Necropolis Immortal

Chapter 18

“The Dusk River Sacrament?” Lu Yun looked at Ge Long with considerable confusion. He turned to Yuying, but she was just as lost as him.

“Do you know about this rite, Wanfeng?” he asked his maid, who readily shook her head.

“The rite began a thousand years ago, milord,” explained Ge Long. “Every century, all of the city lords in the province meet up on the banks of the Dusk River to sacrifice to its god. The next occasion is in a month’s time. That’s when you must make a trip to the Duskwater Prefecture, where the river is located.”

Lu Yun furrowed his brows slightly, then slowly relaxed as he understood what his enemies were planning. “Ah, so that’s why they’ve been so quiet lately. They’re waiting for me there!”

The Enneawyrm Provenance Formation in Dusk Province’s capital ensured his victory over any immortal trespassers. Without its protection, he would be in much greater danger.

“There was no such rite twelve hundred years ago.” Yuying frowned. “The Dusk River’s waters originate from that particular ancient tomb within Dusk Province, running from there to the North Sea. I’ve never heard of a related river god of any kind.” She glanced at Ge Long. “This… rite. Surely, it involves a sacrifice? What is the offering?”

“Live human sacrifice,” sighed the old man with a detachable head. “A thousand years ago, there was a disaster within the ancient tomb. Countless evil spirits rushed into the world, traveling through the Dusk River all the way to the North Sea. They annihilated the Dusk Phalanx’s seaside stronghold, along with all of the soldiers garrisoned within. The sea monsters from the North Sea and the vengeful spirits from the tomb banded together, causing great chaos in Dusk Province.”

“Did Nephrite Major’s imperial court simply ignore this?” Lu Yun scowled.

Ge Long shook his head. “Apparently, the thirty-six golden immortals sent by His Majesty were devoured by an even more sinister escapee. It was only the Dusk river god’s arrival that saved the province from further ruin.”

Yuying fell silent, as did Lu Yun. There were several oddities about this version of events. Golden immortals from the heavenly court were eaten, leaving some river god of questionable origins to reap all the fame.

“After calling upon tremendous might to seal off the ancient tomb and defeat the North Sea monsters, the Dusk river god died of exhaustion. Before it perished, it left behind a method of reinforcing the seal with live sacrifices. That’s why the Dusk River Sacrament has remained a tradition until today,” continued Ge Long.

“This river god doesn’t seem like the nice sort.” Lu Yun’s lips curled.

“The ancient tomb is completely sealed, then?” Yuying inquired sternly.

“No, only its connection with the Dusk River. It still periodically stirs up some chaos to this day.” Ge Long shook his head.

“No wonder the Dusk Phalanx of today is so weak. It was decimated a thousand years ago by specters and sea monsters,” Yuying muttered to herself.

Lu Yun took this chance to change the subject. “You’re not here just to tell me about this, right?”

“Ahem!” Ge Long cleared his throat before continuing. “Milord, someone else’s soul has taken possession of Patriarch Ge’s body. No one else has noticed yet, but your humble servant instantly identified the abnormality.”

“Stolen his body?” Lu Yun traded a look with Yuying. “No wonder he didn’t show up the night his son died.”

“Milord, I’m also here to assassinate you on his orders. He fed me a poison pill and said that I needed to kill you to receive the antidote.” Ge Long cracked a crooked smile.

Regardless of whether or not he succeeded, he was unlikely to obtain the antidote. As for whatever else House Ge had up its sleeve after the steward’s death, Lu Yun had no idea.

“You, afraid of death?” Lu Yun casually smacked the old man across the face, sending his head across the floor.

Roll roll roll.

“If you can live without your head, what do you have to worry about from a little poison pill?” The young governor made a face.

Ge Long picked his head up, then lodged it back on his shoulders. He stood to the side, a little scared to speak; his master had raised a good point.

“Still, I know what you’re thinking. Alright, you can stay,” added the young governor. “If you dare think about Wanfeng one more time, though, I’ll absolutely end you.”

“No, certainly not, milord!” Ge Long’s lips quivered and he shook his head vigorously.

Too vigorously, in fact.

Roll roll roll.