txolops Chapter 28 Demonic Aura and Human Calamity
Chapter 28 Demonic Aura and Human Calamity
"An eerie atmosphere?"
Fang Chen frowned.
Previously, through my spiritual eye, I had already glimpsed the power of that human law network... To cause trouble under such a human law network that contains the three elements of heaven, earth, and man and gathers the destiny of an entire prefecture, what kind of cultivation must it possess?
"Indeed." A steward stood up and bowed deeply. "In the first ten days of this month, the steward of the manor led the guards on a night patrol to protect the fields. Who would have thought that he would not return overnight? The next day, his body was found at the south end, and his death was extremely gruesome."
Another steward spoke up, his voice trembling: "The body was mangled, torn to pieces, with limbs and severed parts scattered everywhere. Half of the head was ripped open, and the brains were gone. Every piece of remains had bite marks... We have determined that it was an attack by a mountain monster."
After hearing the story, Fang Chen frowned even more and looked at Uncle Fang beside him:
"I've heard from my clan that counties where mortals gather are protected by auspicious energy, making it difficult for demons to approach. How could such a calamity have occurred?"
"Young Master, you may not know this." Fang Bo had traveled extensively with the old patriarch and had seen a great deal. "It is true that counties and prefectures are protected by dragon energy, making it difficult for demons to approach. But the premise is... that there are no human factors involved."
"If someone dies with injustice, resentment, and despair, and is buried in an extremely yin place, he will transform into a vengeful ghost. Because his nature is similar to that of a human, the dragon energy will usually only suppress him, not extinguish him."
"Moreover, not all demons in the world are foolish. When they approach counties, they are harmed by the dragon's energy, so they have learned to use the fate of humanity to conceal themselves and cause the dragon's energy to misjudge them."
"For example, in folk tales, scholars take foxes as wives, and county magistrates invite demons into the city... As long as they have the permission of the nobles in the city, they can use their own luck to cover up the demons, and the demons will naturally be able to cause chaos in the city."
"So, in your opinion, which situation is it?" Fang Chen asked.
"Young Master, although your actions in the past had flaws, you never mistreated your servants or drove them to their deaths. Our actions have not incurred the wrath of Heaven and the hatred of men..." Fang Bo's words were left unfinished, but his meaning was already self-evident.
Fang Chen pondered for a moment, then asked:
"Should we inform the clan?"
"I have informed them. But the original clan chief has yet to send anyone." Uncle Fang glanced at Fang Chen, but said nothing more.
Fang Chen understood.
The original owner was nothing but a playboy, with a bad reputation in the clan, so it was naturally difficult for him to get any attention when something happened at the estate.
Furthermore, the original owner's adoptive father probably hoped that something would happen to the manor so that he could rightfully reclaim the legacy left by the original owner's biological father.
All these factors combined have led to the indefinite delay in resolving this matter.
"No wonder it's been abandoned like this." Fang Chen lowered his eyelids slightly, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and pondered to himself.
If it is a demon beast, it could be a great opportunity. Its hide can be used to make armor, its flesh and blood can be used to feed elite soldiers, and its soul can be used to refine demon puppets and ghost soldiers. It could even be taken back to that decadent and evil world to protect the temple.
"Now that my human form is complete, I am comparable to a sorcerer whose three souls and seven spirits have been condensed. I can unleash the potential of my physical body, possessing the strength to tear tigers and leopards apart, and I can also cast spells with ease. Ordinary demons are no match for me. But just in case..."
Fang Chen took the paper, ink, brush, and inkstone, wrote a few lines, and handed them to Fang Bo:
"I am aware of this matter and will take action to resolve it in a few days. Inside are the items I need; go and prepare them."
Fang Bo took it and saw that the paper had been written on it:
Outside the city, in the mass graves, are the remains of wronged souls, fine iron blades, exquisite metal swords, superior talismans, and long lamps made of metal.
"Is the young master going to... refine a magical artifact?" Fang Bo's heart stirred, but he didn't say anything, and simply accepted it without changing his expression.
Fang Chen couldn't help but secretly admire this way of doing things. Indeed, having an elder in the family is like having a treasure. This way of doing things shows that one is an experienced person.
He intended to use these items to forge the simplified version of the sword talisman.
Then, Fang Chen continued to ask:
"Then what exactly is this so-called man-made disaster?"
At this point, the expressions of several managers in the room changed slightly.
After a moment of silence, Fang Bo said in a low voice:
"Young master, this so-called man-made disaster refers to the fact that the clan... has also been ordered not to cultivate any more crops."
"Huh?" Fang Chen's gaze sharpened, finding it absurd. "Having land but not cultivating it, what kind of logic is that?"
Fang Bo was silent for a moment before whispering:
"Young master, this is something that everyone does, not just my estate."
"Is that all?" Fang Chen frowned slightly. "What is it?"
"Of course... we'll cut off the path for those who come after us!" Uncle Fang said in a deep voice. "Young master, you may not know this, but the number of high-ranking officials and fertile fields in the world is... limited."
"Now that we have secured high positions, fertile land, and all the resources, we naturally cannot allow newcomers to seize them."
"Otherwise, what will we, our descendants, rely on to be high and mighty? How will our family business be passed down for generations?"
"Therefore, fertile fields should be left barren rather than be cultivated by the common people; books should rot in the archives rather than be allowed to breed unrealistic ambitions among the people. This is not the selfishness of one family or clan, but the Five Arts of Governing the People that we, the powerful and influential families, all adhere to!"
"The Five Arts of Governing the People?" Fang Chen frowned deeply. "Which five arts?"
"First, cut off their path," Fang Bo said softly. "Throughout the three dynasties, whether it's the orthodox teachings of the Xuanmen, the true transmission of martial arts, the selection of officials through the imperial examinations, or the appointment of officials, all require the recommendation and guarantee of a prestigious family. Even the most talented and promising individuals, without a family background, will never be able to reach a high position in their lifetime. This is what is meant by: 'The law does not leave the gates of the noble.'"
"Secondly, cut off their resources," Fang Bo continued. "The fertile lands of the world are all occupied by powerful clans and influential families, layer upon layer, and no newcomer can get their hands on them. All the common people can only rent land, have no property, and have to hand over 80% of their annual harvest. If they don't have enough to eat, they can't go to school. If they can't go to school, they have no knowledge and experience, and they are slaves to us powerful families all day long. This is what is meant by: the land cannot support the poor."
"Thirdly, extinguish their infatuation," said Fang Bo. "If the people harbor resentment and desire to strive for improvement, then use heavy labor to wear down their will, use extremely harsh taxes to exhaust their strength, and use their parents and relatives as constraints. Make them toil all day long, and they will no longer have any ambition to improve themselves. This is called: labor does not make people think."
"Fourth, control their talents." Fang Bo's voice turned low. "If there are truly exceptionally talented individuals from powerful and influential families, then adopt them as godsons or marry their daughters to them. Then, make them do the most arduous, offensive, and physically damaging work, so that their talents are completely worn down and used to serve the family, rather than for their own advancement. This is what is meant by: 'Talent not being used for other purposes.'"
"Fifth, exterminate their descendants," Fang Bo said in a deep voice. "Even if someone manages to stand out after the first four rounds of selection, then target their offspring. Tempt them to ruin the family business, or create difficulties for them through various forces, so that even if they gain power for a time, their descendants will find it difficult to continue. After several generations, they will naturally return to mediocrity. This is what is meant by: 'The family fortune does not last three generations.'"
After Fang Bo finished speaking, he bowed slightly:
"These five arts are unspoken rules among the powerful families of the world. This practice is not an act of oppressing the common people, but rather for the stability of the world and the well-being of all living beings."
"The powerful families have made it clear that if the common people are allowed to eat their fill today, they will have more unrealistic ambitions tomorrow. This will inevitably lead to rebellion sooner or later... It is truly a path to disaster!"
"Therefore, we must seize their land, leaving them without property or family fortune, forcing them to rely on our aristocratic families for survival... Only in this way can the world be truly stable, and only then can our aristocratic families endure for ten thousand years!"
"Young Master, please understand. This is not because my family is being harsh, but because the world is like this, and we have no choice but to do so. Now that we have occupied this position, we must prevent any successors from entering our ranks—"
All the way forward!!!