to die, no existence in Heaven and Earth can erase you—not the Heavens, not even the Sacred Judgment."
At this point, Tang Manqing beside them spoke up. "Rou'er, only an innocent little girl like Jin'er would believe such nonsense. How can you take it seriously?"
"I'm not taking it seriously. I'm just repeating what Jin'er said."
Tang Rou'er indeed seemed much more mature than her peers. "Moreover, I feel Jin'er wasn't lying to me."
"Jin'er certainly wouldn't deceive you. It's because she believed those lies to be true."
Gu Qingfeng shook his head, smiled, and patted Tang Rou'er's little head. He looked at Old Monster Tang and asked, "Do you know about this girl's physical condition?"
"Ah!" Old Monster Tang was suddenly jolted. "Damn it! I was so caught up listening to you, kid, blow hot air that I almost forgot something important!"
"What important matter?"
"It's about Rou'er! Kid Gu, can you save Rou'er? This old man has tried every method, but none work. This child's fate is too bitter, too pitiful. What sin did our Yanluo royal family commit to have Rou'er burdened with a Pure Yin Extreme Body, rare throughout the ages!"
"This old man knows that nine out of ten with a Pure Yin Extreme Body don't live long. Rou'er's current condition isn't too optimistic either. I'm afraid..."
"Great-Grandfather, Rou'er is right here. How can you say such things?" Tang Manqing's voice came, making Old Monster Tang realize he had been too worried and anxious, forgetting to consider Tang Rou'er's feelings.
Tang Rou'er seemed quite accepting, at least her delicate face showed no trace of sorrow. She smiled gently. "It's alright. I understand my own condition. Great-Grandfather, don't worry about me either. Being able to live until now, Rou'er is already very content."