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Chapter 1161 Decapitated but not dead, gazing upon the Nine Cauldrons
The ceremony is about to begin!
Zhou You glanced at the location of the harem; he had already mentally prepared countless plans for this day.

Today, Lian Feihong ascends the throne, and something big is bound to happen. Among countless powerful enemies, the biggest hidden danger is the Enchantress.

The series of events that occurred previously seemed to have the shadow of the Empress's instigation, but no concrete evidence could be found.

Zhou You strongly suspects that Chongyang Gong was a scapegoat thrown out by the Queen of Demons.

Now that dynasties have changed and the royal family has fled overseas, all the former officials of the feudal lords have been expelled from the palace.

Including the 'Empress', who is no longer in the palace. It is said that she has been taken back to her family's residence and is being cared for, but she is no longer allowed to appear in public.

"Father, is there anything you're worried about?"

Zhou Ding noticed a hint of worry in Zhou You's expression and asked with concern.

Zhou You paused for a moment, then said to him, "You are my chosen deputy to preside over this ceremony. Do a good job."

At the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, Lian Feihong was the main figure, but he also gave the most honorable position to Zhou You.

Zhou You, as the host of this sacrificial ceremony, will surely be remembered in history for his role in this event.

The bronze drums struck with a majestic, resounding sound that echoed in all directions.

Like a giant iron, it smoothed out the chaotic noise from all sides of the sacrificial palace, and the world fell silent in an instant.

A fierce wind blew, causing the colorful flags to flutter wildly, creating a stark contrast with the otherwise silent atmosphere.

In the solemn setting, Lian Feihong, dressed in a dignified imperial robe, slowly ascended the altar to worship Heaven. Behind him, two rows of people, carrying ritual implements and offerings, stretched for a thousand meters.

The sun, moon, mountains, and rivers are reflected on the crown and robes, symbolizing that the monarch bears the weight of the nation and is accompanied by the sun and moon.

Lian Feihong walked solemnly to the altar and stopped in front of the huge bronze cauldron, which was as big as a small mountain. Looking at the weathered patina and patterns, he was filled with emotion.

We've finally reached this point; it's been so difficult.

"Pray to Heaven, to continue the past and usher in a new era..."

Lian Feihong recited the sacrificial text, each word a gem, his tone as smooth and melodious as jade, soaring from the high altar to the heavens.

If Heaven has ears, it will surely hear his devout prayers and know the reasons for the change of dynasties.

The prayer details the former lord's moral failings that led to his death, and how he regained control of the land and was elected lord by the people. Naturally, it includes praise for himself and emphasizes his legitimacy.

Zhou You stood to the side, the head of the ceremony presiding over the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven. He was about to begin the most important part of the ceremony... the chief priest.

The ceremony of offering sacrifices to Heaven was an important ritual for the monarch to inform Heaven and ascend the throne, with sacrifices being the most important part.

The offerings and rituals for worshipping Heaven must be performed without the slightest error.

Among all ritual vessels, the ding (鼎) is the most revered. The ding is a cooking utensil used to invite the heavens to eat, and it is also a replica of the Nine Tripods.

The giant cauldron on the altar of the Heavenly Sacrifice Palace is a royal 'clan cauldron' that is superior to all other cauldrons and clan cauldrons in the world.

This item is tableware specially used by the heavens, and it is also the focal point for the projection of the Nine Tripods onto the human world.

The sacrificial vessels arranged in four rows around the giant cauldron, along with the tributes from various feudal lords, served as side dishes for this grand feast.

Even during Lian Feihong's recitation of the prayer, the various 'sacrificial dishes' offered by the crowd were of no importance.

The most crucial element is the 'chief officiant,' who represents the most sincere offering to Heaven.

"...Enjoy!"

After Lian Feihong finished speaking the last word, "Xiang," it was a signal to invite Heaven to enjoy the offerings.

Zhou You also brought the sacrificial offerings of the chief priest to the crowd, saying, "Those who are extremely wicked and evil, kill them to appease Heaven!"

Chongyang Gong!
Upon seeing the offering, the onlookers from all directions exclaimed in surprise, for the offering was none other than the Chongyang Gong.

Immediately, discussions arose from all directions, surging around the altar like a tide.

"Quiet down, everyone, and let me recount this scoundrel's evil deeds."

"Duke Chongyang, you incited the lord to commit wicked deeds, disregarding human ethics and human life, and sowing the seeds of disaster in Putuo Prefecture..." "...secretly murdered the lord and Consort Mei, framed the noble families, and instigated rebellion within the royal family, causing rivers of blood to flow in the capital..."

"..."

The deeds of Chongyang Gong were read aloud by Zhou You and spread far and wide.

Many people suddenly realized that the turmoil in the capital was actually caused by the disheveled old man in front of them.

However, as the foremost figure in the Golden Immortal Dao and one of the trusted retainers of the feudal lord, Chongyang Gong had no reason to commit such heinous and wicked crimes.

What is he after? Does he think he can usurp the throne?

"Wait a minute"

Suddenly, Chongyang Gong interrupted Zhou You, crawling to sit on the ground and tidying up his disheveled robes.

"You can't kill me!"

The Duke of Chongyang adjusted his hair and said solemnly, "I was granted the title of Marquis by the previous lord. Only the next lord has the right to strip me of my title and sentence me to death."

The implication is that Lian Feihong has not yet registered as emperor and is not qualified to kill a nobleman with a title.

Silence fell on all sides. What Chongyang Gong said was true, which meant that Zhou You's plan to use him as a sacrifice was doomed to fail.

As the carefully prepared priest was disrupted by his words, the commotion at the scene grew increasingly uneasy.

"Hahaha!"

Amidst Zhou You's loud laughter, he kicked him to the ground, stomping on Chongyang Gong's back. "A hereditary marquis title? You dare to challenge me?"

"Where is the lord who bestowed your title now?"

"From the moment you plotted to murder the king, all the honors and titles he bestowed upon you have left you."

"Old dog, you're the one who broke the rules, and you expect others to follow them?"

That's wishful thinking.

Zhou You drew the Half-Saint Yin Blade, raised it high towards the sky, and saw the sunlight shining on the blade through the back of the blade, like flowing water.

He shouted, "Slay this villain! Proclaim to the world that anyone who dares to plot to assassinate the emperor, regardless of their status, shall be killed!"

Without saying another word, Zhou You swung his sword and cleanly severed Chongyang Gong's head.

Its head rolled a few times on the ground, then suddenly leaped back into Chongyang Gong's arms, where it was held in his hands against his chest.

The scene created a calm yet eerie atmosphere.

The headless corpse of Chongyang Gong sat cross-legged, holding his head in his hands in front of his chest, silent and still.

Hot blood was splashed onto the giant cauldron behind him, and the patina shimmered with strange seven-colored light. Then, a bizarre scene unfolded.

The heavens and the earth, the sacrificial palace, and all physical objects have vanished.

The only remaining area is the altar, which has been separated into an unfamiliar world and become an isolated island.

"The Nine Tripods have descended to earth; this signifies Heaven's approval. The sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is complete!"

Suddenly someone spoke up.

The next moment, the air currents surged, and faint patterns and lines appeared in the sky, on the ground, and in all directions.

The countless lines outlined one massive cauldron after another. Compared to them, the giant cauldrons on the altar were like ants under an elephant's feet, so small as to be negligible.

Zhou You saw two familiar cauldrons, which were none other than the two Nine Cauldrons from the North and the South. There was no doubt about the remaining seven cauldrons.

This signifies the descent of the Nine Tripods, an affirmation of Lian Feihong's position as a feudal lord.

In an instant, the panel appeared as a pop-up window in front of Zhou You, opening up an unprecedented and mysterious world.

(End of this chapter)