CHAPTER 148: CHAPTER 147: UNSTABLE MORALE

Discussing superiors is always taboo, especially when it comes to Situ Jing, the highest commander of the Li State’s imperial guard. These soldiers worry that if these words get out, the Commander might have their heads before any evil spirits could reach them.

However, with new imperial guard soldiers being possessed by evil spirits every day, and watching their comrades being taken away, the soldiers’ resentment is growing. The dissatisfaction is becoming harder to hide. Even though they dare not act too blatantly, some have begun to show displeasure during Situ Jing’s patrols, practicing with less vigor than usual.

Situ Jing’s personal soldiers have it worse. Those in the imperial guard are hesitant to openly challenge Situ Jing but show no such restraint towards his personal soldiers. Previously, there was mutual respect between the groups, even a harmonious relationship, but now every encounter is charged with tension.

Some imperial guards have even viewed the personal soldiers as Situ Jing’s henchmen, as if they were responsible for their comrades falling under the spell. They seem to have forgotten that some personal soldiers have also exhibited strange behavior.

Situ Jing’s personal soldiers remain restrained and do not retaliate against provocations, but this non-response does little to reduce such incidents.

Even Zhu Yu once faced harassment from imperial guard soldiers. They saw Zhu Yu as frail and weak, and taunted her, trying to provoke her into a reaction.

Though Zhu Yu was indeed smaller and frailer in comparison, she held her composure, ignoring their taunts and walking ahead in silence.

Those imperial guard soldiers followed her a long way before seeing Lu Qing waiting there.

Lu Qing stood with no expression, arms crossed, gaze passing over Zhu Yu’s shoulder to the soldiers behind her.

His eyes were cold, devoid of aggression or warmth. Combined with a long scar across his face, it gave him an aura that suggested he wouldn’t flinch at splitting someone open.

Intimidated by Lu Qing’s presence and his towering, sturdy build, the soldiers left sullenly, no longer trailing Zhu Yu.

When Zhu Yu saw them leave, she heaved a sigh of relief, patting her chest.

Lu Qing, watching her reaction, let go of the seriousness he had projected and asked, "Were you scared?"

"Yes." Zhu Yu admitted honestly without pretending otherwise, nodding, "These days the tension is palpable, and it’s just waiting for a spark to set things off.

I was worried those brash ones might lose their temper and start something, making me the catalyst."

"Such a disruption would mess up all our plans, and I’d suffer needlessly!"

"With the rune away from camp these days, don’t stray from my side." Lu Qing wasn’t too concerned initially, but seeing those guys’ intentions to target Zhu Yu, caution was warranted, "Given the tension, we won’t have to wait long."

Seeing Situ Jing’s inaction, Deputy Capital Commander Zhou Kang, restless as an ant on a hot pan, finally couldn’t hold back and rushed into Situ Jing’s tent early morning.

"General, this cannot be delayed any further!" He said as soon as he entered Situ Jing’s tent, ignoring others’ presence, "Haven’t you heard what the brothers in the camp are saying lately?

They claim evil spirits are haunting the camp, and despite calling for a Divine Doctor, nobody has returned cured, and the outgoing numbers keep rising.

If this continues, there will be no one left in the camp!

General, regardless of belief, so many brothers have inexplicably been possessed, and everyone can see it.

If you still refuse to invite someone to exorcise them, the anxiety within the camp will not ease.

Why not align with their wishes, and hold an exorcism ritual? Regardless of its efficacy, it would at least comfort the brothers in the army, wouldn’t it?"

Situ Jing frowned, clearly resistant to Zhou Kang’s suggestion: "Does the army truly prefer superstition as a solution?"

"Indeed, General, if you don’t believe, you can ask them yourself." Zhou Kang responded helplessly, "I don’t believe in such things, but everyone else thinks it’s necessary. It might be better to follow the majority, lest morale falter!"

"I refuse to believe my Da Jin soldiers put faith in superstitions!" Situ Jing shouted angrily, pointing outside the tent, "Gather them all outside, I want to see who wants an exorcist!"

Zhou Kang seemed frightened by his anger, complying quickly, he hurried outside to assemble the soldiers.

Soon, a large number of imperial guard soldiers gathered outside Situ Jing’s tent, some appeared irate, while others looked confused or anxious about what might happen next.

Situ Jing, with a stern countenance, walked out of the tent, Lu Qing and Zhu Yu flanking him in disguise as personal soldiers.

Facing the crowd, Situ Jing glanced over them, though their numbers felt significant, they were actually about a third less than before.

Once Situ Jing appeared, a voice suddenly shouted from the crowd: "General, this can’t go on! At this rate, there won’t be anyone left in the camp, and we’ll all end up dead!

You can’t just watch as our brothers die in vain!"

Initially, the gathered feared Situ Jing’s rank, staying silent despite their thoughts. But this shout was like opening a floodgate, and soon many joined in, creating a cacophony.

Witnessing others speaking up without harsh repercussion, those initially scared to voice joined in, thinking there’s safety in numbers.

However, some remained silent throughout, and Zhu Yu noticed Liao Yu, the Chief who stayed calm when Pang Centurion had trouble, among them.

He and his comrades seemed disdainful of the talk of spirits, standing amidst the crowd with resigned frowns.