Master of Strange Dao

During the reign of Old Emperor Qian, Song Chengyue did have a bit of fear of dying, afraid that after death he would not rest in peace.

Now there's truly nothing to fear, he even feels that being granted death might be the best outcome.

Because he can foresee how all the things he cared about would develop after his death.

He is now kneeling on the ground, his heart utterly calm.

The new Emperor Qian gazed at Song Chengyue, kneeling and prostrating without rising, a strange curve slowly appearing at the corner of his mouth.

He was genuinely a bit surprised.

Song Chengyue was actually ready to extend his neck for execution, willing to go to his death.

The new Emperor Qian began to laugh, but his face was filled with a strange and exaggerated grin, while his eyes carried a hint of anger.

Song Chengyue was the Jinyiwei Commander, officially recognized as the greatest villain of the Daqian Divine Dynasty; killing him would make everyone in the Divine Dynasty, from top to bottom, applaud with joy.

In the past, he only thought Song Chengyue was astute and capable of handling affairs.

Actually, those who can reach this position mostly possess this skill to varying degrees and levels.

Song Chengyue seized opportunities to make money, quite often not enforcing the law fairly, sometimes even engaging in favoritism, all because it went unchecked, though it could be surmised without evidence.

Now, facing a life-and-death crisis, it suddenly became apparent that Song Chengyue was actually the most foolishly loyal minister of the Daqian Divine Dynasty.

And thinking about the various ministers in the court, some are full of righteousness, speaking with justified eloquence, while others are meek, bowing and scraping.

Though there are differences, without exception, all are proclaiming to be wholeheartedly for His Majesty and for Daqian.

If they were truly to achieve their desired benevolence, to actually face death, how many would be as calm and willing as Song Chengyue?

The new Emperor Qian couldn't help it anymore, he burst out laughing, raising his head to laugh heartily.

Since his accession, no moment has been as exhilarating as this.

Did his father, the previous emperor, know?

Know that among the numerous officials in the court, the person most loyal to the emperor and Daqian is indeed widely recognized as the greatest villain, the Divine Dynasty's biggest minion, a lapdog that could be chopped off at any moment to quell internal strife.

The new Emperor Qian laughed to his heart's content, his expression somewhat distorted and out of control, while Song Chengyue continued kneeling, head touching the ground, motionless, his heart utterly calm, without ripples.

The new Emperor Qian didn't know what Yu Ziqing wanted Song Chengyue for, but considering Song Chengyue's not-bad relationship with Jinlan Mountain all along, it couldn't have been meant to kill Song Chengyue.

Yet what specifically for, he wasn't much curious about—even if it was to investigate the information Song Chengyue knew, he felt indifferent.

With Song Chengyue's manner, it's unlikely he would betray anything.

The new Emperor Qian instead wanted to see Song Chengyue really betray, turning the blade against Daqian, which would be most interesting.

It would be best if everyone knew by then that Song Chengyue was truly a loyal minister, of the foolishly loyal kind.

"Minister Song, there's a task I need to give you,

but once you take on this task, you can never return to your current position again.

Go find Qing Ziyu at Jinlan Mountain and follow his arrangements."

Song Chengyue lifted his head, a hint of bewilderment in his eyes; what had he just heard?

He always felt he had misheard something.

Yet he still remained calmly composed and kowtowed again.

"I accept the command."

"Arrange it as you see fit, go whenever you think best, but avoid making a spectacle of it.

After today, you will no longer be Jinyiwei Commander.

Is there anything else you want?"

"I..."

Song Chengyue's mind was still buzzing, looking at the new Emperor Qian's expression, he inexplicably felt a sense of fear, as if a massive shadow covered everything he could see, eyeing this plaything with a mocking smile.

To ask what the task specifically entails seemed inappropriate.

Why he was tasked to do it, definitely couldn't be asked.

To say wanting nothing might not be good either.

To want too much certainly wouldn't work.

After hesitating for a moment, Song Chengyue spoke.

"I possess no wealth, I'll just take a couple of familiar items with me, to leave a memory."

"It's up to you; go and follow his lead once you arrive."

Song Chengyue left the palace city dazedly, somewhat lost.

He couldn't understand why things suddenly developed this way.

Returning to the Jinyiwei office, he sat there in a daze; if he had died directly, he could have accepted it, but now that he hadn't died, instead he felt somewhat bewildered.

After Song Chengyue returned, the monster from the desk appeared, opening its mouth to start devouring spiritual energy.

After it had devoured for quite a while, Song Chengyue still sat there in a daze, so the desk monster casually asked.

"Why do you seem off today?"

Song Chengyue pulled himself together, taking a light breath.

"His Majesty removed me from the Commander position, yet without a public decree.

He asked me to leave Daqian, but without a specific task.

I don't understand; if I were to die, why bother with all this?

It's as if I am to fake my death and escape, arranging all that can be arranged beforehand, avoiding any complications."

Upon hearing this, the desk monster was immediately shocked.

Mulling over it, its face became horrified.

It must be that bigwig's doing!

Wow, so soon?

Is that bigwig so wild in his ways?

Is this the method to take it and Song Chengyue away? By directly ordering the Emperor of Daqian?

How did he achieve it, how did he make this ghost emperor issue such an order?

After the horror, the desk monster began to rejoice greatly.

This was even better than the best result it had hoped for, a path it had never envisioned.

"Are you going to take me away?"

"I originally thought I would die in the palace city; after my death, someone would have sent you out.

It's just that, I don't understand why it's come to this?"