Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

The bamboo hat was pulled down so low its brim completely shrouded the figure’s face in shadow.

And yet, black cloth was still wound in layers around the entire body, starting from the head. It left no opening for the eyes, and the hands and feet were bound just as tightly, leaving not a single patch of skin exposed.

But that build... Chen Cheng recognized it with a single glance.

That night, it was this very person who had enabled his Vertical Eye Mark to see through the essence of the Inconstant Moon Step.

The one who had injured Ye Yang back then was, in all likelihood, this same person.

”Ugh...”

After a brief silence, a strange, muffled grunt escaped from the bizarre figure’s throat.

The voice’s pitch and tone fluctuated wildly.

One moment, it was as hoarse and grating as stones grinding together. The next, it abruptly shifted to the clear, melodious ring of a jade chime.

The two tones alternated without any transition, as if two different people were speaking from a single throat.

Gender indistinguishable, age a mystery.

”Today, things have gotten out of hand...”

The bizarre figure began to speak slowly. Its voice shifted between Yin and Yang with no discernible pattern, yet every word was perfectly clear.

”So be it. We’ll hold nothing back. You all, spread out... and kill...”

The word ’kill’ rolled from its throat, first as a hoarse growl, then rising into a piercing shriek. The two tones overlapped, creating an indescribably bizarre and horrifying sound.

”Kill anyone you see... Kill until they hand over the Moon Marrow.”

”KILL!!!”

The word ’kill’ exploded out one last time.

An echo reverberated through the surrounding ruins, lingering long after.

In that instant, a ringing filled Chen Cheng’s ears, as if countless fine needles were pricking at his eardrums.

The eight Blood Robe Believers all flinched as one. They too seemed unsettled by the piercing echo. After bowing to accept their orders, they quickly scattered in different directions.

Pressed against the wall, Chen Cheng’s gaze was fixed on the path one of them had taken.

If he continued in that direction for less than half a street, he would enter the territory of Anle Village.

...

「Anle Village.」

It was just past noon. Most of the able-bodied adults who lived in this area were out working for a living, leaving behind mostly the elderly, women, and children.

Somehow, news had spread that fiends of the Red Moon were causing chaos nearby and had even killed many Officials.

Every last one of these defenseless elderly, women, and children was terrified, and they had all gathered near the Dragon Mountain Lower Courtyard.

The crowd was a jostling sea of people, almost completely blocking the narrow street.

One woman crouched in a corner, hugging her child. When the child cried, she would cover its mouth and try to soothe it in a hushed voice.

An old man stood leaning against a wall, his hands tucked into his sleeves. Every so often, he would stand on his tiptoes to peer into the distance, his eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

No one spoke, but the alley was filled with the sounds of rustling and shuffling.

They all knew full well that the Dragon Mountain Lower Courtyard had no obligation to protect them.

But at a time like this, when even the Patrol Office’s Constables had suffered heavy casualties, what else could they possibly hope for?

Gathering near the Dragon Mountain Lower Courtyard was the only thing they could think of to feel even a little safer.

Their lives were like weeds. To be able to grow near a great tree made them luckier than those who couldn’t even reach its shade.

”Make way, please, make way.”

Just then, Chen An and his wife, Bai Family, put in a great effort to squeeze through the cracks in the crowd, finally reaching the door of Li Family’s small home.

”Chen An, what brings you two here?”

Li Family was standing at her door, talking with a few familiar neighbors.

”Li Family, are you all right? We heard about the chaos over here and were afraid something had happened to you, so we hurried over to see.”

Bai Family rushed forward and grabbed Li Family’s hand, looking her up and down. Her palm was hot and damp, and her grip was tight—she was truly worried.

Chen An said nothing, but his usually stoic face was also etched with tension and worry.

”I’m fine, perfectly fine. I’ve made you two worry for nothing.”

Li Family patted Bai Family’s hand.

She glanced over and saw that Chen An was still in his work clothes from the rice merchant, and Bai Family hadn’t even had time to take off her apron from the restaurant. They must have heard the news, taken leave from their jobs, and rushed straight over.

Li Family was deeply touched.

At the same time, however, she knew perfectly well that Chen An and Bai Family’s concern was entirely due to her having such a good son.

’If her son weren’t becoming so successful, who would really pay her any mind?’

Just within the last hour, the New Tutor from the Dragon Mountain Lower Courtyard had come, inviting her to take temporary shelter in one of the Lower Courtyard’s side rooms. The Gang Leader of the Fire and Water Gang and a Constable from the Southern Five Guards had also paid a visit, both concerned for her safety.

This, too, was undoubtedly because of her son’s influence.

Of this, Li Family was perfectly aware.

”Aunt Li has a good son. All of us neighbors are benefiting thanks to him.”

Aunt Wang from next door chimed in with a cheerful compliment, sitting on a small stool.

”Isn’t that the truth?”

Sister-in-law Ma, a neighbor she knew well, was sitting by the wall, holding a tightly bundled baby.

She leaned forward, nodding again and again with a smile.

”With Lord Cheng’s reputation, all the Martial Arts Halls, the Government Office, and the Gangs have to show him respect. Gathering here in front of Lord Cheng’s home, we’re safer than anywhere! It really sets your mind at ease!”

As she spoke, the little baby in her arms babbled along.

”Lord Cheng... Lord Cheng...”

It was a milky, childish voice, the words a soft, gooey mumble. He said ”Lord” with a long drawl and swallowed the ”Cheng” sound.

At an age when he couldn’t even say ”Mama” or ”Dada” clearly, the two words ”Lord Cheng” were becoming clearer and clearer.

Everyone watching couldn’t help but smile, amused by the little baby. The oppressive anxiety in their hearts lightened considerably.

...

The Blood Robe Believer moved with extreme speed, weaving through the narrowing alleyways. The afterimage of his blood-red Cloak flickered in and out of existence, like a phantom.

Although Anle Village was a relatively decent area, it was, at its heart, still a slum.