Chapter 111: The Dragon Claw of Destiny, General Bullhorn

“Oh? To receive such praise from Ouyang, this Officer Han must truly have a well-deserved reputation. Please, both of you, have a seat.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you for the invitation.” Han Chong sat confidently in the side seat, showing no trace of restraint or fear.

The Duke of Ying silently nodded, his regard for Han Chong deepening.

“Duke, you mentioned to me the other day about that guerrilla general who caused such a commotion in Qiongzhou and cut off the princes’ financial channels—a man of great courage and decisiveness.”

“Unbeknownst to you, that brother Han is none other than myself!”

“Oh? Is that so? Truly?”

“Heh, I am honored by the Duke and Brother Ouyang’s kind words, but it was merely a small stratagem. I hardly deserve the title of courageous and decisive,” Han Chong replied modestly, bowing slightly.

“Ah, Officer Han, there is no need for such humility. For one man to unsettle the entrenched factions of three princes is indeed a remarkable feat. You must understand, my elder brothers sent their most trusted men into the mansion, yet you still managed to turn everything upside down, leaving them bewildered. It was only recently that we learned it was the new guerrilla general’s doing. A hero like you is truly rare in this world. I have always longed for capable talents. If you would lend me your strength, it would be like adding wings to a tiger!”

Ahem. Han Chong smiled awkwardly. Bearing the weight of the princes’ conflicts, it was difficult for him to join another’s household as an aide. Unsure how to respond, he glanced at Ouyang for help.

Ouyang understood. It seemed Han Chong had other ambitions and no intention of entering the mansion.

“Duke, this time my brother Han was falsely accused by schemers for opening the prefect’s treasury without authorization while assisting the naval forces of Qiongzhou Hanguo County against the Eastern Yi’s fleet. As a result, he was stripped of his guerrilla general post and sent to the capital for investigation. I humbly ask Your Highness to intervene and speak with General Niu, so that my brother may be assigned to the northwest army, where he can achieve merit and serve your Highness’s cause in due time.”

“Oh?” The Duke frowned slightly, understanding the situation clearly now. He had just set aside his princely identity to invite assistance, yet Han showed no gratitude. If he had joined the royal mansion’s ranks, surely he would not have been so reluctant. Such extraordinary talents tend to be proud and eccentric; without favor, how could one win their loyalty? As a prince, he understood this principle well.

“Very well. Send word to General Niu to come at once. Tell him I have recently acquired some fine new wine and invite him to drink at the mansion.”

“Officer Han, General Niu is a senior member of your Demon-Slaying Division. I have some acquaintance with him. However, he is not only fond of drink but also a formidable drinking rival. If you fall after three cups, I fear he may not be willing to assist.”

“Oh? Thank you for your advice, Your Highness. I dare not boast in other areas, but when it comes to drinking, I am immune to intoxication even after a thousand cups. It would be a shame to waste the fine wines in your mansion.”

“Haha, I shall look forward to that. Fear not, my mansion is well stocked with every kind of exquisite wine.”

“Brother Han, I forgot to mention that the Duke’s mansion has a master brewer who not only produces wines of exceptional aroma and sweetness but also does so at great speed. You are fortunate this time, for the wines here are not easily obtained—even the Crown Prince himself sends envoys from time to time to request them.”

“I see. Thank you, Your Highness, for your generous support. I have little to offer in return, but I do possess a dragon’s head I once gifted from a great beast. I wonder if it might meet with your favor.”

“A dragon’s head?” Both Ouyang and the Duke stood in astonishment. Han Chong lightly brushed his sleeve, and sure enough, a dragon’s head the size of a water jar appeared on the floor of the hall.

“Hiss!” The two men examined it closely, marveling and exchanging curious glances. Judging by Han’s composed demeanor, could it be that this dragon’s head was not fully severed by him?

“Tsk, tsk, Your Highness. Dragons are auspicious creatures, and their heads are proof of their power. In feng shui, such an item can serve as a treasure to guard one’s residence. At the Imperial Observatory, there is a Dragon Gathering Formation arranged precisely to harness dragon energy!”

“Oh? Such a wondrous formation? In that case, I sincerely thank Officer Han for this precious gift. However, it is far too valuable; I fear I am not worthy.”

The young Duke’s shoulders trembled slightly at the mention of dragon energy gathering. As the saying goes, one is influenced by their surroundings—being in a residence enriched with dragon energy would bring immeasurable benefits to him.

Han Chong had not thought so deeply; he merely considered the dragon’s head a trivial trifle and thought to give it away with goodwill. To hear Ouyang speak so mystically, could the Imperial Observatory really possess such marvelous formations?

“Heh, Your Highness is too kind. This dragon’s head was inadvertently obtained from the sea trench of Hanguo County. It serves no other purpose to me, so I am glad Your Highness likes it.”

The Duke nodded with delight. Then, with a slight motion of his hand on the throne’s armrest, the floor tiles before him suddenly flipped open, revealing a deep, unfathomable secret passage.

His right hand reached toward the dragon’s head, and a golden mist coalesced into the shape of a dragon claw, gently sending the head into the passage until it disappeared. The floor tiles then rose and restored themselves.

Han Chong’s heart tightened. What a brilliant mechanism! The golden mist he had just seen was unlike spiritual energy or true qi, neither Buddhist nor demonic. It contained a certain imperial aura.

Could this be the method of harnessing the dynasty’s fortune and power?

It seemed these dukes were no ordinary men; their true combat power might rival that of the highest-tier Qi cultivators!

Before long, a servant reported that General Niu had arrived to pay his respects.

“Haha, Your Highness, what kind of new wine has your mansion brewed? Old Niu has been waiting eagerly for your summons.”

A burly general in golden armor strode into the hall, two black curved horns sprouting from his head, exuding an imposing aura.

Han Chong’s pupils contracted. Could this horned General Niu belong to the demon race?

“Heh, General Niu, what are you saying? There’s no need for formality between us. You may come and go as you please. I have already issued orders that you may enter the mansion without hindrance!”

The horned general’s large eyes swept the hall, settling briefly on Han Chong with a peculiar expression. Noticing Han’s reaction, he snorted softly.

Han Chong’s mind was thunderstruck, but his resolve remained firm. Composing himself, he smiled lightly and cupped his hands in salute:

“I am Han Chong, Protector Officer of Qiongzhou, greetings to General Niu!”

“Eh?” The general’s eyes widened slightly, then he appeared thoughtful.

“Han Chong? That name sounds familiar… Where have I heard it before?”

Suddenly, he slapped his forehead in realization.

“You’re that guerrilla general who caused the uproar in Qiongzhou? Kid, you sure know how to stir up trouble. Not bad, not bad at all.”

“Servants, bring forth the newly brewed Jade Intoxication wine and prepare a banquet!”

“Jade Intoxication? Your Highness, is this not the long-lost fine wine from the previous dynasty? Has the mansion’s brewer truly recreated it?”

Upon hearing the name of the wine, General Niu immediately forgot all about Han Chong’s matter, his mouth watering as he asked eagerly.