Feng Shui Chapter 136: The Execution

“…What does Teacher think?” Shen Yanxing’s voice drifted into Chen Xiao’s ears. He caught only the last five words, snapping out of his daze just in time to realize he had completely spaced out. He gave an apologetic smile and said, “What were you saying just now, Yanxing? I wasn’t paying attention.”

Despite Chen Xiao clearly being distracted, Shen Yanxing showed no trace of annoyance. Instead, he looked concerned. “Is there something troubling Teacher? If you’re willing to share, please tell me. I might not be able to help everywhere, but within Jin City, I still have some influence.”

Chen Xiao shook his head. “It’s nothing major. What were you saying earlier?”

Shen Yanxing finally explained, “It’s about the invitation from the capital. The demon cultivators will be publicly punished, and since you were one of those who helped apprehend them, the capital’s office wants to issue a formal commendation. The reward comes with both honor and money. But since the new dynasty is still getting on its feet, they might not be able to offer much of a financial reward.” As he spoke, he couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty. After all, the ones who stood to benefit most from this were the royal family, his royal uncle, in particular. Meanwhile, Chen Xiao and the others would only receive a small amount of silver for their troubles.

Chen Xiao said, “We should be thanking your royal uncle for leading the rescue party. It’s thanks to them that the children were safely brought back. All the demon cultivators were captured by his men. The four of us didn’t go after them for fame or reward, we simply got involved because we stumbled upon the situation and couldn’t look the other way. Besides, Tang Ru got her revenge. That alone is worth more than any reward.”

“Teacher, you’re truly magnanimous." Shen Yanxing said, finally letting out a sigh of relief. If Chen Xiao had chosen to be petty about this, he would’ve been caught between both sides, and that would’ve been a nightmare.

Chen Xiao lifted his head and laughed. “What magnanimity? If someone really offends me, I can hold a grudge for a long time.” Shen Yanxing chuckled, thinking he was joking. “So, when’s the reward ceremony in the capital?”

Shen Yanxing thought for a moment. “If we want to make it in time, we’ll have to leave first thing tomorrow. I can make arrangements for a carriage today, it’ll be a comfortable journey.”

Chen Xiao paused, then fell silent.

Sensing his hesitation, Shen Yanxing quickly asked, “Teacher, do you have something else to take care of? We can delay our departure. Worst case, we can travel on foot. Cultivators move faster than carriages anyway.”

Chen Xiao slowly replied, “No, let’s take the carriage to the capital. Tang Ru still hasn’t fully recovered. Traveling on foot would be too taxing for her.”

“Understood, Teacher. I’ll see to the arrangements right away.”

At some point, without anyone realizing it, Chen Xiao had become the core of their little group. Naturally, he was the one everyone looked to for decisions and direction. Since it was a sudden trip, he needed to inform everyone one by one. So, he went around visiting their respective courtyards.

Participation wasn’t mandatory this time, but since there was money involved, Tong Nuonuo, who was constantly short on funds thanks to her obsession with studying mechanical arts, was never going to say no. As for Tang Ru, she wanted to witness Zhao Jiao and the others being executed with her own eyes. She didn’t need anyone to invite her.

Chen Xiao saved Xi Yunqing’s courtyard for last. When he arrived, he spoke with regret. “We were all set to have breakfast at that street stall tomorrow morning, but now we’ll be on the road. Looks like we’ll have to cancel.”

Xi Yunqing gave a faint smile. “The capital is where the finest things from all over the kingdom converge. I remember we once said we’d try different regional cuisines together, your big brother hasn’t forgotten. When we get to the capital, let me be your guide. I’ll take you on a proper food tour.”

Chen Xiao’s mood instantly brightened. He nodded enthusiastically. “Sounds good. The rest of the flavors we missed, we can save those for after we return.”

Faced with a cheerful Chen Xiao, all Xi Yunqing could do was smile helplessly.

 

The next morning, the carriage bound for the capital waited at the main gate. This luxurious ride, provided by the Jin City, City Lord’s Mansion, was even more extravagant than what Chen Xiao had ridden. It was spacious, comfortable, and staffed with attendants whose service rivaled airline hospitality in his previous life.

After seven or eight days on the road, they finally reached the capital. Under the Capital Office’s arrangements, they were accommodated in a guest residence. Their schedule was tight, the commendation ceremony was to be held the very next day.

The journey had left Tang Ru with no time to rest or heal. She looked pale and worn, but still insisted on witnessing the execution. Knowing they couldn’t talk her out of it, the others decided to accompany her. With Shen Yanxing’s help, they avoided the crowds and watched from a high vantage point near the execution ground. Though a bit distant, cultivators’ vision made everything clearly visible.

At precisely the hour of Si (9-11 AM), Zhao Jiao and the others were dragged onto the platform. The execution official stood beside them and loudly read from a scroll, listing their identities and the crimes they had committed. Of course, the speech ended with a flourish, reinforcing the royal family’s might and justice.

Typically, demonic cultivators weren’t executed in public. The world of cultivators was far removed from that of ordinary people, and public executions were seen as a humiliation. This move not only deeply offended demonic cultivators, but also embarrassed the entire cultivation world of Jin City and even the minor heavenly realm of Gengsheng.

But things in Jin City were different now. The Shen royal family wanted to assert dominance over all cultivator factions within the country. To suppress other noble clans, they needed to make a show of power, whether against righteous or demonic cultivators. Still, they could only do this once. A second time would stir widespread resentment.

The gathered crowd, already riled up by days of official propaganda, knew these people had kidnapped and sacrificed children in dark rituals. Child trafficking is a heinous crime in any world, and these children have been brutally abused and killed.

Soldiers stood guard, forming a barricade. Still, commoners hurled rotten vegetables and eggs toward the platform, even though their projectiles fell short. It was a symbolic act, venting their fury. Especially those who had lost children in the past two years, their eyes were red with emotion. Some suspected their own children had been among the victims.

The Capital Office had handled the case with meticulous care. Not only had they captured Zhao Jiao and the main culprits, but they also rounded up the traffickers and intermediaries involved. The execution began with those middlemen, and before the demonic cultivators’ eyes, heads rolled one by one.

The sight filled the onlookers with fierce satisfaction, many applauded with tears in their eyes.

Although the demonic cultivators deserved their fate, watching their dantian shattered, their consciousness seas destroyed, and their heads lopped off still sent chills down the spines of the noble clans observing from afar. The Shen royal family had made their point, their authority was absolute.

After the execution, Shen Yanxing led the group along a different route to avoid the dispersing crowds. Two hours later, they arrived at the Jin City royal palace.

It was Chen Xiao’s first time meeting a head of state. Nervousness tightened his whole body. Beside him, Xi Yunting noticed and quietly rested a hand on his shoulder and back. Chen Xiao gave him a grateful smile, calming down considerably.

The ruler of Jin City granted them a private audience. As cultivators, they were not required to kneel to mortal officials or royalty, status was determined by cultivation, not birth.

Shen Yonghe exuded presence. He looked to be in his forties or fifties, with a square face and firm features. He wasn’t handsome, but his expression carried authority and strength.

Standing beside the throne, Shen Yongqing personally introduced each member of the group to the king.