This vast open space also had a nice name: Wannian Plaza.
At the very center of the plaza, the altar had already been erected and was being guarded by soldiers arranged by Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun. No one was allowed near it.
After observing the entire perimeter from afar, Liu Kai's face showed a look of joy. Chen Xiaobei understood that this circuit would reassure both the Liu family and Raldo and his people.
While others were reassured, Chen Xiaobei began his preparations.
Back at the inn, Chen Xiaobei first made a list, which contained nothing more than incense, offerings, and similar items.
Of course, the quantity needed to be substantial, otherwise, it wouldn't seem like a proper ritual.
These items could be sent to Zhou Quan.
Actually, Chen Xiaobei knew that even if he didn't inform the Crown Prince, the Prince would likely make his own preparations, especially since he had already performed a ritual a few days prior. For Chen Xiaobei, the most important thing now was how to house the Four Divine Beasts.
Two of his Four Divine Beasts were very stable: the wild chicken and the turtle.
The wild chicken represented the Vermilion Bird, and the turtle represented the Black Tortoise. These two were, so to speak, harmless.
The remaining two were naturally the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger. The several large snakes had entered a state of shallow hibernation. All that was needed was a large basin to put them in, and with Yang Zhi's snake medicine, they wouldn't be difficult to handle.
Therefore, the difficult and crucial part was the three tigers.
After much thought, Chen Xiaobei felt he still had to trouble Cui Hongyu to personally inspect these three tigers on-site. The reason for bringing the three together was for easier management; Cui Hongyu couldn't be in multiple places at once.
"Hongyu, tomorrow I want to bring these three tigers to the site. I'm afraid I'll need your personal assistance. It seems the other people can't tame these tigers."
Cui Hongyu smiled charmingly and looked at Chen Xiaobei, "Brother Xiaobei, you just arrange it. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do."
Chen Xiaobei said with a apologetic expression, "Originally, you came all this way and should rest for a few days. But I'm afraid these beasts won't behave, and it wouldn't be proper to keep them in cages!"
Cui Hongyu smiled and shook her head, saying, "I'm fine. I'll just help you keep an eye on these tigers. I can't help with anything else."
Chen Xiaobei nodded, "Then the altar outside the West Gate will be entrusted to you. I also need to send someone to protect you. What do you think about sending Huang Ying?"
Cui Hongyu replied, "That would be great. Huang Ying and I can have a good heart-to-heart chat."
Chen Xiaobei chose Huang Ying for two reasons. Firstly, it would be more convenient for the two girls to be together. Secondly, Cui Hongyu didn't know martial arts, so if anything happened, Huang Ying could protect her.
After arranging for them, Chen Xiaobei began to consider other matters.
The altar outside the East Gate would be handled by Yang Zhi. Since he provided the snake medicine, it would be no problem for him to look after these large snakes.
Yang Chun would be assigned the South Gate. It was just a few wild chickens, as long as he didn't stew them. Raldo would be assigned the North Gate. This way, all four main altars would have his people guarding them.
As for the eight outer altars, Raldo and Ramo would arrange their subordinates.
As for the central altar within the city, Chen Xiaobei would personally ascend it. Of course, there was no need to worry about security.
This was within Wannian City, right in front of the Imperial Palace. He believed no one would dare to attack him here, regardless of their courage.
The next morning, at the altar in the city, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was already waiting. From this, it was evident that Xiao Jingyun still had great trust and respect for Chen Xiaobei.
Upon seeing him, Chen Xiaobei hurried over, "Your Highness, your personal presence here truly makes me feel uneasy."
Hearing his words, Xiao Jingyun laughed heartily, "Then let's dispense with formalities. I'm here today to see how you arrange the altar!"
Chen Xiaobei produced a blueprint and pointed to the central point, the altar beside him.
"Your Highness, when the sun rises, these thirteen altars will exert their combined power, using the radiance of the sun and moon to counter the evil energy. We will surely succeed!"
"By the way, I have also prepared the Four Divine Beasts. Outside the East Gate is the Azure Dragon, outside the West Gate is the White Tiger, outside the South Gate is the Vermilion Bird, and outside the North Gate is the Black Tortoise!"
Upon hearing Chen Xiaobei's explanation, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun became interested. He chuckled, "Excellent! I've never seen these so-called Four Divine Beasts before. Could you leave for a moment and accompany me on a tour?"
Chen Xiaobei quickly bowed, "As long as Your Highness wishes to go, I will accompany you. Please wait a moment while I make arrangements for this central altar!"
Xiao Jingyun nodded, "Then hurry and make your arrangements."
Raldo assigned a few members of his Vermilion Bird Gang to Chen Xiaobei.
This was also to ensure Chen Xiaobei's safety. Chen Xiaobei gave them a few instructions. If he didn't return by noon, they were to tell the soldiers to fire three cannons, burn paper, and offer incense, at least to maintain appearances.
Xiao Jingyun's first stop was the East Gate. After all, according to Chen Xiaobei's earlier statement, the Azure Dragon was located outside the East Gate, and both the Emperor and the Crown Prince would naturally be quite sensitive to this.
On the altar, a large bronze basin was placed, and a large snake was coiled within. Xiao Jingyun was startled and pointed at the snake, asking with some nervousness, "My dear minister, this is too terrifying! If this snake were to break loose among the people, many would suffer innocent harm!"
Chen Xiaobei smiled slightly, "Your Highness, please rest assured, this snake will not harm anyone. If there is any mishap, you may hold me, Chen Xiaobei, accountable."
Chen Xiaobei was, of course, confident. Besides the fact that snakes entered hibernation at this time, Yang Zhi also had special snake medicine. When they brought these three large creatures down the mountain, the snake medicine had also been of assistance.
With Chen Xiaobei's promise, Xiao Jingyun was slightly relieved and turned towards the South Gate.
According to Chen Xiaobei's arrangement, two wild chickens were placed on the altar outside the South Gate.
The two wild chickens were huddled in a corner, leisurely pecking at grains of rice.
Of course, there was a significant difference between these wild chickens and the legendary Vermilion Bird. But now, Xiao Jingyun was desperate and had no other choice.
After viewing the tigers, everyone turned to the North Gate, where they saw a turtle.
Seeing the turtle leisurely swimming in its water basin, Xiao Jingyun almost burst into laughter out of frustration.
Logically speaking, the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger seemed somewhat plausible. But the Vermilion Bird and the Black Tortoise were far too perfunctory.
However, seeing Chen Xiaobei's sincere expression, Xiao Jingyun held back and said nothing. It was only after returning to his own Crown Prince's mansion that he couldn't help but complain.