Chapter 539: Dragon and Tiger Mountain's calamity |
Since his whereabouts were exposed, the upcoming storm at Dragon and Tiger Mountain...
Du Ge knew he didn't have much information that could be leaked.
But with Liao Jiulong and his two disciples playing their cards openly, it would be easy to investigate Dragon and Tiger Mountain through them.
Would it alarm the people in the heavens to investigate Dragon and Tiger Mountain?
Well!
No risk, no opportunity, right?
Du Ge glanced up at the sky, comforted himself, and resolutely turned back to Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
As for Jian Thirteen and the others detained by the authorities, it was obviously bait, and even a dog wouldn't fall for it.
If they dared to harm Jian Thirteen and those kids knowing the truth, it would just give him a reason to act on behalf of justice.
Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Tianlan Peak.
Liao Jiulong and his two disciples were detained in the main hall, facing off against the eldest senior brother Han Jiuyun, who had returned from an outside investigation.
"Junior Brother Liao, the matter has been clarified. The person who attempted to assassinate Prince Duan was the child with you. When Prince Duan was attacked, someone saw you at the teahouse outside Prince Duan's mansion..."
Han Jiuyun looked at Liao Jiulong, frowning, "All clues point to you. And you brought that chaotic demon back to Dragon and Tiger Mountain without reporting it. What were you thinking? The chaotic demon is causing havoc, and both heaven and earth are watching this matter. Do you know how much trouble you've brought to Dragon and Tiger Mountain? What kind of spell did that demon cast on you?"
When Liao Jiulong returned, the eldest senior brother was sent out, unaware of what had happened at Dragon and Tiger Mountain. After finding out what happened outside, he was extremely angry and anxious.
Liao Jiulong looked at the eldest senior brother, then at his astonished master, opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.
After the Heavenly Demon went to Celestial Master Peak, there had been constant disturbances, first with the Xuan Gui Pearl, then the activation of the Mountain Protection Array.
Later, his master returned and hastily issued a gag order, even taking the secluded celestial beings and Elemental Infant stage senior brothers to Celestial Master Peak in the morning...
All the changes left him overwhelmed.
Liao Jiulong knew all the changes were related to the Heavenly Demon, but he wasn't high-ranking enough and feared exposing Du Ge's plans, so he didn't dare to investigate what exactly happened at Celestial Master Peak.
He had been anxious until now, waiting for Du Ge to find him, but instead of the Heavenly Demon, he awaited the return of the eldest senior brother...
...
The ancestor was brought back by his own disciple...
Looking at the silent Liao Jiulong and his disciples, Chi Jinshou felt quite conflicted, not knowing whether to blame or thank his disciple.
Finally, Chi Jinshou sighed, "Jiulong, don't be afraid, tell your master everything about the ancestor! The ancestor holds a revered position, and your master won't make things difficult for you..."
Ancestor?
The sudden title stunned everyone in the hall.
Liao Jiulong's brow twitched a few times, fully convinced of Du Ge's prowess. As expected of the Heavenly Demon, who was on par with the Dao Ancestor, in just one day, he was revered as the ancestor by Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
"What ancestor? Master, what are you saying, you can't mean that child?" Han Jiuyun was full of disbelief.
"Jiuyun, stop talking, the ancestor is not a chaotic demon," Chi Jinshou said.
What happened?
Is the ancestor really that child?
Han Jiuyun's mind was spinning, "Master, have you also been deceived by that chaotic demon?"
"Jiuyun, I'll say it again, the ancestor is not a chaotic demon. Don't mention the chaotic demon again, or even your master can't protect you," Chi Jinshou frowned slightly.
"Master, but the people from Longliu Manor have already identified him, and he admitted it himself," Han Jiuyun felt more incredulous, "The City Gods and deities are also investigating this matter. Many people already know his identity and are coming to Dragon and Tiger Mountain to demand him. If this reaches the Eastern Emperor's ears, it will surely implicate Dragon and Tiger Mountain!"
He turned to Liao Jiulong, "Junior Brother, you've been with him all along, you must know his true identity, right?"
"Eldest Senior Brother, the senior is not a chaotic demon," Liao Jiulong pondered for a moment, looked at Han Jiuyun, and said, "I can't reveal his specific identity, you have to meet the senior to understand."
Chi Jinshou knew Du Ge's charm, conquering the entire Dragon and Tiger Mountain single-handedly, so it was normal for Liao Jiulong not to betray him.
He considered for a moment and said, "Let's go, I'll take you to see the ancestor. Since the matters outside were done by the ancestor, he must have his reasons. However, it's troublesome that the deities are involved, so let's inform the ancestor and let him decide!"
With that, Chi Jinshou waved his long sleeves, leading the disciples back to Celestial Master Peak. However, he didn't go to the Scripture Repository first but went to Tianshi Hall to find Xu Jin Kui and explained the situation.
Xu Jin Kui immediately realized the seriousness of the matter. If they collectively betrayed Master Xu and the Dragon and Tiger Mountain's affairs were known to the Eastern Emperor, it would surely be reported to Master Xu. Once the Dao resonance matter was leaked, no one on Dragon and Tiger Mountain could escape.
Even if Master Xu were merciful, he wouldn't spare the few of them who led the charge, as they were essentially cutting off the lifeline of the Celestial Master's Mansion.
After all, Dragon and Tiger Mountain was just a mundane cultivation sect, how could it withstand a few celestial beings?
What a sin!
Xu Jin Kui felt parched, looking at Liao Jiulong, and asked, "Jiulong, tell me everything about your acquaintance with the ancestor, in detail."
"..." Liao Jiulong gritted his teeth, "Sect Leader, I need to see the ancestor first."
"You..." Xu Jin Kui frowned, "Fifth Junior Brother, go invite the other peak masters to Tianshi Hall."
"Yes, Sect Leader Brother." Chi Jinshou looked helpless, as they usually wouldn't visit Celestial Master Peak once in three to five years, but now they had been there several times in just one day.
"Sect Leader Uncle, what exactly happened?" Han Jiuyun asked, "How did the chaotic demon who caused trouble become the ancestor of Dragon and Tiger Mountain?
Rumor has it that his cultivation level is at most at the Elemental Infant stage, and he acts unscrupulously and extremely cruelly. Prince Duan and many of the capital's offerings were killed by him with a flying sword through the valley, disemboweled. How could such a villain be our ancestor?"
And these things?
Xu Jin Kui was stunned for a moment, instinctively looking at Liao Jiulong, and seeing Liao Jiulong's evasive gaze, he knew Han Jiuyun was telling the truth.
But thinking about how the ancestor came to Celestial Master Peak to steal scriptures and cunningly incited the entire Dragon and Tiger Mountain to betray Master Xu, dragging everyone into the water, Xu Jin Kui felt it was only natural for the ancestor to do such things.
After all, that black-hearted fellow wasn't a decent person, but for the sake of Dao resonance, he had unconsciously beautified his image...
Could it be a conspiracy against Dragon and Tiger Mountain?
Xu Jin Kui's heart skipped a beat, suddenly feeling a bad premonition. He knew too little about the ancestor, so he looked at Han Jiuyun and asked, "Jiuyun, tell me everything about the outside situation in detail, don't leave anything out."
Just then, the other peak masters also arrived at Tianshi Hall.
Han Jiuyun recounted the situation he had investigated outside in detail.
"Prince Duan actually used living souls to refine a soul-suppressing bottle, he deserved to die." Tian Hidden Peak's Song Jincheng glanced at Han Jiuyun and said, "Senior Brother, I think the ancestor did the right thing. If someone comes to investigate, we should just push back. The ancestor is clearly a water-type spirit, not a chaotic demon. With the Celestial Masters around, the deities shouldn't be too presumptuous..."
"Let's put aside what the ancestor did for now. The problem is, the ancestor's power growth is somewhat too erratic." Xu Jin Kui frowned and said, "He doesn't seem like a naturally born water-type spirit, but rather has some resemblance to a chaotic demon."
Everyone suddenly fell silent.
The water-type spirit was their initial impression.
All along, Du Ge had been using water-type methods, so they never considered him a chaotic demon. But with Xu Jin Kui's reminder, Du Ge's identity suddenly became ambiguous.
In a world of chaotic demons, if Dragon and Tiger Mountain were found to be involved with a chaotic demon, no one could save them.
Even if all the disciples comprehended Dao resonance, it wouldn't help...
At that point, Master Xu wouldn't even need to know about their betrayal; he would be the first to sever ties with them.
"Liao Jiulong, even at this point, you still won't speak?" Chi Jinshou said angrily, "If this matter alarms the Eastern Emperor, everyone on Dragon and Tiger Mountain will accompany the ancestor to the grave."
"Little Liao, there's nothing you can't tell people."
Du Ge's figure appeared in Tianshi Hall, looking around at everyone, finally settling his gaze on Liao Jiulong, smiling.
Seeing Du Ge suddenly appear, Xu Jin Kui and the others looked quite embarrassed, hurriedly standing up to salute Du Ge. Before understanding the situation, proper etiquette was still necessary.
"Senior." Seeing Du Ge again, Liao Jiulong was filled with excitement and quickly saluted him.
Du Ge waved his hand, looking at him approvingly, "Little Liao, Ziming, Ziyun, you three did very well. Come, the ancestor will give you a reward."
Liao Jiulong and the others were overjoyed, glancing at the peak masters, then leisurely walked over to Du Ge's side.
Du Ge floated in the air, placing a hand on Liao Jiulong's head, and the power of the God of Light flowed through his meridians, transforming him into a Messenger of the God of Light.
However, perhaps due to the world's rules, no wings sprouted from Liao Jiulong's back.
Even so, a layer of divine radiance representing holiness emerged from Liao Jiulong, and his spiritual power increased at least fivefold.
Feeling the changes in his body, Liao Jiulong was overjoyed, knowing what this meant, he knelt down with a thud, "Disciple Liao Jiulong thanks the senior for rebuilding my Dao foundation."
With these words, everyone present was stunned.
Du Ge looked at Du Ziming and Liu Ziyun, transforming them into Messengers of the God of Darkness and the Sea God, respectively.
Du Ziming and the others also thanked Du Ge, as the Dao foundation meant aptitude. After being transformed, their future cultivation would be twice as effective with half the effort, and they would never encounter bottlenecks, equivalent to being reborn.
...
Seeing the puzzled expressions of Xu Jin Kui and the others, Du Ge gestured with his hand, "Little Liao, you can let Sect Leader Xu and the others examine it."
The upcoming confrontation with the celestial realm meant that the previous Dao resonance was insufficient, as it took effect too slowly. Ascending to immortality through Dao resonance might take forever.
Improving the Dao foundation, however, could yield immediate results.
Xu Jin Kui and the others examined the altered Dao foundation of Liao Jiulong and the others one by one.
After the examination, everyone stood frozen in place, looking at Liao Jiulong and the others with undisguised envy.
Could the Dao foundation really be rebuilt?
And so easily, how did he do it?
Xu Jin Kui's heart raced.
At this moment, he suddenly understood why Dao Ming Ancestor, even at the cost of his life, protected Du Ge. This ability was too heaven-defying, and he had transformed three different Dao foundations in three people.
So, he definitely wasn't a water-type spirit.
Han Jiuyun didn't understand, but seeing everyone's expressions, he knew something extraordinary had just happened.
"Little Liao, you can reveal my identity to them now," Du Ge said with a smile.
Using a tiger's skin as a banner.
Without enough motivation and benefits to entice them, this group wouldn't wholeheartedly serve him.
Du Ge always knew that a lone wolf couldn't achieve much.
A team!
He needed to establish a team of his own.
Having tasted the benefits, Liao Jiulong was even more convinced of Du Ge's identity as the Heavenly Demon. At this point, he no longer cared about refining his heart. The moment his Dao foundation was improved, he became the most loyal follower of the Heavenly Demon.
With a devout expression, Liao Jiulong explained Du Ge's true identity to everyone, even revealing Du Ge's benevolent thoughts and the five emperors who had walked the path of refining the heart.
The Tianshi Hall fell silent.
No one expected Du Ge to have such an identity in the end.
The Heavenly Demon suppressed by the Dao Ancestor, the chaotic demon summoned by him...
This identity was far more terrifying than an ordinary chaotic demon.
A chaotic demon could be dealt with, at most they would be accused of being deceived by a chaotic demon.
But he was the Heavenly Demon!
No one doubted Du Ge's identity, after all, his Dao resonance couldn't deceive anyone, and he easily rebuilt Dao foundations, something even emperors couldn't do. Otherwise, the emperors' disciples would have long dominated the celestial realm.
The key was, his power growth was too fast, like a thousand miles in a day.
A chaotic demon couldn't grow this fast.
Especially Xu Jin Kui, who had a deep understanding. When stealing scriptures, he could still be restrained by the Xuan Gui Pearl, but a few hours later, he could suppress him, a peak celestial being, with no resistance.
Xu Jin Kui clearly remembered that without the Heavenly Assistant Sword, he couldn't break the ancestor's restraint on him...
...
Is it a blessing or a curse?
Xu Jin Kui's mind was blank.
A blessing?
Everyone on Dragon and Tiger Mountain could comprehend Dao resonance, and now even the cultivation Dao foundation could be rebuilt. This was a heavenly blessing that no one could refuse...
A curse?
Dragon and Tiger Mountain was incited by him to betray Master Xu, embarking on a path of no return, possibly following the Heavenly Demon to wreak havoc on the world, opposing the celestial realm and the Dao Ancestor!
Moreover, the Heavenly Demon before him clearly wasn't a match for the Dao Ancestor!
Xu Jin Kui's eyes were unfocused, wanting to cry but unable to. The Heavenly Demon indeed wasn't a match for the Dao Ancestor, but the key was they weren't a match for the Heavenly Demon either!
Even if the Heavenly Demon hadn't grown, who could withstand his revenge a hundred years later?
Impossible to guard against!
How did Dragon and Tiger Mountain get involved in these great figures' struggles?
It's all Liao Jiulong's fault...
Xu Jin Kui instinctively looked at Liao Jiulong, but seeing Liao Jiulong's joyful expression, he shook his head. From top to bottom, no one on Dragon and Tiger Mountain could escape the Heavenly Demon's schemes. How could a mere Qi Refiner resist the Heavenly Demon's temptation?
A calamity! This is Dragon and Tiger Mountain's calamity!
Inescapable!
Xu Jin Kui felt a deep sense of sorrow.
...
"Sect Leader Xu, now that you know my identity, what do you choose to do?"
Du Ge looked at Xu Jin Kui with a smile and asked, "The Heavenly Assistant Sword is in your hand, you can summon the Mountain Protection Array again. The ancestor's cultivation hasn't recovered, I probably can't withstand a blow from your Mountain Protection Array, sending me back to reincarnation would be a great merit."
Not quite a threat, but more than a threat!
Even if he restarted the Mountain Protection Array now, those who benefited from Du Ge would assist the Heavenly Demon in a desperate counterattack.
After all.
Who would believe a benevolent spirit was the Heavenly Demon himself?
Even he, before today, didn't know there was a Heavenly Demon alongside the Dao Ancestor eons ago!
Perhaps, the moment the Heavenly Demon entered Dragon and Tiger Mountain, all his escape routes were blocked.
Xu Jin Kui was drenched in sweat, looking at Du Ge, he lifted his robe and knelt on the ground with determination, "Xu Jin Kui of Dragon and Tiger Mountain is willing to serve under the ancestor, at the ancestor's command."
"Chi Jinshou is willing to serve under the ancestor, at the ancestor's command."
Chi Jinshou followed suit and knelt.
Next were Zhao Jinlu, Zhou Jinping, Song Jincheng...
The eldest senior brother of Tianlan Peak, Han Jiuyun, was still bewildered by the shocking revelations. Seeing the senior members of the sect kneeling, he also knelt in confusion, becoming part of the Heavenly Demon's followers.
...
Du Ge gestured with his hand, using divine power to lift them up, smiling, "Jin Kui, don't look so mournful, I am a figure on par with the Dao Ancestor.
What is the status of the Dao Ancestor's direct disciples in the celestial realm?
Being able to follow me, you don't know how much fortune you've accumulated over lifetimes. I've been planning for tens of thousands of years, planting countless seeds in the celestial realm. This time, I've summoned the chaotic demons, I may not lose to the Dao Ancestor, after all, history is written by the victors, who says the Heavenly Demon can't become the Dao Ancestor..."
Indeed!
Disciples of the Heavenly Demon, on par with the Dao Ancestor!
What more could they want?
Even if they became disciples of the five emperors, they would have long betrayed Master Xu with joy!
Although the Heavenly Demon hadn't regained his previous power, his status was much higher than the emperors...
They struck it rich!
Thinking this, the little bit of hesitation in Xu Jin Kui and the others' hearts vanished instantly, even feeling a sense of pride, standing tall.
"Ancestor, the deities mistakenly believe you are a chaotic demon, the emperor might send someone to investigate, how should we respond?" Xu Jin Kui asked respectfully, having come to terms, calling the ancestor willingly.
"Soldiers will block, water will cover." Du Ge smiled, "We'll deal with it when they come. Without clear evidence, the Eastern Emperor probably won't come personally. As long as it's not the emperor himself, I have ways to handle it."
"Yes, we'll follow the ancestor's arrangements," Xu Jin Kui and the others said.
"Xu Jin Kui, don't spread my identity lightly," Du Ge looked at Xu Jin Kui seriously, "I've been planning for years, whether it succeeds depends on now. The three realms are in my plan, don't ruin it. When it's done, you'll all benefit..."
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