Chapter 302 - 130: Zhao Ci Enters the Scheme of the Dream-Eating Gu; The Saintess Tearfully Sacrifices Her Eldest Son

Chapter 302: Chapter 130: Zhao Ci Enters the Scheme of the Dream-Eating Gu; The Saintess Tearfully Sacrifices Her Eldest Son

By comparison, completing this mission to capture the Five Poison Sect fugitives seemed more difficult.

’After all, this body isn’t very strong. Even if I could enhance it with my Soul Mist, the improvement would be limited.’

’Investigating cases was fine.’

’I could just coast to victory by following Zhao Ci.’

’But hunting down fugitives like this is actually quite dangerous.’

’There are still five days until the planned date.’

’I might actually die while trying to catch these fugitives.’

’This is ridiculous.’

...

「Two days later.」

The newly appointed Junior Officials of Lingge left Lingge City in a grand procession with a large quantity of supplies, heading in sequence toward the first city in need of relief.

Meanwhile, Zhao Ci and his team, using information from Wangshan County and assistance from local officials, captured their first member of the Five Poison Sect.

After all sorts of torture and interrogation, they finally extracted a good deal of useful information.

A relentless pursuit followed, leaving the Five Poison Sect fugitives and their jail-breaking accomplices crying for their mothers and fathers.

Of course, there was danger.

Several times, the fugitives became desperate from the chase and insisted on fighting it out with Zhao Ci’s group before the main contingent of soldiers could arrive.

With several dozen fugitives in a group, the four-man team from the Tenth Prince’s Mansion truly had a hard time coping.

This was especially true for Zhang Da Yong, whose weakness was his agility and who also had to protect Feng Kucha. He frequently suffered wounds that bled profusely.

Without exception, their weapons were all coated in poison.

Wounded *and* poisoned—even an Immortal would have to take a step back and say, "Hot damn."

Fortunately, Zhao Ci had prepared an antidote in advance. Feng Kucha also desperately poured his True Qi into Zhang Da Yong to heal him. Otherwise, he would have truly met his end right there.

But even so, he was visibly weakening.

’I can’t take it anymore!’

’Physically, I’m fine, but this is just pure torture.’

But Zhao Ci was like a mission-obsessed maniac. He didn’t let him rest at all, maintaining a high-intensity pursuit until they finally annihilated all those bastards from the Five Poison Sect by noon on the fifth day.

And Zhang Da Yong collapsed.

He was taken to a local’s house to rest and only managed to open his eyes at dusk.

After waking up, he looked up at the window, saw that the sun was about to set, and shivered.

He quickly got out of bed and staggered to the kitchen.

Seeing the woman of the house preparing to cook, he hurried forward and took the ladle from her.

"Let me do it!"

"Huh?"

The woman was stunned. "Sir, you’ll do it?"

Zhang Da Yong nodded. "During missions, my master, His Highness, only eats food that I prepare!"

The woman: "..."

Zhang Da Yong: "..."

He felt terrible about it too.

’If I’m going to plant a Gu, it has to be done naturally.’

’It’s true I have the strength to force it into Zhao Ci’s mouth, but if I do that, there’s no guarantee he won’t crush the Peace Jade and summon the people from the Imperial Clan Court.’

’Although I’ve made ample preparations this time and am not afraid of a fight with the Imperial Clan Court...’

’when I do things, if there’s a way to optimize, I always will.’

’So...’

’it’s best to make Zhao Ci ingest the Paradise Gu without realizing it, and then fall into the dream unconsciously.’

’That way, by the time the Imperial Clan Court reacts, I’ll have already left with Zhao Ci’s dream. I might even be able to get all my subordinates out safely.’

And so, he had forced himself to learn how to cook.

Long ago, he had found a pretext, saying that they had to be extremely careful during missions and should avoid eating outside food as much as possible. With that, he had naturally taken over the cooking duties.

Everything was going according to plan.

’It’s just that cooking for that old beast Zhao Huan’s son...’

’it really leaves a bad taste in my mouth!’

’Fortunately, tonight is the last meal.’

「An incense stick’s time later.」

Zhang Da Yong carried the steaming hot dishes into the small courtyard where the group was temporarily staying, his steps unsteady.

He walked into the main hall, only to find Zhao Ci reading a book by himself.

He couldn’t help but ask, "Your Highness! Where are the other two?"

"Oh, them."

Zhao Ci smiled. "I saw how weak you were, so I sent them to the next town to get a soft-shelled turtle and some herbs for a medicinal stew. You need to replenish your strength. You’ve contributed greatly this time."

’Replenish my ass.’

’Just now, while Zhang Da Yong was asleep, wishes were constantly flashing above his head.’

’He’s definitely planning a desperate, all-or-nothing move tonight.’

That’s why he had timed it for when Zhang Da Yong was about to wake up and sent Xiao Shenke and Feng Kucha away.

’This fight is going to be a high-level match.’

’It’s better not to get them involved.’

As for now, the wishes above Zhang Da Yong’s head were flashing rapidly.

’I’m guessing that among these four bowls of white fungus soup, one is specially prepared for me.’

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Zhang Da Yong looked moved, but inwardly he was relieved. ’If those two were here, it would indeed be a bit tricky to handle.’

’Because I’m not one hundred percent sure that Zhao Ci *isn’t* the one. If he really is, and Feng Kucha dies in the ensuing chaos, wouldn’t my relationship with the Saint Monarch be ruined?’

He picked up a bowl of soup and placed it in front of Zhao Ci. "Since they won’t be back for a while, let’s eat first. It won’t be good cold."

With that said, he was the first to pick up his chopsticks, as a show of sincerity.

"Alright!"

Zhao Ci didn’t refuse. He nodded, picked up the bowl, and took a big GULP.

The white fungus soup was silky and thick, flowing down his throat toward his stomach.

But something chewy and elastic shot back up, transforming into a warm current that rushed straight to his Spirit Platform.

[System Notification]: Wish fulfilled. Reward obtained: Insight +1000, Talent: Joyful Dream.

With just one mouthful, he really did feel a wave of drowsiness.

But now that Zhao Ci had mastered the Joyful Dream, he was able to reduce the sleepiness somewhat.

Although he still couldn’t completely fend off the drowsiness, he could at least force himself to stay lucid for a short while.

He looked up. "Why did you stop eating? Hurry up and eat!"

"Ah!"

Zhang Da Yong froze for a moment, then quickly began to wolf down his food.

Only then did Zhao Ci nod and continue to slowly sip his soup.

As he drank, he suddenly asked, "By the way, to retrieve the Soul Mist, is it necessary for the possessor and the possessed to have direct physical contact?"