"Interesting. Truly interesting." Xia Qi murmured to himself. The corner of his mouth actually lifted, forming a smile uglier than a grimace. "That old man never would have dared dream of what this boy... actually dares to do."
The "old man" he spoke of was naturally the previous "physician" who had left behind the vermilion annotations. In the end, that man had chosen the more "prudent" path, then died without a sound.
Gu Shen, on the other hand, had chosen a path with no chance of survival.
Lightning Induction Body?
Was he going to turn his True Dragon Son of Heaven body into a target for lightning?
It was utterly ridiculous!
But...
If he didn't go mad, he wouldn't survive. What difference was there between his current state and being dead?
"Give him whatever he wants."
A trace of imperial authority returned to Xia Qi's voice. Though weak, it brooked no argument.
"Pass on my verbal decree. The Ministry of Works and the Imperial Observatory are to give him their full cooperation. Anything he asks for must be brought before him within one shichen."
"Yes," the Shadow Guard replied.
"Also," Xia Qi's voice suddenly turned icy, "have the 'Owl' division keep an eye on him. I want to know every person he meets, every word he says, and even... the rhythm of every breath he takes."
"Understood."
The Shadow Guard's figure melted into the darkness like ink, withdrawing without a sound.
The bedchamber fell silent once more.
Xia Qi slowly closed his eyes, his withered fingers tapping lightly on the bright yellow brocade quilt.
Once, twice...
Gu Shen, Gu Shen.
You'd better not disappoint me.
If you succeed, I'll raise you to the heavens and make you a marquis and minister.
If you fail...
A cruel curve formed at the