Chapter 287: The Dragon Bone Actually… Flew Away by Itself?
Lin Beifan waved his hand, and dark clouds gathered densely over the sky of the capital city. Accompanied by lightning and thunder, it seemed like rain was about to pour down.
However, the people around the Dragon Viewing Platform didn’t seek shelter from the rain. Instead, they were filled with joy.
“Here comes the timely rain again!”
“After every rain shower, I feel like all my ailments vanish, and I become light and healthy!”
“This is a blessing bestowed upon us by the Dragon God!”
…
Amidst everyone’s anticipation, a gentle but continuous rain began to fall from the sky. Bathing in this holy rain, everyone felt incredibly comfortable, as if all their troubles had disappeared.
At this moment, Lin Beifan extended his right hand, saying, “Dragon bone—rise!”
The Dao Heart Seeding Demon Great Technique—spirit controlling matter!
Thus, amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, they witnessed the dragon bone they had been guarding day and night slowly begin to move. It lifted from the ground, ascending into the air, flying higher and higher.
“The dragon bone… it’s actually flying!”
“The dragon bone is about to manifest its power!”
“May the Dragon God bless us!”
…
The excitement was palpable among everyone. Many who didn’t understand the truth knelt down devoutly, hoping to receive blessings from the Dragon God.
However, the dragon bone showed no response to their prayers. It moved as if alive, swirling in the wind and rain like a true dragon. It flew higher and higher, as if it was ascending to the heavens.
“Wait, something’s not right! The dragon bone is flying away!”
“Dragon bone! Don’t go, I haven’t yet grasped the supreme martial arts from it!”
“Dragon bone, stay with me!”
…
The martial artists from various sects grew agitated. For them, the dragon bone was their opportunity to break through, an unparalleled treasure that would grant them strength. And now, it was silently about to fly away.
In an instant, dozens of experts shot up into the sky, flying toward the dragon bone.
Lin Beifan’s expression remained indifferent. “Thunder—obliterate!”
As Lin Beifan’s voice fell, several bolts of thunder appeared in the sky and descended upon the martial artists soaring into the sky.
“Boom,” “Boom”…
How could a human’s speed compare to that of thunder?
In a flash, they were all struck by the thunderbolts and fell to the ground, their bodies charred black. Fortunately, their strong martial skills saved them; otherwise, they would have been reduced to ashes under these thunderous strikes.
“It’s fate!” A senior exclaimed loudly in sorrow, “The dragon bone, a supreme treasure left behind in the mortal realm, was never meant to be owned by mortals. So now, it’s returning to the heavens! Forcing it recklessly will only invite divine punishment!”
With these words, many people agreed.
“I don’t believe it! I refuse to let go of the dragon bone!” A peak-level expert at the Innate realm shot into the sky.
In an instant, the heavens seemed angered, and several bolts of thunder descended.
“Boom,” “Boom”…
All of them struck the peak-level expert in the Innate realm.
Without time to react, he turned directly into ashes.
This time, nobody dared to make a move. They could only watch the dragon bone fly higher and higher, until it vanished completely.
“The dragon bone… it truly flew away!” Many people lamented.
This event quickly spread throughout the world.
The dragon bone had spirit; amidst the wind and rain, it ascended into the sky and returned to heaven. Anyone who obstructed its path faced divine retribution.
All these occurrences added a more mysterious hue to the dragon bone. People’s belief in the dragon bone became even stronger.
However, it was regrettable that the dragon bone had left, and it might never return again, leaving behind only regret and sorrow.
Due to the enormity of this event, Lin Beifan, as the guardian of the dragon bone, had an obligation to report it to the palace.
With a face full of guilt, he asked for punishment, “Your Majesty, I failed to guard the dragon bone properly. Please, punish me.”
After listening to Lin Beifan’s report, the empress secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This matter was finally over. If it continued, her heart might not have been able to bear it.
The empress shook her head slightly and smiled, “Minister Lin, this matter isn’t your fault. The dragon bone possesses a spirit; if it wishes to leave, us mortals can’t stop it. Those who attempt to obstruct it face divine retribution. You’ve done well!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding!” Lin Beifan expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes.
The empress stood up gracefully, her smile warm, “Minister Lin, it’s getting late. Have you had dinner? It’s been a while since I had hotpot. Why don’t you join me for some?”
Lin Beifan was a bit bewildered!
The dragon bone had flown away. Your dream of immortality had gone up in smoke. Why do you seem a bit cheerful?
Inviting me for hotpot?
How could I endure such a thing?
“As you command, Your Majesty!”
While the commotion over the dragon bone’s departure stirred up the world outside, Lin Beifan was leisurely enjoying hotpot with the empress in the palace, watching the palace dance troupe perform.
With the dragon bone having flown away and their opportunities gone, the various martial artists lingered for another two days before leaving in disappointment.
The common people of the capital also woke up from this dream-like affair and returned to their fields for labor.
The capital seemed to return to normal.
Yet, in their spare time, everyone couldn’t help but discuss the matter of the dragon bone.
For instance, the young princess.
She was seen holding her head with both hands, her eyes drooping in a despondent manner, saying, “The dragon bone actually flew away. What a pity! I wanted to make a soup using the dragon bone. I wonder what it would taste like.”
Lin Beifan grew furious, “Keep your mouth shut! The dragon bone is a divine item. How can you use it to make soup?”
The young princess retorted with a twist of her lips, “But it was you who first suggested using the dragon bone to make soup! You said that by making soup from the dragon bone, everyone in the country could take a sip. You’re even more disrespectful than me!”
Lin Beifan silently took a seat.
The young princess was becoming less and less adorable; she kept exposing his secrets.
At this moment, the young princess excitedly grabbed onto Lin Beifan’s arm, “Oh right, Lin Beifan, you’ve been guarding the dragon bone all this time. You should have had a chance to obtain some of it, right? Can you share a bit with me?”
Lin Beifan grew cautious, “Don’t make things up. I don’t have any dragon bone. That would be against the law and disrespectful to the emperor. How could I do such a thing?”
“Don’t lie to me. Haven’t you disrespected the emperor on multiple occasions? Besides, you’re quite cunning. If you have something valuable, you would definitely stash it away. So, you must have kept some of the dragon bone for yourself!” The young princess lowered her voice, “Lin Beifan, I just want to taste it. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
Lin Beifan shook his head, “No need to taste it. It doesn’t taste good.”
The young princess’s eyes lit up, “You’ve tasted it? How was the taste? Tell me quickly!”
Lin Beifan whispered, “I haven’t tasted it myself, but the Minister of Personnel, Gao Tianyao, licked the dragon bone powder in front of me! He told me that the taste of the dragon bone is a bit fishy and slightly salty, like eating soil!”
“It seems the taste is indeed a bit off. Did he have any reaction after eating it?”
“He did!” Lin Beifan nodded vigorously.
The young princess’s eyes lit up again, “What kind of reaction?”
“He had indigestion and diarrhea afterward!” Lin Beifan said emphatically.
The young princess: “…”
Life in the capital remained unchanged.
However, under Lin Beifan’s management, the capital was developing better and better. With improved lives, people pursued more things.
For instance, the delicious dishes Lin Beifan had introduced, such as Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and hotpot, had gradually spread beyond the palace and become one of the delicacies of the capital. Many people wanted to have a taste and enjoy them.
Even the courtesans’ businesses were thriving.
Every time Lin Beifan passed by, the ladies of Baihua Pavilion would call out to him.
“Sir Lin, I won’t come this time. The girls miss you!”
“Come in and have a seat!”
“If you don’t come soon, we’ll forget to put on our autumn clothes!”
…
Facing the ladies’ invitations, Lin Beifan remained imposing: “You’re just daydreaming! Even if you forget to wear your pants, you won’t get to me!”
As he strolled down the street, Lin Beifan was quite satisfied.
Except for the ladies of Baihua Pavilion.
At this moment, Lin Beifan spotted a familiar purple figure, “Miss Ziyue, it’s been a while. I hope you’re well!”
The lady before him was none other than Princess Ziyue, whom he hadn’t seen in several months! Compared to a few months ago, she had grown more confident and radiant!
Perhaps the war in Wuxi had brought her newfound confidence!
“Minister Lin, you’re too polite!” Princess Ziyue smiled slightly, “Congratulations on your recent promotion, Minister Lin. You shone brilliantly in the battle at Hulao Pass, defeating Great Xia. You truly are one of the greatest military strategists in the world!”
Lin Beifan humbly replied, “Princess Ziyue, your words are too kind. It’s nothing.”
Princess Ziyue was a bit speechless!
Great Xia was one of the three strongest countries in the world, even stronger than Great Wu by three points!
In less than a month, you defeated Great Xia despite the odds, and you say it’s nothing? What would count as something then?
“Minister Lin, sometimes excessive modesty is a form of showing off,” Princess Ziyue chuckled.
“Forgetting past glory is the mark of a hero. Let’s not talk about that. Princess Ziyue, why have you come? Did you encounter any problems?” Lin Beifan asked curiously.
Princess Ziyue’s eyes held a hint of grievance, as if looking at an unfaithful person, “Minister Lin, can’t I visit you if I have no issues?”
Lin Beifan retorted indignantly, “Princess, don’t just look at me. Remember to bring some local specialties!”
Princess Ziyue tilted her head, puzzled, “What local specialties? Wuxi is filled with soil!”
“To me, money is like dirt. That’s the local specialty!” Lin Beifan said.
Princess Ziyue’s mouth twitched slightly, “Minister Lin, you haven’t changed a bit.”
Lin Beifan sighed, a bit melancholic, “Princess Ziyue, your words are off. People do change. Actually, I have changed. I used to be very greedy for money, but now…”
Princess Ziyue inquired with concern, “You’re not greedy anymore?”
“Now I’m even greedier! Without 3 million taels, I won’t be satisfied!”
Princess Ziyue: “…”
Princess Ziyue gazed at Lin Beifan’s handsome face and had an urge to smack him, but she chuckled softly instead, “Minister Lin, can we not talk about money? Discussing money can harm relationships.”
“But discussing relationships can harm money!” Lin Beifan also chuckled, “Princess Ziyue, every time you come, you want to seduce me with your charm, to buy my affection with your emotions! But I’d rather be crushed by your money than fall for your tender trap. Can we have fewer tactics and more sincerity between us?”
Princess Ziyue looked into Lin Beifan’s eyes, her expression serene, before suddenly bursting into laughter, “Haha! Minister Lin, I always have a great time talking to you! There’s something I want to discuss with you privately. Would you oblige?”
“Of course, Princess Ziyue, please!”
