Chapter 73: The Great Earthquake in the Imperial Capital

"Roar!"
"No matter who you are! I'll make you beg for life and beg for death, but have neither! Ah!!!"
Having found nothing after a desperate search, Murong Quan could no longer restrain the volcano of fury erupting within him. With a thunderous roar powered by the full might of his Nascent Soul at its peak, his voice echoed throughout the imperial capital.
In the wake of his bellow, over thirty thousand private soldiers of the Murong family surged forth, rushing to every city gate and stronghold, blatantly violating the imperial edict forbidding private troops from interfering in state affairs, and forcibly taking control of the city's defenses.
"What's going on?"
"Aren't those the Murong family's private soldiers? Why are so many mobilized at once? What are they planning?"
"Was that the head of the Murong family roaring in anger? Who provoked him to such a degree?"
"No idea! That old man is rarely ever offended. Who would dare?"
...
At that moment, not a soul in the imperial capital failed to hear the roar, and all were abuzz, speculating eagerly about what had happened.

In the Imperial Study of the Purple-Gold Royal Court:
"Hmph! What madness has that old Murong gone into now?"
"It's a rare sight, Your Majesty. He hardly ever loses his temper like this. I wonder who had the audacity to provoke that old devil."
"Someone, go and find out what's happened."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, shall I send Shadowless as well? Since he is a spatial cultivator, he should be much faster."
"Very well."
...
The Purple-Gold Emperor, Zi Qiankun, was in confidential discussion with Song Wuji, governor of Nanyan Commandery, but upon hearing the furious roar, curiosity stirred within him...

A stick of incense later:
"Your Majesty, I have discovered the cause. Murong Quan's youngest grandson, Murong Ying, was killed in an alley outside the Gilded Tower..."
"Oh? That lad was notorious for causing trouble, but who would dare to strike him down outright?"

"Your Majesty, it's said that Murong Quan arrived at the scene personally, but the murderer had already fled. No one knows their identity yet."
"Hahaha, good! Excellent. Whoever this fellow is, they've avenged me in a way! Hahaha!"
...
Another cup of tea's time passed.
"Shadowless, why were you gone so long this time?"
"Your Majesty, my lord, I detected faint traces of spatial energy disturbance at the scene."
"Spatial energy? Is there another spatial cultivator besides you, Shadowless?"
"Could it be..."
"Is it possible that... uh!"
"What's wrong, my loyal subjects? Why are you speaking in riddles before me?"
"Your Majesty, we wouldn't dare. It's just that a certain person suddenly came to mind."
"Oh? Who? Is it connected to Murong Ying's death?"
"Let us hope not."
"Tell me."
"Very well, Your Majesty, here is the situation..."
"So that's how it is. No wonder your expressions changed so drastically just now."
"If your speculation is right, that young man is formidable indeed—a true hero in his youth... If only he would willingly serve our court..."
"He's at the late Foundation Establishment stage?"
"Your Majesty, in terms of cultivation, he may not rank at the top, but his combat strength is no less than that of an early Golden Core cultivator. He could likely even contend with someone at mid-Golden Core. And that is merely my rough estimate. I am certain he has hidden depths yet unrevealed..."
"My loyal subjects, tell that young man he must claim first place at the upcoming imperial celebration. It seems I must adjust my plans as well."
...

At the Murong residence, Lady Duanmu Hui, Murong Ying's mother, was weeping and wailing in the main hall. Her husband, Murong Qian, wore a face like iron, while the patriarch, Old Master Murong Quan, was deeply troubled.
"Enough! Scream all you want! If you two hadn’t spoiled him rotten, he wouldn’t have met this fate today!"
...
"Brother Murong, we’ve come. What’s happened that has you so enraged?"
Just as Murong Quan was berating his daughter-in-law, three figures arrived together.
"Father, your grandson Ying’er... Ying’er is gone..."
Catching sight of the arrivals, Duanmu Hui threw herself into the arms of her own father, Duanmu Zheng, head of the Duanmu family, sobbing in anguish.
...
"Brother Murong, could this have been the work of His Majesty?"
"Impossible. With conscription underway and the grand celebration approaching, Zi Qiankun wouldn’t dare stir up a hornet’s nest among the four great families."
...
"Whoever did this, to dare tug the tiger’s whiskers—he will die a miserable death by my hand!"
"More men! Deploy another twenty thousand! Search the city! Do not let a single suspicious person escape!"
"Yes, sir!"
With a twist of his wrist, Murong Quan crushed his teacup to powder. The hatred in his heart was boundless. Only a few hours ago, he had slapped his mischievous grandson, who was still lively and energetic then. How had he suddenly been reduced to dust? What kind of hatred could drive someone to such lengths? Was this a formal challenge? Was the blow meant for him?
...
In truth, Gu Xiaopang’s motive in killing Murong Ying was straightforward: to eliminate future trouble. He had no intention of sparing the boy, only to be repaid with even greater vengeance. Better to end things decisively.
At that moment, in the Nanyan residence, Gu Xiaopang sat cross-legged in cultivation. Yet he heard clearly the furious bellow of the old Murong villain and the sound of armored soldiers swarming the southern avenue, searching every street. A faint smile played at the corner of his lips.
...