Holy Bone

Chapter 2027 Blood and Fire, Emperor Kangheng's Memories from Over a Decade Ago

"Marquis Shenwu, to be honest, the matter of Emperor Kangheng is one of the reasons why my fellow disciples and I have come to see you today."

Master Zifang said with an extremely solemn expression.

"Oh?"

Jin An narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "I wonder what Master Zi Teng means by these words?"

"I will not hide it from you two. I do not know Emperor Kangheng. I came to the capital because of the case of the baby girl who was found with bones. This led to the case of the late Emperor Kangheng, which is why I became very interested in Emperor Kangheng more than ten years ago and wanted to know the truth about him."

Upon hearing this, Master Qianlong and Master Zifeng exchanged a glance. Master Zifeng said with a serious expression, "I wonder how far the investigation into the case of the baby girl who picked up the bones has progressed? Could you explain it to us in detail so that my fellow disciple and I can also understand this case?"

Jin An looked at the two of them, pondered for a moment, and then recounted the details of the case of the baby girl whose bones were found in a truthful and detailed manner.

He recounted every detail, from the thousand-year-old tomb in Ghost Moth Mountain to the bones of the infant's relatives given by the employer that led to Flying Crane Mountain and Zunyi Prince's Mansion, the bone collector's accomplices, the bone shrinker, the soul nurturer, the poisonous woman, the black dragon, Boss Liu and his gang, the specific interrogation content, and the connection between the current empress's attendant and the case.

The only thing he didn't confide in was some personal speculation he shared with the old Taoist priest.

Upon hearing the details of the case involving the baby girl who had been found with bones, Master Qianlong and Master Zifeng turned pale and then green. Master Zifeng couldn't help but curse, saying that these bone finders and their accomplices deserved to die and deserved no sympathy.

The two then looked at each other again and sighed.

With a hint of melancholy and regret, Master Zifeng said, "We never imagined that there were so many details about this case that we didn't know. It has truly broadened our horizons and left my fellow disciple and me deeply moved."

"Actually, we already have a general understanding of the details of these cases, which is why we came to you, Marquis Shenwu, today!"

"I hope that Marquis Shenwu can restore peace to the late emperor, the empress, and the little princess, and that their family may rest in peace in heaven!"

"Because you, Marquis Shenwu, are the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Supervisor of the Three Departments. You are in charge of reviewing the laws and regulations of Kangding Kingdom, judicial affairs, and criminal investigations. Only you can overturn the injustice suffered by Emperor Kangheng and his family and restore their innocence and justice!"

Jin An narrowed his eyes again, but this time it was different from before. This time his eyes flashed with a sharp light. He no longer sat lazily, but sat upright and said in a serious tone, "I hope that Master Qianlong and Master Ziteng can tell me the truth about Emperor Kangheng more than ten years ago. The matter of Emperor Kangheng is related to the case of picking up the baby girl with bones. I want to investigate both of these cases thoroughly."

"If the late emperor has truly suffered a great injustice, I will certainly clear his name. Even if it offends some factions in the court, I will not wear my official robes as the commander of the Criminal Investigation Department, but I will definitely investigate this case thoroughly."

"Because the case of the baby girl whose bones were picked up has become my obsession, I will definitely investigate the case and all the clues behind it."

Jin An not only needs to investigate the case of the baby girl who was found with bones, but also because the case has implicated the Zunyi Prince's Mansion, and Young Master Yiyun comes from the Zunyi Prince's Mansion. Therefore, he must investigate the case to give the Zunyi Prince's Mansion a peaceful and stable future without any worries.

Although he had not told Young Master Yiyun the details of these cases, he had been working quietly for the Zunyi Prince's Mansion, hoping to clear away all obstacles for the future of the Zunyi Prince's Mansion.

This is true affection.

No need for many words, just take action.

Upon receiving Jin An's personal confirmation, both Master Qianlong and Master Zifeng showed expressions of deep emotion.

"Marquis Shenwu truly lives up to the expectations of us two fellow disciples. His personal integrity is as pure as jade and upright as pine, and his virtuous character is truly admirable." This has deeply moved us two fellow disciples.

“Indeed, my fellow disciple and I have been gathering information about Marquis Shenwu these past few days, trying to understand his character. We know that Marquis Shenwu is a man of integrity and upright conduct. We have investigated every detail of the cases he has solved, from Wuzhou Prefecture to Xizhou Prefecture, then to the Southern Desert, then to Tubo, then to Jiangzhou Prefecture, and finally to the capital. We deeply admire Marquis Shenwu for his character and his brilliant judgment in solving cases. That is why we came to Marquis Shenwu today. We have a grievance to appeal.”

"And this injustice is against none other than Emperor Kangheng!" Master Zifeng said, enunciating each word clearly.

"More than a decade ago, we were appealing for Emperor Kangheng everywhere, but we were later framed and ambushed by the Jiang family patriarch, the Li Huo Elder, and the Po Jun Marquis, and imprisoned in the dungeon until now! The reason we were able to escape is thanks to the Divine Martial Marquis. If it weren't for the Divine Martial Marquis's battle with the corpse monster at the Celestial Master's Mansion that day, which caused the restrictions to loosen, we wouldn't have been so lucky to break free of our imprisonment and regain our freedom! Therefore, after we learned about the Divine Martial Marquis's character and attitude, we didn't hesitate and came straight to the Five Organs Taoist Temple. We placed all our hopes for overturning Emperor Kangheng's case on the Divine Martial Marquis!"

"Because the Kangheng Emperor's family has been wronged for more than ten years, we really don't want the Kangheng Emperor's family, who were once a wise and virtuous ruler, to be unable to rest in peace for more than ten years after their deaths, to have to bear the injustice, and to be unable to have the opportunity to be reincarnated!"

Jin An said with a serious expression, "I dare not claim the title of a brilliant judge, but I cannot stand wrongful convictions. If Emperor Kang Heng's family has truly been wronged, I am willing to do my utmost to investigate this case."

"I hope that Master Qianlong and Master Zifeng can explain the details of the Kangheng Emperor case to me in detail."

Master Qianlong and Master Zifeng exchanged a smile. Master Qianlong, who had been the quietest, spoke up with a smile and said, "Let me tell you about the case of Emperor Kangheng."

Jin An cupped his hands and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Master Qianlong."

Master Qianlong smiled and said, "Regarding the memories from more than ten years ago, we have a memory that we can share with Marquis Shenwu, and we can also personally recount the details of the case from more than ten years ago."

"I wonder which method of presenting the case the Marquis of Shenwu prefers?"

"Oh, memory?"

Jin An raised an eyebrow and said in a deep voice, "Then let's share our memories. Only by being there in person can we understand more clearly and grasp the details of a case from more than ten years ago, so that we won't miss anything."

Master Qianlong smiled and said, "This is exactly what I wanted."

The old Taoist priest standing nearby hurriedly interjected, "Could you take me with you? I'm also very curious about the details of Emperor Kangheng's case."

Master Qianlong laughed and said, "Of course, it's easy."

Then, Master Qianlong took out a jade pendant and said, "This jade is called Dream Jade. In some places, it is also called Night-Shining Pearl, meaning that it can help people see through many unknown truths hidden behind the night." "Dream Jade, as its name suggests, can take people into dreams and glimpse the truth of dreams."

"Master Jin'an, Master Chen, let's hold the Dream Jade together in a moment. I will take you to see the truth of what happened more than ten years ago, and how tragic Emperor Kangheng's death was, which makes people of later generations sigh with regret."

“Okay.” Jin An nodded and was the first to reach out and grab Meng Yu.

Then the old Taoist priest hurriedly reached out and grabbed Mengyu.

“Senior brother, add me too. I’ve never been able to forget the truth from over a decade ago. Emperor Kangheng treated my brother and me very well. His death is still a great regret in my heart. Alas.” Master Zifeng also reached out and grabbed Mengyu.

"Ah."

Master Qianlong nodded solemnly, then said, "Everyone, get ready. We are about to enter the memories of Emperor Kangheng from over a decade ago... The decree is hereby issued!"

……

The magnificent palaces stand densely packed, their halls forming a vast expanse, their imposing presence resembling a thousand-mile-long kingdom with nine gates. The palaces emerge from the clouds, a new and majestic heavenly palace standing on the earth, bathed in a golden glow under the setting sun, solemn and awe-inspiring, majestic and sacred, inspiring a sense of pilgrimage in those who cannot help but want to worship this palace complex.

Jin An immediately recognized this magnificent and imposing palace complex as the current Kangding Kingdom Imperial Palace.

However, beneath the auspicious, majestic, and magnificent palace complex, turbulent undercurrents and murderous intent lurked.

Before a magnificent and imposing palace, the atmosphere was extremely tense. Twenty or thirty elders surrounded the palace from all directions. Countless runes flashed in the air as these elders set up one runic restriction after another, deeply encircling the palace and making it seem as if it could explode at any moment. The atmosphere was extremely chaotic, and streaks of spiritual light were constantly being generated in the air.

Jin An walked past the twenty or thirty old men and arrived in front of the palace. Looking up, he immediately saw the plaque above the palace.

Renming Hall!
The core residence of the Empress in the imperial harem!

This is actually the Empress's bedroom!
The Empress's residence is in her bedchamber!

In front of Renming Hall, Jin'an saw a wise and virtuous emperor, Emperor Kangheng!
Emperor Kangheng possessed a majestic demeanor, a tall stature, and a vigorous spirit that seemed to ignite the heavens, giving the impression of supporting the sky, much like a middle-aged man with the aura of a marquis or king.

His aura was so powerful that he was a true martial arts immortal. Only a martial arts immortal could possess such surging blood and energy that could ignite the void for hundreds of miles.

Emperor Kangheng truly lived up to his imperial bearing. Just by standing there, he was surrounded by a purple aura, the density of which was unprecedented. Jin'an had never seen anyone with such a dense purple aura before, not even Emperor Kangzhao. Emperor Kangheng was the first and only one to possess such a dense purple aura.

Perhaps only the monarchs of all dynasties and the spirits of the God of Literature in all eras possessed such a thick purple aura, but Jin An, having traveled in this world for so long, had only ever seen such a thick purple aura on Emperor Kang Heng.

A purple aura enveloped his body, and purple lightning and green frost—this description of Emperor Kangheng at this moment is most apt.

But what surprised Jin An the most was Emperor Kang Heng's aura of a martial arts immortal. Was Emperor Kang Heng willing to expose his true cultivation level just to protect the Empress?

today……

Was this Emperor Kangheng's desperate battle for his beloved wife, the Empress?

Even if it means giving up one's noble status...

To be an enemy of the world...

I have no regrets...

All I ask for is to be with the one I love, to stay together through thick and thin, to share both joy and sorrow!
Unexpectedly, the memories that Master Qianlong shared with him began with such a critical moment. Jin An was filled with excitement and bewilderment. Although he knew that Emperor Kang Heng's family would suffer a tragic end in this battle, he still couldn't help but worry about Emperor Kang Heng's safety.

Emperor Kangheng saved his life in the Corpse Painting Cave in the underworld, so it's understandable that he's worried about Emperor Kangheng's safety.

Jin An saw that Emperor Kangheng was holding a woman in his arms. The woman was pale and extremely haggard, lying motionless in Emperor Kangheng's arms, looking like she was terminally ill and on the verge of death. Jin An's heart sank. It seemed that this woman was the Empress.

"You, as righteous people, have defied the world today by besieging the palace and drawing your weapons. What do you want to do? Do you want to rebel against heaven and usurp the throne?" Several elderly officials in official robes stood beside Emperor Kangheng, their faces grim as they questioned the old man.

"The Empress has developed cannibalism. Emperor Kangheng is unwilling to peacefully hand over the Empress for the sake of peace and order, and instead ask us to deal with her and give the world an explanation. We are not in a position to act in accordance with the righteous path. We hope that Emperor Kangheng will not make things difficult for us or the world." One of the twenty or thirty old men surrounding Renming Palace in the sky said calmly.

"Jade Capital, Golden Palace, Zhenguo Temple, Celestial Master's Mansion, you have always protected the peace of Kangding Kingdom, and all dynasties have respected you greatly. Today, you also want to attack Emperor Kangheng and the Empress, disregarding the ceremonies and sacrifices that Kangding Kingdom has made for you over the past few hundred years?" an old minister asked in grief and indignation.

“Amitabha Buddha, as long as Emperor Kangheng hands over the Empress, we will investigate the truth behind the Empress.” A holy monk from Zhenguo Temple said with his hands clasped together and a look of reluctance on his face.

“That’s right. As long as Emperor Kangheng hands over the Empress, Yujing Jinque will definitely restore fairness and peace to the Empress.” Yujing Jinque also solemnly promised.

"Why say so much? The evidence of the Empress's cannibalism is irrefutable, a name condemned by all. We must give the world an explanation. Emperor Kangheng has repeatedly protected the Empress, preventing us from considering the well-being of the people and punishing her. This is tantamount to protecting a heinous criminal. Since it is protection, then don't blame us for being ruthless. After all, reason trumps sentiment. Eliminating harm for the people is a self-evident and clear principle, and no one can change that. Does Emperor Kangheng intend to bend the law for personal gain and knowingly break the law?" Among the twenty or thirty old men, another one asked coldly, his eyes sparkling with the light of the sun, moon, and stars. The aura he exuded crushed several palaces near the imperial palace, leaving them in ruins.

Those old ministers who had been protecting Emperor Kangheng all collapsed, coughing up blood, barely breathing, and their lives were in danger.

Emperor Kangheng gently waved his hand, sending the old ministers out of the palace. This was a battle between the divine and the martial, and ordinary people were no longer suitable to participate. He did not want to see anyone suffer because of him, so he sent these people out of the palace first to give them a chance to live.

The twenty or thirty old men in the sky did not stop them. A few ordinary people were not enough to make them go to war. What they cared more about was Emperor Kangheng's movements and whether he really wanted to start a war with them today.

As Emperor Kangheng sent several loyal old ministers out of the palace, runes filled the void, lightning intertwined, and a raging fire covered the sky above the palace. Thunder, fire, and water appeared all at once, constantly changing in the sky above the palace, and the smell of gunpowder had reached its peak!