Chapter 209: Interconnected Schemes, Endure the Torture |
Listening to the conversation of the Elders in the sky, the people around subconsciously grew nervously silent.
Not only did the Successor of Demonic Arts once again appear, he even has an organisation behind him. Even boldly crashed into the Immortal Gu Family’s banquet and attempted to assassinate the mysterious woman from the Immortal Wang Family.
Since not many cultivators knew of Wang Zijin’s true identity, they could only guess the Successor of Demonic Arts’s attack was to cause a feud between the Immortal Gu Family and the Immortal Wang Family. And if Wang Zijin were to fall into trouble, the Immortal Gu Family would have to be held accountable for it. But of course, even a blind man could see that the Immortal Gu Family would not do such a deed.
“Judging by the remnants of the secret technique, the aura seems to originate from Sky Emperor Mountains. This is certainly going to be troublesome!”
“The Successor of Demonic Arts came from Sky Emperor Mountain?”
Many young cultivators voiced their guess in shock upon hearing the conversation of the Elders, growing even more confused and anxious after hearing how one of the most reputable Elders claimed the aura from the battle originates from Sky Emperor Mountain.
The living beings of Ancient Immortal Clans were no less incredulous. Having put Sky Emperor Mountain on a pedestal, they were always respectful and courteous whenever such a place was mentioned, but now that Sky Emperor Mountain was rumoured to be related to the Successor of Demonic Arts, their minds completely went blank as if they were about to explode.
[How is that possible? The mighty Sky Emperor Mountain, peerlessly noble and otherworldly, was built together by a number of Sky Emperors. How could such a sacred place be related to the Successor of Demonic Arts? Preposterous!]
“What if Sky Emperor Mountain has always been the mastermind behind the scenes… How terrorizing…” A young prodigy solemnly stated his opinion.
Upon hearing those words, he shook his head and questioned, “If this is indeed related to Sky Emperor Mountain, why would the man cast a signature spell of Sky Emperor Mountain during the fight? By doing that, isn’t he purposefully declaring that Sky Emperor Mountain is related to the Successor Demonic Arts? Such ignorance coming from Sky Emperor Mountain is out of the question.” Gu Changge let out a sigh, as though he was perturbed by the obviousness of the scheme.
“That is very reasonable, Brother Gu, and that is also what baffles me.” Having calmed down, Wang Wushuang nodded and agreed.
Meanwhile, Ye Langtian and the rest of the young prodigies, too, were intelligent enough to identify the flaw of the matter.
As Gu Changge saw the facial expression of the others, an inexplicable light flashed across his eyes, given that his desired outcome was achieved.
Since the incident was fabricated to create a scapegoat, he had no intention of making it flawless, and staining Sky Emperor Mountain’s reputation was only necessary for the next step. Regardless of what the others believe, Sky Emperor Mountain’s name had definitely now been defiled, and that was what Gu Changge had planned and predicted.
However, stopping here wouldn’t suffice.
Seeing how Gu Changge took the initiative to defend Sky Emperor Mountain, those from the Ancient Immortal Clans looked at him with their grateful expression. When they heard that Sky Emperor Mountain was involved in the incident, they were all anxious and fearful that Gu Changge might channel his anger towards Sky Emperor Mountain.
Given his current position, although Sky Emperor Mountain was highly respected, they were in no place to extinguish the rage in Gu Changge’s heart. After all, the daunting forces behind him, apart from the all-powerful Immortal Gu Family, included Primal Celestial Temple, Skyward Schloss, as well as the rest of those in the Celestial Ancient Continent, and none of them was to be taken lightly.
Therefore, despite the Ancient Immortal Clans’ massive number, before the air was cleared, Sky Emperor Mountain remained the biggest suspect. After Gu Changge’s attempt to disperse the suspicion towards Sky Emperor Mountain, those from the Ancient Immortal Clans couldn’t help but feel relieved, and only those lacking a brain cell would ever doubt him.
Accordingly, a group of people hurried over from different places and gathered nearby. After listening to the conversation, one of them, visibly disaffected, nodded and added, “What Young Master Changge just said was also what intrigued us. The aura of Sky Emperor Mountain is indeed too obvious.”
“Well said. It appears someone is deliberately trying to smear Sky Emperor Mountain’s name and draw our suspicion towards it, but how could we not see it? It is only a given that we are not fools.” Another Elder from another faction, with a huge body size, said with a calm face as his words were filled with sternness. He, too, agreed with Gu Changge’s perspective, thinking that someone was trying to frame Sky Emperor Mountain.
And so, given the apparent flaws of the incident, the statement was then acknowledged by many as they knew that the people of Sky Emperor Mountain were not foolish enough to leave such traces.
Watching as everyone grew immersed in the discussion as they intended to find out who the real Successor of Demonic Arts was in order to restore Sky Emperor Mountain’s good name, Gu Changge revealed an enthralled expression. An expression he swiftly withdrew and retained his natural look. After all, no plans of his were ever so simple.
With that, as an odd sensation surged in his eyes, Gu Changge tensed his brows and proactively asked Wang Zijin, “I wonder what you think of this, Lady Zijin.”
At once, surrounding people grew silent as members of the Immortal Gu Family and guests from different factions subconsciously looked over. As Gu Changge’s words carry immense weight, many grew curious about his thoughts, and that included Wang Wushuang, Ye Langtian, as well as the young prodigies from the Golden-Winged Roc Clan, who were eagerly awaiting what Gu Changge had to say.
“Why is Young Master Changge asking for that woman’s opinion? Is she someone of a significant position?” Some that were clueless to Wang Zijin’s identity curiously asked. Nonetheless, to be able to withstand an assassination attempt from someone in the Sacred Lord Realm for so long, proved that she was truly terrifyingly strong. This was especially considering how she was merely a young woman. Aware of that, many found her and her strength to be impressive.
“Silence! Saintess Zijin is not someone you can smear!” Hearing that, a few Elders who admired Wang Zijin immediately rebuked. If it wasn’t for the fact that she was the Successor of Mortal Palace, she wouldn’t have been targeted by the Successor of Demonic Arts out of nowhere. If it were up to any other young prodigy, they would have instantly been annihilated.
“Wow…” Those who heard the Elders rebuke, widened their eyes and gasped as they realised why Wang Zijin had been so close to Gu Changge. They discovered that this mysterious woman from the Immortal Wang Family was the Successor of Mortal Palace. A huge discovery that blew their minds.
At that moment, Wang Zijin, not bothered by what others thought of her, took a glimpse at Gu Changge. Observing his expression, she suddenly felt that they shared the same opinion although he didn’t exactly express his thoughts.
She then smilingly stated, “I assume Brother Gu and I share the same thought. Right now, all of us think that Sky Emperor Mountain has been framed and actually bears no connection to the Successor of Demonic Arts, but there lies the problem. If we, thoroughly clear Sky Emperor Mountain of suspicion and look for another suspect, we just might miss out the true culprit and fulfil their intention.”
Her tone, with no force exerted, was light and steady, yet her words were as heavy as the mountain, crushing the minds of the listeners.
*Whoosh!* The Elders were especially shocked, as though they were awakened from the mists of mystery. They noticed that what they were thinking was closely similar to what Wang Zijin just said. In other words, thinking that Sky Emperor Mountain had no connection to the Successor of Demonic Arts, and immediately clearing its name might be a trap. After all, only a frame-up could explain such obvious traces left behind. However, even that might be a deliberate set up.
With that in mind, everyone felt chills all over their body. If it weren’t for Wang Zijin’s warning, they might have continued down the wrong path.
“The Saintess of Mortal Palace is as sharp as a blade! How you instantaneously saw through the scheme astounds this old one!” An older cultivator was quite agreeable to the inference and found it more convincing than the previous ones.
“What a perplexing scheme! All these layers on top of one another! Still, despite our scepticism, there’s no proof that Sky Emperor Mountain actually had a hand in this. Regardless, if they were, in fact, involved, then this stratagem had almost fooled us! How truly terrifying!”
“It’s all thanks to you, Saintess Zijin! I wouldn’t have figured this out by myself!” Quickly, the crowd started praising Wang Zijin, expressing their astonishment and compliments.
[Not only is Saintess Zijin young and wise, but she even possesses formidable strength, and on top of that, she is also acquainted with Young Master Changge! Her potential is limitless!] The younger ones, too, nodded as they were deeply flabbergasted. Following Wang Zijin’s statement, they found themselves amazed by how perceptive she was, noticing something that would have flown past them.
Even so, those from the Ancient Immortal Clans were startled, unable to accept the news.
“Don’t we share the same thought, Brother Gu?” Wang Zijin smilingly asked Gu Changge.
In response, Gu Changge nodded, seemingly surprised. “Indeed. It’s bewildering how you think exactly the same way as I do. Though, to be fair, I, too, was almost fooled by the scheme. But no matter how it is, Sky Emperor Mountain remains our biggest suspect.”
Hearing that, Wang Zijin’s smile grew even wider while the rest grew silent and gloomier.
[Even Sky Emperor Mountain is involved now. Something massive is about to happen! However, with the aid of the Successor of Mortal Palace as well as Young Master Changge, who is the Avatar of True Immortal, we are not in a hopeless situation. The Successor of Demonic Arts aims to conquer the world. It is time we look for him and eliminate him once and for all!] The crowd thought and grew more optimistic. They were determined to fight against the Successor of Demonic Arts with Gu Changge on their side.
Seeing the looks on their faces, Gu Changge retained his calm look, though none could tell he was snickering in his heart. [It seems I have gotten what I want. With the crosshair on Sky Emperor Mountain now, they will have to endure what’s coming for them even if they don’t want to. I’ll torture them to death! And they won’t even expect that I’m the one who’s behind this, not even while they are on their deathbeds!]
<*Ding!* The reputation of the Fortuitous One ‘taking over an expert’s body
’ has been damaged. User is rewarded with 3000 Fortuity and 15000 Fatums.>
In that instant, Gu Changge, who heard the notification from the System, unintentionally revealed a grin. He found his plan to be impeccable. [A tiny ember could set the entire forest ablaze. My scheme might seem insignificant now, but it will wreak havoc of cosmic magnitude in the Beyond. Oh, my poor horse feeder, I’ll toy you till your very last breath!]
…
Very soon, what happened in the Immortal Gu Family’s territory quickly spread to the outside world, causing major shockwaves. The guests who had witnessed the battle unanimously proved the validity of the news had instantly caused the world to fall into a state of panic.
The return of the Successor of Demonic Arts was terrorizing, and even more so when an organising backing him blatantly attempted to assassinate the Successor of Mortal Palace. Luckily, the incident was put to an end by the experts from the Gu Family. Else, the consequences would be devastating.
The incident triggered the attention and awe of countless forces, while Sky Emperor Mountain unknowingly became the centre of attention. Either way, the turmoil the incident caused was frightening and spine-chilling.
On the same day, the footage of the Sacred Lord Realm expert’s attempt to assassinate the Successor of Mortal Palace was released. The assassin was seen casting divine abilities exclusive to Sacred Emperor Mountain, and it was unmistakable given the aura.
Thus, all sorts of opinions surged across the vast lands of the Beyond. Regardless of who, everyone grew cautious after hearing about the incident. After thousands of years, the Successor of Demonic Arts had appeared once again. Now, more mysterious and terrifying than his predecessor.
Right when the Beyond was in a state of turbulence, something equally shocking happened. The son and heir of Sky Emperor Ying, from Sky Emperor Mountain surfaced in the Beyond. Once the news spread, an enormous turmoil immediately erupted, and the uproar it caused was even more frightening.
Some cultivators even investigated and noted that the Sky Prince’s announcement to reenter the world fell on the same day as the birthday banquet held for Gu Changge’s mother, which was also the same day the Successor of Mortal Palace was attacked. Given the coincidence, many forces were shocked while some were enraged. Essentially, it was too much of a coincidence. Thus, countless saw it as Sky Emperor Mountain being complacent, and was brazenly provoking the countless factions of the Beyond.
Among them, the White Tiger Clan was most exasperated. After all, their Successor was slaughtered by the Successor of Demonic Arts with every trace of energy within him syphoned. Although they, being one of the Ancient Immortal Clans, had to still be respectful towards Sky Emperor Mountain, they couldn’t help but be vexed when hearing that the latter was connected to the Successor of Demonic Arts. They had the strong urge to demand an explanation from them.
Meanwhile, the leader of the White Tiger Clan was extremely infuriated. His eyes were fully blood red. Venting the disturbing frustration in his heart, he roared towards the sky, “Damn it! To think that Sky Emperor Mountain, who we admire, had a hand in my son’s death!?”
Hastily, the Elders by his side stopped him and advised, “Be cautious, Leader! We shan’t be rash with such matters! The Young Master’s death is indeed outrageous, but we have no proof that Sky Emperor Mountain was involved! It’s all still inference without proof!”
The Elders had no intention of drawing disaster upon the White Tiger Clan. Essentially, even they could not rival the might of Sky Emperor Mountain that were ruled by numerous Sky Emperors. No one knew what kind of might they possessed. Thus, those of the White Tiger Clan could only suppress their rage.
Nonetheless, Sky Emperor Mountain had stood for countless years, so it was inevitable that many came to defend it. Those from the Ancient Immortal Clans would claim that it was obviously framed. That there was no need for the sacred supreme Sky Emperor Mountain worshipped by all Ancient Immortal Clans to committee such a shameless act. They even blamed it as a coup orchestrated by the Immortal Gu Family and the Successor of Mortal Palace. Either way, there were all types of opinions, good and bad alike, towards the incident.
“What is going on? Does Sky Emperor Mountain really bear connection to the Successor of Demonic Arts? Damn it. But I can’t seem to recall it! Is that really the truth, or is someone trying to frame me?” In the meantime, a gigantic, majestic extravagant ship flew across the sky, glowing with runes and glyphs.
Inside a pavilion on the ship, Ying Shuang, donning an elegant garment wafting with celestial energy, was sitting with his legs crossed. Shock and dismay were all over his face as he tensed his brows upon hearing the news from the outside world. After going against the Elders of Sky Emperor Mountain and deciding to venture to the outside world, he expected to be welcomed with respect. However, he was bombarded with rebukes and insults. Instantly, he found himself dumbfounded with a hideous scowl.
Now that he was the noble Sky Prince, none in the world would ever belittle him. No matter where he went, he should only be greeted with admiration and ingratiation by all. After all, his identity and might could not be compared to any other. He even had the mighty force of Sky Emperor Mountain to back him up.
However, the name of the Successor of Demonic Arts was pinned on him, so forget being the heir of Sky Emperor Ying, even a Sky Emperor would lose all respect he had earned if got labelled in such a manner. Not to mention, Ying Shuang wasn’t the real Sky Prince, but a fake that simply possessed the original’s body without even the memories. Therefore, if someone were to suspect him and decided to pry the truth out of him, he would have no way of protecting himself.
In an instant, Ying Shuang was panicking as cold sweat surged in his palms. [This is definitely harder than pretending to be the Sky Prince! The Successor of Demonic Arts has always been the public enemy to all factions in the world since ancient times!]
Losing his confidence, he now could only feel insecurities as his back was drenched in cold sweat. He felt remorseful and reluctant. He thought he could enjoy his life and position as the Sky Prince, but now, he was only to be a meat shield for the Sky Prince, shouldering the identity of the Successor of Demonic Arts. [Damn it! I’d rather feed pegasi than be this afraid for my life!]
Naturally, he started whining about the unknown being that decided to swap his soul with the Sky Prince.
“Screw you god! Screw you Heaven! Why give me a blessing if a curse is concealed within it!?” His voice was trembling, though he knew complaining would be of no use.
Swiftly, he calmed himself down and started muttering to himself. “No, no. I shouldn’t panic at such a time. I also cannot show any weakness, or I’ll disgrace the entire Sky Emperor Mountain. Successor of Demonic Arts or not, I shall not admit it right away. Instead, I must think of a way to clear my name…”
Countless thoughts flashed across his mind, but eventually, he could not find any concrete solution to prove his innocence, unless he could discover who the real Successor of Demonic Arts was.
“This is all thanks to that Gu Changge and the Successor of Mortal Palace! Damn themt…” At that moment, Ying Shuang had those two deeply rooted in his hateful heart. He intended to deal with them once he cleared his name.
“Brother, are the rumours true?” All of a sudden, a clear voice rang out from a young woman, who came from outside the pavilion. She was blessed with a glamorous figure, silver hair that fell on her shoulders, and a delicate face. She donned a celestial robe and was standing at the doors as she questioned with a frown. She was none other than Ying Shuang’s younger sister, Ying Yu.
All this time, she had been dealing with others that had tried to ambush her. Due to her brother’s high-profile way of travel, many factions had discovered their tracks. Those factions all bore unrelinquishable hatred towards the Successor of Demonic Arts, and kept attacking. Given how they were all aggressively coming at the Sky Emperor Mountain for revenge, Ying Yu felt greatly burdened by all of this.
In that instant, she was rather confused as such ignorant deeds couldn’t have been pulled off by her brother, who she knew so well of. [Brother, the Successor of Demonic Arts? Ever since father forced him to go into retreat, he had always been cultivating in the palace and never taken a step outside, so how could he possibly be the Successor of Demonic Arts?]
“What do you think?” Ying Shuang was somewhat startled, but he knew he had to remain composed, and he faintly asked.
Ying Yu, on the other hand, stayed outside the pavilion instead of entering. She thought that Ying Shuang had always been weird as of late. He would ask questions repeatedly despite the apparentness of the answers. She did not bring it up to him but she still truly found him to be strange. Instead, she attributed his change in attitude to his current cultivation bottleneck.
“Fine. If you are not willing to say it, so be it. But, we still need to deal with this sooner or later,” Ying Yu blandly replied before leaving. Contemplating, she thought clearing the suspicion of the Successor of Demonic Arts by fighting all the different factions was impractical. She knew well enough that such a feat was impossible.
Essentially, the Beyond was limitless, unfathomable even to her. Thus, no matter how confident the peerless Sky Emperor Mountain was, there was no way they would dare make all the experts in the Beyond their enemies.
“Well, violence is never the best way. The rumours originated from the Immortal Gu Family after that night… Gu Changge, right? And the Successor of the Mortal Palace?” Ying Yu muttered to herself and remembered two key people. Although she found the two’s opinions to be reasonable, she knew that Sky Emperor Mountain was definitely framed. That this scheme set up by the Successor of Demonic Arts was absolutely meticulous.
“It seems I’ll have to see Gu Changge. He’ll be the key to clearing my brother’s name. As of now, among the younger generation, he is definitely the one who can turn the tide.” Soon, Ying Yu thought up a solution, to make Gu Changge understand that they had the wrong culprit.
“I sure am lucky to have such a crafty sister. I couldn’t have come up with an actual solution….” After sensing his sister’s departure from inside the pavilion, Ying Shuang heaved a sigh of relief. Apart from his sister, those on his side comprised powerful figures with exceptional capabilities. Or else, he wouldn’t have known what to do.
“Gu Changge… Successor of Mortal Palace…” His eyes were burning with rage and resentment. There was even jealousy and detestation towards the more renowned and dazzling Gu Changge surging forth from his heart. [What gives him the right to cast chaos onto me with mere words!?]
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