Some people, however, brazenly began to loot tombs, presenting a plethora of items and commencing an investigation of the mausoleums to ascertain whether they contained the remains of emperors.
Murong Chong, leading a group of people, remained hidden beneath the high walls, perfectly still and observant.
He had initially been wary of any deception, thus he had been diligently watching.
To be frank, grave robbers had their own set of rules, so he believed that if these individuals were not tomb raiders, they would inevitably reveal their true nature.
However, as he observed them, it became apparent that these were indeed tomb robbers, and their techniques were remarkably proficient.
Witnessing them pry and smash, they managed to open a tomb in a remarkably short period. The tomb gleamed with a radiant light, indicating a wealth of treasures within.
But the Skull Blood Bandits were no ordinary tomb raiders; they held no interest in mere gold and jewels. They preferred to seek out the tombs of past emperors to unearth the most priceless burial objects.
In the dark night, Murong Chong's blood began to boil. These detestable scoundrels were desecrating the imperial mausoleum of the Shangguan family. As a descendant of the Shangguan lineage, could he simply stand by and do nothing?
Furthermore, he discerned that regardless of its authenticity, these individuals were determined to locate his father's tomb. How could he possibly allow them to succeed?
With this thought, he could no longer hesitate and calmly raised his hand.
The hundreds of subordinates from the Divine Dragon Palace behind him leaped out in unison, including the members of the Rouge Pavilion, led by Mo Ru Yan. Each one surged forward like a ravenous wolf, charging directly at the tomb robbers...
The night breeze swayed gently, the flames of the lanterns flickered intermittently, and the imperial mausoleum echoed with sounds of fighting.
The individuals from the Divine Dragon Palace engaged the tomb robbers with the ferocity of wolves.
These tomb robbers were indeed the Skull Blood Bandits, but this time, they had come for money. Someone had offered them an exorbitant sum to loot the tomb.
Not only could they steal treasures from the imperial mausoleum, but they would also receive a substantial reward. Why wouldn't they?
However, they hadn't anticipated the sudden appearance of these people, whose martial prowess was exceptionally high.
The Skull Blood Bandits were a shadowy organization with numerous members. However, they had not brought many men to loot the imperial mausoleum in Eastern Qin, only a few dozen. These individuals were indeed highly skilled.
The few dozen men, while engaging the imperial guards, also fought against the contingent from the Divine Dragon Palace, yet they did not appear to be excessively strained. Nevertheless, they were ultimately outnumbered, and some began to falter.
The clashing of swords and sabers ignited sparks.
Clang, clang, the sounds were grating.
The night grew darker. More than half of the tomb robbers were killed or wounded, and about ten people were constantly retreating.
Murong Chong, accompanied by Lue Hua and Can Hong, pursued them relentlessly. These detestable tomb robbers dared to desecrate the Shangguan family's mausoleum, and he would not let them escape.
However, those dozen individuals did not engage in prolonged combat, and they continued to retreat.
Upon reaching a flat expanse of green grass, the dozen men abruptly crouched and, in the blink of an eye, burrowed into the ground.
The slightly raised earth seemed to suggest a mole burrowing within. They moved with lightning speed and vanished in an instant.
Murong Chong's pupils flashed with a chilling glint. He waved his hand, and the men behind him simultaneously acted, their long swords thrusting in unison towards the fleeing individuals. Indeed, a muffled groan sounded, someone erupted from the soil, spitting blood as they died.
However, only a few were injured, and some still managed to escape.
The western suburban mausoleum was steeped in a thick scent of blood. The surrounding branches cast mottled shadows, creating a rather eerie sight.
Murong Chong watched as the soldiers guarding the mausoleum approached and quickly waved his hand, ordering, "Retreat."
But before his command was even finished, countless torches illuminated the surroundings.
Everyone looked up, and in the distance and near, densely packed, the sheer number of torches and people was indistinguishable. They then looked at the high walls, where numerous archers, holding bows and arrows, were all aimed at them.
Murong Chong was stunned, his pupils suddenly turning a deep crimson, his entire being exuding an aura of icy cold.
So it was truly a trap. But why had it been set to ensnare him?
What did this signify? Did they have a mole among them, or had the fake Jade Dragon Talisman been discovered?
If the sole intention was to apprehend the people of the Divine Dragon Palace, then Lan Qinglun would not be unaware. With military authority in his hands, yet ignorant of these matters, what did that imply? This person not only knew who he was but also deduced that Lan Qinglun was his subordinate?
It seemed there was a loophole somewhere, leading to this failure.
Murong Chong scanned the surroundings with a cold and solemn gaze. Lue Hua, Can Hong, and Liu Feng, behind him, clustered closer to his side.
Everyone knew how disadvantageous their current situation was. With so many enemies, even if they were exceptionally skilled, they would likely face certain death.
"Master."
"Perhaps Shangguan Yao discovered the fake Jade Dragon Talisman."
Murong Chong's voice was bloodthirsty and frigid. This was the most plausible explanation at present. Shangguan Yao, having worn the Jade Dragon Talisman on his waist, indicated his deep regard for it, a fact they had all overlooked.
Yet, even knowing this, he could not allow Shangguan Yao to desecrate the Shangguan family's mausoleum. For this place did not house his Ye family, and this was his leverage; he could, without batting an eye, allow the Skull Blood Bandits to desecrate the graves.
Mo Ru Yan, standing very close to Shangguan Yao, felt a flicker of pain in her eyes, but also a sense of release. Tonight might indeed be their final moment.
She had never imagined dying alongside her master. Or, if he escaped, her death would be well worth it. Her demise would be a form of liberation, otherwise, jealousy would continue to plague her, and she would undoubtedly commit many detrimental acts.
She even considered going to the palace to inform the Emperor that Leng Yue was Yun Xiao. If she survived, she would have done so, which would harm her master. It was better to die to fulfill her master's wishes.
To prevent herself from committing any wrongdoings, her life had been saved by her master, and today she would repay him.
The countless torches illuminated the western suburban cemetery, revealing a sea of heads, their forms blurred.
Murong Chong turned to look at the people behind him and said in a deep voice, "Later, carve a bloody path out. Do not engage in head-on combat; if you do, you will all perish. They are after me; I will hold them back, and you must escape."
Young Master Lue Hua, Yi Yu Xuan, said in a deep voice, refusing, "Your subordinates will fight to the death; our lives are worth nothing. Master still has a great undertaking to accomplish; we will carve a bloody path for Master."
Mo Ru Yan and Zhui Feng nodded in unison, "Yes, your subordinates will fight to the death to carve a bloody path. Please, Master, break through."
With that said, the few individuals, leading the contingent from the Divine Dragon Palace, rushed forward rapidly, forming a circle around Murong Chong.
All of them faced death with equanimity. Their long swords dripped blood as they pressed forward step by step. Those holding torches, looking at these people with fierce eyes, like hungry wolves, and with expressions of desperate resolve, caused the enemy to retreat, thus clearing a considerable space.