Chapter 811: Taiyuan Lodge Is Done For Again
Perhaps it would’ve been better if he hadn’t said anything.
The crowd erupted in hisses when Wang Tong turned to them.
“Motherf*cker, piss off with your trumped-up charges! Is
there anyone here who’s unaware of your clan's code of conduct? It's one thing
to be a despotic oppressor and bully the weak, but you're even a thief who
colluded with foreign scum!”
“And the most despicable is selling a Longevity Pill worth
two million for ten million. Even a leech doesn’t suck out the people's
lifeblood like that!”
“Please, honored lords of the Peafowl Guard, you mustn't let
this slimy and evil father and son duo get away with it!” The voices denouncing
the Majestic Clan all of a sudden became an endless, crashing tide.
Jiang Chen's eyes were icy when he witnessed everything from
the shadows. His chest was filled with elation. Weren’t you very full of it?
Weren’t you quite adept at exploiting the situation to your own advantage?
Weren't you counting on the Longevity Pill to make you a fortune? Then I'll use
the Longevity Pill to bury the two of you and your Majestic Clan!
He had been the one to plan the entire scheme. The pieces
had all fallen in line when he’d made the decision to gift away the Longevity
Pill's recipe. To begin with, Sacred Peafowl Mountain had merely lacked an
opening. They'd also thought this plan feasible after he’d shared it with them.
They'd immediately inspected the recipe, and Jiang Chen had spent the entire
night teaching the two pill kings how to refine the pill. The two of them were
ninth-level pill kings, both outstanding in their study of the dao of pills.
Together with Jiang Chen's guidance, it'd taken them very little time to learn
how to produce the pill. That was how the Longevity Pill had become the Sacred
Peafowl Mountain's pill recipe.
With this underlying basis, the Sacred Peafowl Mountain had
more than enough justification to spring into action. This was the reason why
they’d arranged such a play to back the Majestic Clan into a corner. The origin
of the Longevity Pill recipe had always been a mystery to begin with. The
critical part was that the Majestic Clan couldn't explain themselves fully
either. They had first resorted to sophistry, then mentioned the Celestial
Eternal Capital’s name. Such a change of tune naturally wouldn't convince
anyone.
On the contrary, the Peafowl Guard had always asserted that
the Longevity Pill was the property of Sacred Peafowl Mountain. They'd never
deviated from this line from start to finish. Then they'd displayed an
upper-rank Longevity Pill and instantly crushed the Majestic Clan's Longevity
Pill. This pill might look a minor thing in the larger scheme, but it was an
extremely important piece of evidence. It instantly convinced those previously
skeptical to trust Sacred Peafowl Mountain. Furthermore, the Majestic Clan's
story was full of holes. Captain Kong hadn't let any of them pass by freely and
constantly battered at them.
All of a sudden, the Majestic Clan side was riddled with
loopholes while Captain Kong and his men pressed every opening. On top of all
that, the Majestic Clan had set the price of the Longevity Pill at ten million
saint spirit stones. This was a price that infuriated the public. They all
heard this Longevity Pill was only worth two million! Let alone, the Majestic
Clan had even stolen this pill recipe. In their rush to rake in more wealth,
they'd put it up for sale before even verifying whether there were any side
effects! In comparison, the Sacred Peafowl Mountain had been very conservative
while studying the recipe. They hadn't been in a hurry to sell before they
collected sufficient data. This contrast made the Sacred Peafowl Mountain look
serious and responsible, worried about everyone's safety, while the Majestic
Clan was blinded by wealth and didn't have any scruples using the wandering
cultivators as their guinea pigs. It was obvious at a glance which side was
more deserving of trust.
Seeing the Majestic clan lord's speechless dismay, Captain
Kong shouted, “Since you already admit your guilt, then obediently come back
with us to the Sacred Peafowl Mountain!”
The clan lord shuddered from head to toe. “I'm not going
with you! You're framing me! The Peafowl Guard is showing quite some daring
today to frame a great clan! I won’t accept this! I want to see His Majesty
Great Emperor Shura!”
“Dream on!” Captain Kong sneered. “Stealing Sacred Peafowl
Mountain's pill recipe is a crime that even Great Emperor Shura can't save you
from!” His face turned stern. “Attention, Peafowl Guards, take away the Wang
father and son as well as the Taiyuan Lodge's pill kings. Kill anyone who
resists!”
“Let's go!”
A myriad of expressions flashed in quick succession on the
Majestic clan lord's face. He was clearly debating the best course of action in
his mind. He knew full well he still had a lifeline left to him if he could
break through from this encirclement. Perhaps he could escape disaster if he
fled to Great Emperor Shura's side. However, his son would certainly be killed
on the spot if he were to flee. They would also take the opportunity to execute
all the pill kings. He would have no one left by then. Whatever aspirations,
whatever ambitions he had, they'd scatter like smoke. The most important thing
was that he might have some confidence in making good his escape, but it wasn't
an absolute guarantee! Moreover, if he were to flee with his life all by
himself, then the question of how much use he would be and how much value he
would have for Great Emperor Shura would also arise.
After much deliberations, the clan lord clenched his teeth
and announced to the great clans allied with him, “Clan Lords, you know I am
innocent. Please go to His Majesty the Great Emperor and plead for me. Tell His
Majesty he must save us.”
To clash head-on with the Peafowl Guard right now was
definitely not a clever choice. His only choice was to beg Great Emperor Shura.
Only the great emperor could save him and save his son.
The Peafowl Guard wasn't planning on dilly-dallying. “We’re
counting to three. If you're still not leaving with us then, then there won't
be any need to leave.”
His eyes bloodshot, his chest filled with a feeling of
humiliation, the clan lord still stood up nevertheless. “I'm coming with you!
Don't feel so pleased with yourself though. Great Emperor Shura will never let
you get away with your sinister plot.”
“You still want to quibble even when death is knocking at
your door? The evidence is foolproof. The more you argue, the more wretched
your fate will be!”
“You even had the gall to steal something from Sacred
Peafowl Mountain, you even dared collude with foreign powers and leak Sacred
Peafowl Mountain's secret recipe. You really deserve death!”
These successive accusations were like thunderbolts striking
the clan lord. He couldn't hold back the urge to twitch. The Peafowl Guard took
away the father and son from the Majestic Clan, as well as the pill kings. They
parted the crowd apart and left with great fanfare. Only the Shura guards and
the clan lords were left behind, flabbergasted.
“Why are you still staring like fools? Hurry up and notify
the Moon Monarch!”
“We must notify His Majesty Shura at once. Big trouble's
brewing this time.”
“Alas, who would have thought a Longevity Pill recipe would
cause so many problems.”
“I also thought it weird. I kept asking the clan lord where
the Longevity Pill came from, but he always skirted around the subject. Could
he really have gotten it from the Sacred Peafowl Mountain?” This time, even the
Majestic Clan's allies were suspicious of the clan lord. After all, they'd also
previously inquired about the pill's origins, but the clan lord had always
acted secretive and had never been willing to reveal the truth.
“What the bloody use is there talking about this now?” The
Shura Guard captain was furious. “Hurry to the Shura Palace and report to His
Majesty and the Moon Monarch!”
“Right, the Moon Monarch is Lord Wang’s sworn brother. He
definitely won't sit by idly and watch this happen.” These great clans had
looked grand and imposing when they'd arrived, but now they looked like stray
dogs, one and all. They were all cutting sorry figures. Their fighting spirit
was obviously rock bottom after the Peafowl Guard's maneuver. It hadn’t been
their business to begin with. If the Majestic Clan had really stolen Sacred
Peafowl Mountain's pill recipe, they would also follow suit and be covered in
shame. The Murong clan lord's frown was particularly intense. He was the most
nervous one, and also the most afraid. If the Majestic Clan's pill recipe had
truly been stolen from Sacred Peafowl Mountain, and if they'd even smuggled it
to the Eternal Celestial Capital, then the Majestic Clan was done for. This
might compromise anyone associated with the Majestic Clan. With the Murong Clan
so close to the Majestic Clan, they'd definitely be implicated. After all, the
Murong clan lord and the Majestic clan lord were brothers-in-law!
Sacred Peafowl Mountain's paper seal was stuck to the front
of the Taiyuan Lodge. It was two simple strips of paper, yet more frightening
than any seal. No one even had the guts to approach within three meters of that
area. The previously resplendent Majestic Clan had become so miserable and
desolate in the blink of an eye. Looking at the Taiyuan Lodge's shattered
signboard lying on the ground, everyone lamented.
“Retribution really comes quicker than one imagines!”
“Isn't that so? They took revenge against House Wei's father
and son, but forgot their own butt wasn't clean. Serves them right!”
“House Wei is so honest, and their pill king has genuine
ability. The Majestic Clan lashed out at them simply out of jealousy.”
“That's right. The Majestic Clan has always been like this.
They can't tolerate others. It's best to eradicate such a faction as soon as
possible, or else they might become a disaster for the Veluriyam Capital in the
future.”
“Indeed. The Peafowl Guard's actions are really gratifying this
time!”
“Isn't that so? The Peafowl Guard has always been fair and
impartial. Otherwise, do you think they could have stayed the number one
faction in the Capital for so long?”
“Right. Today showed us the Peafowl Guard's indeed more
reliable. In comparison, humph...” The crowd hadn't yet dispersed from the
street. Everyone obviously felt today's trip had not been in vain. They'd
originally planned to visit the Taiyan Lodge on the first day of their
reopening and see whether something interesting would happen. Who would have
thought they'd really get to see such a great drama? They had to admit it felt
very satisfying. In particular, many people felt gratified when they saw the
crestfallen Majestic father and son taken away by the Peafowl Guard.
Inside the crowd, Pill King Lu Feng was also delighted.
Seeing the Majestic Clan in deep trouble of course made him ecstatic. He walked
to the shattered signboard and viciously spat on it. He swore, “A great clan
that doesn't practice virtue and doesn't accumulate positive karma, serves you
right!”
Pill King Lu Feng's steps became light and spry as though
he'd been cleansed by the spring breeze. He walked away. The drama had about
come to an end. On the way back, he suddenly ran into two people barring his path.
“Pill King Lu Feng, throwing away the Majestic Clan's invitation and secretly
watching the show unfold, wasn't it very interesting? Come, take a walk with
us!”
Pill King Lu Feng suddenly grew furious. “What the hell are
you, get lost!” He threw a punch, but the one in front laughed mischievously.
“Hehe, you damn old man, did you really attack me? I wouldn't have asked you
for a favor last time if I'd known.”
Pill King Lu Feng froze as soon as he heard this voice.
“You... Young master San?”
The other person came forward and patted his shoulder. “Ole
Lu, I'm quite pleased with your attitude this time, you passed my test. I am
thinking of formally accepting you as my disciple.” This voice naturally was
Jiang Chen.
“Honored master?” Pill King Lu Feng was overjoyed when he
heard this voice.
Jiang Chen was all smiles. “Let's go, we'll chat after we go
back.”
Jiang Chen and young master Ji San had arrived at the scene
some time ago. Only, their sole mission today was to watch the drama unfold.
However, while watching, they'd also been observing the others at the same
time. They'd inadvertently noticed Pill King Lu Feng throw away the invitation
card, spit and step on it. Jiang Chen found it funny, and he'd also understood
that Pill King's intent to seek refuge with him was indeed sincere and genuine.
Otherwise, since he didn't know Jiang Chen was present on the scene, he
naturally couldn't have deliberately put on a front for him to see.
Chapter 812: Emperor Shura
“What did you say!? The Wang father and son were captured by
the Peafowl Guard?!” At Shura hall, the Moon Monarch abruptly shot to his feet
when he heard his subordinate captain’s report. His face looked as dark as
black bean paste.
“Yes… Captain Kong had mobilized more than a hundred Peafowl
Guards, and they were all among the best of the best. They had come prepared.”
“What was their justification? They can’t have detained them
without a reason, can they?” The Moon Monarch obviously couldn’t accept this
outcome.
“They said that the Wang father and son stole the Longevity
Pill pill recipe from Sacred Peafowl Mountain! The evidence they provided was
actually quite convincing,” This captain actually started defending the Peafowl
Guard in order to exonerate himself. With this proof, he could at least prove
that the Shura Guard present at the scene weren’t completely powerless!
“The Longevity Pill recipe? How does it possibly belong to
Sacred Peafowl Mountain?” The more the Moon Monarch heard, the more confused he
became. Did they seriously believe the other party’s claims? Just like that?
“My lord, they produced a Longevity Pill of their own which
was of better quality than any the Majestic Clan’s pills. Almost no one present
could debunk this piece of evidence, and that included the Majestic clan lord
himself. In the end, the Majestic clan lord even brought up the Eternal
Celestial Capital in an attempt to defend himself, but the Peafowl Guard
accused him of colluding with foreign forces and leaking the Sacred Peafowl
Mountain’s top secret pill recipe instead. Therefore, the criminal charge on
him only worsened.”
The expression on the Moon Monarch’s face grew darker and
darker. He cursed under his breath, “Not good enough to accomplish anything,
yet good enough to ruin everything!”
No one knew if he was cursing his subordinate or the
Majestic clan lord. Still, this matter was of the utmost urgency. The Moon
Monarch understood that a criminal charge like this was a serious matter.
If the fake criminal charge they fabricated could enable
them to arrest the Wei father and son in the first place… then the charges
against the Majestic Clan were enough to doom the entire clan to death tens or
hundreds of times over. This was especially true for the last charge where they
were accused of colluding with foreign forces and leaking a top secret pill
recipe. There was no doubt that the Majestic Clan would be exterminated down
nine generations if the other party really wanted to go all the way with the
sentencing. In fact, it might even drag other forces into the mess. That was
why the Moon Monarch could no longer stay silent. He understood that this
matter had gone out of his control, and that it was time to ask for
instructions from the great emperor.
Emperor Shura was also a little surprised when he heard the
Moon Monarch’s report. “How can such a thing have come to be? Tell me the
details” Although Emperor Shura was a little surprised, he showed no signs of
panic whatsoever. A great emperor’s bearing alone was something none of his
subordinates could compete with.
The Moon Monarch responded, “Those great clan lords were all
present that day. Should I call them in so that you may question them closely?”
The clan lords entered, each badly masking fear on their
faces. They weren’t normally this cowed when they met Emperor Shura, but that
was not the case today. They had allowed the Peafowl Guard to detain the Wang
father and son right before their eyes. But despite their worries, Emperor
Shura obviously wasn’t looking to place blame, merely nodding indifferently,
“There’s no need to hold back. You were wise not to butt heads against the
Peafowl Guard in those circumstances, for our losses would have only been
bigger. They would have had even more excuses to cause trouble for us.”
Emperor Shura truly deserved to be called the ruler of a
region. His words immediately dispelled their worries. “Now speak. The more
detailed, the better.”
And so the clan lords gave Emperor Shura a complete report
of the situation that had happened. Since he was hearing this from his
subordinates’ point of view, Emperor Shura frowned and asked them a question,
“You were there. Do you think that the Majestic Clan had stolen from Sacred
Peafowl Mountain, or do you think that they were framed?”
“I think they were framed!”
“I think they were framed too.” None of them were saying
what they really thought of the situation.
“Speak truthfully,” Emperor Shura’s expression darkened.
The clan lords exchanged anxious glances with each other.
The truth was, they thought that the Majestic clan lord and his son looked
extremely suspicious. After all, the evidence produced by the Peafowl Guard had
been extremely solid. Moreover, the Majestic clan lord and his son had
sidestepped the question every time these clan lords had pressed them about the
origin of the Longevity Pills. But how would they dare tell the truth to
Emperor Shura?
“Your Majesty, the situation at the time was extremely
disadvantageous for the Majestic Clan. In the end, not even the Majestic clan lord
himself could think of something to defend himself. He simply told us to tell
you that he was wronged.”
“Indeed. Regardless of whether the Majestic clan lord is
wronged, we can’t just stand by and do nothing to help him, can we? Your
Majesty?”
Emperor Shura looked indifferent, “It would seem that all of
you do think that the Majestic clan lord and his son stole the pill recipe from
Sacred Peafowl Mountain.”
The clan lords were all stumped for words.
“Absurd!” Emperor Shura humphed coldly, “I know the Majestic
clan lord. He is not such a careless person. One, if he really did steal the
pill recipe from Sacred Peafowl Mountain, the first thing he would do is to
report the theft to me. Two, there is no way he would openly sell the Longevity
Pills. After all, is it not the same as telling Sacred Peafowl Mountain that he
had stolen their pill recipe? Therefore, there is no doubt that the Majestic
clan lord is being framed for a fabricated crime!”
The Moon Monarch stood up abruptly, “If this is a fabricated
crime, please allow me to lead a group of men and demand the Majestic Clan’s
release from Sacred Peafowl Mountain, Your Majesty.”
“Sit!” Emperor Shura’s tone wasn’t strong, but there was a
dignity within it that brooked no disobedience. Even an unyielding person like
the Moon Monarch had sat back down involuntarily upon hearing his words. He
actually felt no annoyance or disobedience at all. “You won’t get them back
even if you do go. In fact, you might even be captured by them,” Emperor Shura
sounded as collected as ever.
“What should we do then?” The Majestic clan lord was the
Moon Monarch’s sworn brother. He was the most anxious person out of all
present.
“We must go back to the root of the issue in order to settle
this matter. Although the Majestic Clan hadn’t stolen the Longevity Pill
recipe, all of this started because the Majestic Clan suppressed House Wei.”
While Emperor Shura might not interfere with worldly affairs, his insight was
ever clear and precise. His vassals were silent, but they all had to admit that
Emperor Shura’s words were true. It was patently obvious that the Peafowl Guard
was taking revenge against the Majestic Clan.
The Moon Monarch raised his eyebrows, “Your Majesty, should
I do the same thing as before and return the ‘favor’ to the Coiling Dragon
Clan? We’re not afraid to trade blows with each other.”
“Do you really think that a golden opportunity like that
will arise again?” Emperor Shura asked indifferently.
The Peafowl Guard had planned out their scheme perfectly,
with more than sufficient evidence to back it up. There was nothing they could
do to prevent the capture of the Majestic clan lord and his son. It would only
be foolish to return the favor to the Coiling Dragon Clan without being able to
produce evidence any more convincing than what they had right now. They would
definitely become a public enemy.
The Moon Monarch thought for a moment before letting out a
depressed sigh, “Then what do we do?”
“How fares the Wei father and son?” Emperor Shura suddenly
asked.
“They were interrogated for a bit, but I didn’t go too far
with the torture.” The Moon Monarch replied.
“Didn’t I tell you not to torture them?” Emperor Shura
frowned.
Moon Monarch’s eyes looked a little evasive, “That father
and son were just too repulsive. I couldn’t stand them, so I punished them a
little secretly. It didn’t leave signs that ordinary people would notice,
however.”
“Absurd! The main reason we captured them is to coerce them
into giving in to our interests. It was already bad that you privately tortured
them, and it has only worsened with the capture of the Wang father and son!”
The Moon Monarch said angrily, “They will torture the
Majestic clan lord and his son too, won’t they?”
“The evidence they have will survive an inspection, but the
evidence you created to frame the Wei father and son is not nearly as solid
before a public investigation. Therein lies the difference.” Emperor Shura
sighed softly, “Never mind, it is already too late for recrimination. We can
only contact the other great emperors and pay Emperor Peafowl a visit.”
“But I thought that Emperor Peafowl has gone into closed
door cultivation.”
“Then we shall wait until he comes back out,” Emperor Shura
said indifferently.
“Rumor has it that he’ll be coming out in half a month.”
Emperor Shura waved his hands, “Treat the Wei father and son
well during this half month, and don’t cause any more trouble during this
period. I shall resolve this personally when Emperor Peafowl surfaces.”
At this point, it was obvious that Emperor Shura’s side was
at a disadvantage. Emperor Shura was a formidable character, and he was very
good at taking stock of a given situation. He knew when to withdraw when the
tides were unfavorable. This incident would only grow bigger if they
retaliated, and it obviously wouldn’t go well for them judging from how the
winds were blowing right now. After all, the source of this incident was the
Majestic Clan.
Although Emperor Shura had laid down a basic response of
passivity, Sacred Peafowl Mountain wasn’t quite cooperative. Many pill stores
in Farmer God Market found themselves in trouble after the Majestic clan lord
and his son were captured. Every day, a group of mysterious pill masters would
visit a pill store and destroy them. The pills provided by these pill stores
would be analyzed and criticized mercilessly by this group of mysterious pill
masters. All kinds of dark secrets would be spilled in the process.
The pill kings of the attacked pill stores came out to
defend their reputation, but they were all beaten by a single mysterious pill
master. The pill master would debate so eloquently that they could do nothing
but accept their defeat in dejection. These visits quickly grew to become a
daily phenomenon. Moreover, the pill stores that were attacked all belonged
under Emperor Shura’s subordinates. Not only were the Majestic Clan’s shops
attacked, other great clans’ pill stores were dragged in as well. Within a
short period of time, every great clan beneath Emperor Shura were scared of
being the next one visited. It was obvious that this mysterious pill master and
his destructive visits had become everyone’s nightmare as of late. It didn’t
matter how powerful the pill kings they had sent were. The end result was
always the same: They were completely and utterly exposed by that mysterious
pill master!
These pill stores suffered horrendous blows to their
reputation and lost a large majority of their business very quickly. Moreover,
these defeated pill kings were so discouraged that they almost all quit their
jobs. It was obvious that their defeat was so bad that they no longer had the
face to keep working in Veluriyam Capital. As such, a vicious cycle began to
grow. The pill stores of the great clans beneath Emperor Shura lost seventy to
eighty percent of their business because of this mysterious pill master. They
had practically become the joke of Farmer God Market.
Thankfully, this mysterious pill master chose his targets
well and never once attacked innocents. All of the pill stores he chose
belonged to Emperor Shura, and he never once went after an innocent pill store.
Therefore, not only did the other forces not feel sad for their competitors,
they were even rejoicing on the inside. Their business had obviously improved
since so many other shops were crippled to the point of vanishing overnight. To
them, this mysterious pill master and his antics was a major windfall. They
only hoped that this mysterious pill master would never stop. Ideally, they
hoped that he would take down all the pill shops that belonged to Emperor
Shura. Unfortunately for them, after ten or so days, just when Emperor Shura
was readying himself to deal with him, the mysterious pill master vanished,
like he had never existed in the first place.
Chapter 813: Seething With Rage
“How wonderful! Honored master, this really feels
wonderful!” Pill King Lu Feng was in an outstanding mood. He'd been posing as
Jiang Chen's attendant for the past few days while they’d gone around wrecking
pill shops. He was having the time of his life and couldn't help but shout his
happiness. They'd visited all the pill shops belonging to the great clans, and
even the ninth rank aristocratic houses under Great Emperor Shura, sent them
tumbling head over heels and left in style afterwards.
A simple brush of the clothes after a done deed, an
anonymous departure, their names still hidden. This was simply the peak realm
of throwing his weight around. Lu Feng didn't feel like it was a crude sham at
all. On the contrary, he felt it to be an amazing pleasure. It wasn't simply
the pleasure of wrecking these shops. Even more than that, it was the joy of
being together with his master and immersing himself in his teacher's divine
erudition in the dao of pills.
Lu Feng had first thought his master to be a mere
representative of the Deviant Pill Faction, a genius of the Deviant Pill
Faction. Spending these ten days as his attendant had caused Pill King Lu Feng
to deeply realize how thoroughly wrong he had been! This teacher was simply an
phenomenal genius. The Deviant Pill Faction was merely a small fraction of his
knowledge.
Lu Feng had spent the past couple of days watching the
honored master duel pill kings and destroy their shops was like it was child’s
play. All of his master’s pill dueling knowledge, all the various techniques
and tricks... they’d utterly flabbergasted Lu Feng.
Truth be told, he had been a little apprehensive at first.
After all, there were quite a few formidable pill kings holding down the fort
in these pill stores. However, after becoming accustomed to the situation, he'd
realized how absurd his worries had been. Those hadn't been any pill duels,
simply utter trampling! After ten days, the adoration he felt for this master
was boundless.
“Ol' Lu, even I have regrets now that I see how delighted
you are.” The depressed Ji San said from the side. Young master Ji san had been
eager to participate in the rampage, but it wouldn't have been suitable with
his status. His identity was just too sensitive. It was bound to attract no end
of trouble if by any chance someone were to see through his disguise. So Ji San
had repressed his impulsive thoughts and refrained from going with them. As a
result, listening to Pill King Lu Feng's hyperbolic recounting now, young
master Ji San faintly felt he'd let a great time slip out of his hands.
Jiang Cheng merely offered a faint smile. “Ol' Lu, you're
making a fuss out of nothing. Back then, when my own teacher taught me the art
of pills, he used many surprising ways throughout the entire ten years. He
taught me many petty ways to nitpick and find fault. Do you know what the old
gentleman said back then?”
“What did he say?” Lu Feng brimmed with interest. Although
he'd never seen his master's master, he was full of curiosity about this
mysterious man, full of limitless reverence.
“The old gentleman said that he taught me these skills so
that I can go ruffle other pill masters' feathers for no reason, so that others
won't dare offend me. It was a self-preservation method.”
Pill King Lu Feng blinked. “It's also a self-preservation
method?”
Jiang Chen laughed. “That's right, if someone is afraid of
you nitpicking them, won't they be forced to ingratiate themselves with you?”
Lu Feng laughed out loud. “Excellent, how right that is!
What an odd, brazen notion from the grandmaster. Why is even his teaching
method so bizarre?”
Jiang Chen nodded. “Mhm. Next time I see him, I'll tell him
what you said.”
Lu Feng's face froze as he scrambled for words, “Don't!
Honored master, I didn't say anything, so don't you slander me now. I'm afraid
the old gentleman will directly expel me if he gets angry.”
Ji San laughed. “Brother, even my own curiosity is piqued from
the way you talk about your teacher. Such an eccentric person is deserving of
reverence and fascination.”
Jiang Chen nodded with a smile. “Oh right, Brother Ji, how's
the situation of late?”
“It's Great Emperor Shura's turn to be in a panic now. The
seven great emperors have already informed each other of the situation. They're
going to look for a way to settle the matter.”
Ji San said, “House Wei’s father and son will certainly be
safe now, at the very least. Meanwhile, the Wang father and son might not
escape unscathed.”
“Mhm. We have to bury that particular duo deep now that
we've started.”
“Mhm. Leaving a snake alive would be akin to sowing the
seeds of future disaster. The father and son are definitely done for this time.
Only, it might not be a fatal blow for the Majestic Clan. Great Emperor Shura
is certainly going to replace them,” Ji San said.
“But it's still a pleasant surprise for the Coiling Dragon
Clan!”
Ji San laughed. “Indeed.”
If the Majestic clan lord and his son were done in this
time, then the Majestic Clan would greatly suffer even if someone replaced
them. Moving forward, they would naturally pose a much smaller threat to the
Coiling Dragon Clan.
……
The Coiling Dragon clan lord was as happy as young master Ji
San. After many twists and turns, this pleasant surprise seemed like a glimmer
of light at the end of a long tunnel. The Majestic Clan had long since set
their sights on the Coiling Dragon Clan as prey. But now, it’d all suddenly
fallen apart, just like that. Moreover, there wasn't much hope left for them to
rise from these ashes either. At the very least, there was certainly no hope
left for their clan lord and his son.
Since the Peafowl Guard had already gone into action, the
“ironclad evidence” they’d produced would definitely doom the Majestic clan
lord and his son, even if the seven great emperors were to try and smooth
things over. As for Lord Wei and his son, the fabricated evidence would naturally
not stand up to scrutiny. So, nothing might happen to Lord Wei and his son, but
Lord Wang and his son were bound for a wretched fate. Great Emperor Peafowl was
certainly going to show a personal interest in the matter after coming out of
seclusion. As soon as Great Emperor Peafowl went into action, everyone would
have to give him an accounting.
…...
Sure enough, Great Emperor Shura was seething with rage.
“All of you, don't you know how to do anything? Can't you
show a little brains? Since you already knew they were coming to wreck the
shops, don't you know to prepare yourself in advance? You let him run amok for
ten days, are you this helpless!?” The audible anger in Great Emperor’s Shura’s
tone skewered everyone in the room.
The continuous shop wrecking didn't have a direct connection
with Great Emperor Shura, but it was definitely an indirect slap to his face.
None of the shops belonging to factions under the other great emperors had been
touched. The shops involved all had belonged to those under his banner. None of
the clan lords had anything to say in the face of such words. They had been
dead busy with the Majestic Clan's matter when this pill master had gone to
town, so they hadn't spared enough focus for the Farmer God Market. Who would’ve
thought that every pill store would be wrecked one after another in the past
ten days? It was an utter disaster!
“Moon Monarch, did you find out the identity of the pill
master in question?” The great emperor asked, looking at the Moon Monarch.
The Moon Monarch was crestfallen. “They'd already
disappeared without a trace by the time we’d sent out our men. What's left to
investigate? There isn't even the beginning of a clue to be found.”
A great emperor's faction usually didn’t set foot in the
mundane world. By the time the Moon Monarch's men had been dispatched, Jiang
Chen had long finished his shop-wrecking and face-smacking already. He had also
thoroughly cleaned up after himself and left nothing behind.
“Your Majesty, there's no need to investigate. It's
certainly a pill king from Sacred Peafowl Mountain under a disguise who went
out to wreck our shops.” One of the clan lords was bold enough to speak up.
“Do you have any evidence?” Great Emperor Shura asked, his
tone cold.
The clan lord in question immediately shut his mouth. The
lord of the Murong Clan suddenly spoke up, “Your Majesty, back then, the
Majestic Clan and House Wei had a bet. In the end, it was that pill king from
House Wei who’d come out the winner in some bizarre fashion. Even now, the
origin of Pill King Zhen is unclear. Could it have been that Pill King Zhen's
doing?”
“Pill King Zhen?” It was a name Great Emperor Shura had
heard before, but never taken to heart. As one of the great emperors, of course
he wouldn't have paid attention to a low-ranked pill king.
“Yes. That Pill King Zhen is very strange. Back then, when
he defeated Taiyuan Lodge's Pill King Rong, he’d revealed quite a few
abilities, all of them earthshaking in their own right. That fellow even knows
the solution to the Ingenious Decan Pill Enigma and is also a representative of
the Deviant Pill Faction...” As though he were pouring his heart out, Lord
Murong talked on and on. It was obvious that he had carefully investigated
Jiang Chen.
“Lord Murong, aren't you exaggerating? How strong is House
Wei? How could they entice such a powerful pill king? The one who wrecked the
shops this time is obviously a veteran and his ability in the dao of pills is beyond
comprehension. None of the pill kings we had were his match. This person's pill
dao is extremely profound. I'm guessing it must be an old monster recluse from
Sacred Peafowl Mountain.” Another clan lord objected.
“How do you know that House Wei's pill king isn't an old
monster? Maybe Sacred Peafowl Mountain and House Wei has been in concert all
along! “ Lord Murong countered convincingly.
Seeing them argue without any coherent line of thought,
Great Emperor Shura lost his temper and bellowed, “Why are you arguing!? State
your proof if you have any! If you don't have any evidence, then why are you
fighting amongst yourselves?”
The two of them didn't dare continue their dispute now that
the great emperor had spoken. It
actually wasn't out of hostility, but after holding in their
dismay for so long everyone merely wanted to display their abilities in front
of the great emperor.
A powerhouse dressed in daoist robes who'd been sitting
below Great Emperor Shura until now suddenly opened his eyes. Calm as a placid
lake, he spoke, “Your Majesty, your servant is of the belief that we have to
let go of this matter even if we have to suffer a loss.”
His daoist robe was embroidered with scattered five-pointed
stars. This man was one of the three other monarchs beneath Great Emperor
Shura, the Star Monarch. He was the wisest man in Great Emperor Shura's
service, with overwhelming strength and outstanding intelligence. Moreover, he
always kept the bigger picture in mind. He'd always served as a trusted adviser
for the great emperor, offering plans and suggestions.
“Star Monarch, aren't you undermining our men's morale?” The
Moon Monarch was quite unhappy at those words.
“Brother Moon, looking at the bigger picture, Lord Wang and
his son are in a disastrous situation. We can't protect the Majestic Clan even
if we stand firm behind them, and there’s the possibility that we even might
even drag in others. Moreover, the Veluriyam Pagoda Ceremony is soon upon us.
Our first priority should be to prepare for Pagoda's competition. That's our
real path to dominating the landscape in the future. Embroiling ourselves in
marginal battlefields doesn't hold real meaning for us.” The Star Monarch’s
tone was calm and kind, as though he would never let his personal feelings
affect his words. This was one of the reasons why Great Emperor Shura admired
him.
Great Emperor Shura glanced at the usually taciturn Sun
Monarch. “Scorching Sun, what do you think?”
“I follow Your Majesty's will.” The Sun Monarch was even
more concise. He was loyal man who carried out his orders, a shadow following
Great Emperor Shura.
Great Emperor Shura heaved a quiet sigh. “One thing the Star
Monarch said is quite correct. The Veluriyam Pagoda's Ceremony is the real method
to dominating the future. Everything else falls behind in comparison. Let us do
as the Star Monarch said!"
Chapter 814: Fifth Level Sage Realm
Emperor Shura’s words were tantamount to a declaration of
concession. He was yielding not because of love of peace, nor was he taking a
step back to open up easier solutions to the problem. It was, in fact, to
prepare for an even more aggressive advance later on. He had painstakingly
accumulated power for the past eight hundred years. He knew he was ready to
strive for supremacy with Emperor Peafowl, and the upcoming Veluriyam Pagoda
opening was the perfect opportunity.
Emperor Shura’s compromise had effectively relinquished the
House Wei father and son back to the Peafowl Guard, but not before a final
episode of resistance. When the seven great emperors were seated together,
Emperor Shura brought up the question as to whether the Longevity Pill indeed
belonged to the Sacred Peafowl Mountain. The Peafowl Guard naturally had to
present sufficient evidence before the seven great emperors. Their two pill
kings refined the Longevity Pill on the spot in order to defend the legitimacy
of their claim. This proved to the other imperial powers that the Majestic Clan
had in fact stolen the pill recipe, invoking the unanimous opinion that even
death couldn’t atone for the crimes of the Majestic Clan father and son. Now
even Emperor Shura could no longer protect the Majestic Clan father and son.
Moreover, the Shura Emperor wouldn’t allow the Majestic clan
lord to bring up the Eternal Celestial Capital. It’d serve no other purpose
than to bring shame upon their own camp. It would instead give Emperor Peafowl
the opportunity to confirm the Majestic Clan’s collusion with external forces.
This would widen the scope of damage. Emperor Shura had no choice but to
sacrifice the minority to remedy the greater cause. And thus, the Wang father and
son were sentenced to death. The issue regarding the House Wei father and son
was relatively simple. Detailed investigation revealed several doubtful points
on their peddling of fake pills. The combination of witnesses and material
evidence scarcely formed a plausible explanation.
Apparently, Emperor Shura wasn’t willing to be entangled
with them on this. He simply played along and released Shen Trifire and the
House Wei father and son. Otherwise, he was well aware that Emperor Peafowl’s
mad reprisals may further expand to the Majestic Clan’s collusion with the
Eternal Celestial Capital. The truth would truly be difficult to explain at
that point. There was obviously no such thing. But there was no way to deny
anything now since they were tarred most convincingly with that brush.
The seven great emperors, once gathered, shared a mutual
understanding that such a matter should no longer be extended. It was the Wang
father and son shared the most tragic fate. Even their execution was carried
out in one of the crowded districts of Farmer God Market. There was no shortage
of people who came to witness the execution. It was quite the rowdy occasion.
The Majestic Clan father and son didn’t put up any form of resistance and
accepted their decapitation like walking corpses. Only then did the curtains
fall on this sensational case.
The implicated person, however, didn’t even bother to
witness the execution. Jiang Chen had been undergoing closed door cultivation
since the previous episodes of disruptive gatecrashing. He had Pill King Lu
Feng oversee things even after Taiyuan Tower restarted for business. Jiang Chen
now had a clear understanding of the general situation after all that he had
experienced. Neither the Majestic Clan nor Emperor Shura was the endpoint of
his martial dao path. Strength was the ultimate deciding factor. Only those
with absolute strength were qualified to speak and make it so that none dare
offend them.
Take this counterattack for example. There’d be no
possibility of turning things around if he hadn’t had the Longevity Pill Recipe
or summoned intervention from the Sacred Peafowl Mountain. He wouldn’t even be
qualified to strike back, much less launch an effective counterattack. He could
at most stir up some trouble in secret if he were to depend on his own power.
There was virtually no hope for him to destroy the Majestic Clan.
Jiang Chen was different from the other sage realm
cultivators. He’d obtained large amounts of Sage Fledgling Grass from the
restricted area back at Mount Rippling Mirage and had refined countless Heroic
Sage Pills. As such, he held the absolute advantage over other sage realm
cultivators in terms of resources. He also possessed a batch of Long Xiaoxuan’s
dragon crystals, which were powerful supplements. Jiang Chen’s closed door
cultivation lasted for a mere one month but within that period, he had broken
through to a level that would take others several years to accomplish.
Fifth level sage realm! However, he felt no satisfaction
after sensing the changes to his body after the breakthrough. After arriving at
the Upper Eight Regions, he could most acutely feel the various constraints
brought about by the difference in strength.
“Break through—I have to keep breaking through! The
Veluriyam Pagoda opens in less than a year’s time. I have to reach seventh
level sage realm before then!” This was Jiang Chen’s immediate aim. It was an
ambitious target, but not impossible to accomplish. He’d mostly exhausted the
potential of the Heroic Sage Pills and dragon crystals, and it would normally
be difficult to use such a method to break through once again. But Jiang Chen
still had the Sage Smile Pills.
The Coiling Dragon Clan Lord had granted him two Sage Smile
Pills. Its appeal lay in the chance to unconditionally advance one level,
although it could be used only once. Jiang Chen, therefore, would never use up
such a chance during his origin realm years. He would have to cultivate by
himself to reach sixth level origin realm, whereupon he would use a Sage Smile
Pill and catapult himself into the seventh level sage realm. As such, his
ambition to reach the sky sage realm before the Veluriyam Pagoda appeared
far-fetched but it was, in truth, only dependent on whether he could reach the
sixth level sage realm during this period. Eight months remained until the
Veluriyam Pagoda opened. If only he could use his own palace abode to
cultivate, his cultivation speed would increase to reach ten times the normal
rate.
“It's worth taking some risk in order to raise my strength.”
Jiang Chen knew that it would be absurdly difficult to achieve two consecutive
breakthroughs in one year. But things would be completely different if he
trained inside the palace. Training within for a day would likely equate to
tens, if not hundreds outside. This was the exceptional privilege afforded by
such a place designed by empyrean cultivators. Utilizing the palace naturally
involved certain dangers. But it shouldn’t pose much of a problem for Jiang
Chen after setting up certain concealing formations.
Jiang Chen exited his isolation after stabilizing his
newfound realm. He hadn’t had time to greet Shen Trifire and the House Wei
father and son since their recent release. The House Wei father and son weren’t
upset by their capture for they understood that it had little to do with Pill
King Zhen and more to do with the enmity between House Wei and the Majestic
Clan. Thus they were being apologetic instead, “Pill King Zhen, we’ve dragged
you in with us once again.”
Jiang Chen laughed, “Those of us in the same boat should
share the burden. It was actually the Majestic Clan father and son who had
truly gone too far. Hopefully, we can enjoy a period of peace and quiet now
that they’ve been executed.”
Jiang Chen didn’t say much after meeting Shen Trifire. He
merely patted the pill master’s shoulder, “You’ve suffered a fair amount of
injustice this time, but you performed handsomely and suffered no disgrace.
From here on out, you’re my brother.”
The persistent Shen Trifire refused to undergo the
humiliation of surrender even after being captured. Jiang Chen couldn’t help
but have a whole new level of respect for him and felt he’d not misjudged the
man. Shen Trifire’s eyes turned red after receiving a consoling slap on the
shoulder—a torrent of emotions shook his heart—he’d been sold around and
suffered numerous hardships since the destruction of the Regal Pill Palace. Now
he’d finally found a backer. It wasn’t the steadiest of supports, but a firm
one nonetheless. Jiang Chen’s clap on the shoulder was, undoubtedly, indicative
of his approval and acceptance. Shen Trifire was assaulted by a host of complex
emotions brought about by this overwhelming favor.
“Senior brother, I’ll definitely work hard and not
disappoint you.” Shen Trifire gave his earnest word.
The House Wei father and son made their entrance at that
moment, accompanied by young master Ji San. Ji San was extremely delighted the
moment he saw Jiang Chen, “Brother, I have great news I must tell you.”
“Pray tell.” Jiang Chen was somewhat puzzled.
“Come, let’s find a place to talk about this in leisure.”
Young master Ji San dragged Jiang Chen by the sleeves and headed toward a relatively
isolated area.
“Have you found the Invisible Chameleon Cloudpine?” Jiang
Chen asked curiously.
“It’s not about that,” Ji San shook his head. “Brother, it’s
a great opportunity for you! The Veluriyam Pagoda Assembly will be hosted by
Emperor Peafowl this time and you’re on the list of invitees.”
“Oh?” Jiang Chen appeared distracted.
Ji San sighed after seeing that Jiang Chen wasn’t
particularly amazed, “Brother, your reaction disappoints me. Don’t you know
what this signifies?”
“Do elaborate.” Jiang Chen was now curious.
“It implies that you’ve been noticed by Emperor Peafowl! You
might even gain his favor if you perform well in this test.”
“Oh, I see.” Jiang Chen nodded. He scarcely felt the wild
joy Ji San was expecting.
“You bastard. Were you born with such a zombie face? It’s as
if you don’t ever feel extreme joy or sorrow.” Young master Ji San mocked, “But
thanks to you, I was also invited. You should know that apart from the clan
lords, scarcely any other normal people are qualified to attend. You and I are
the only two wildcards.”
Jiang Chen felt it to be a good turn of events, but was
obviously far from being overjoyed. After all, it wasn’t such an ecstatic
matter to be favored by a mere great emperor to him. His anticipation toward
these great emperors were no longer as intense after learning about the Myriad
Abyss Island.
But of course, Jiang Chen naturally wouldn’t turn down the
favor of this mysterious Emperor Peafowl who’d ruled the Veluriyam Capital for
nearly three thousand years. After all, he’d never made the acquaintance of
such a high level expert barring Elder Shun. Perhaps he might even profit from
this meeting. Seeing Jiang Chen completely unperturbed, young master Ji San
said in a gloomy tone, “Brother, can you not show some spirit? This event holds
extraordinary meaning for us. You know Emperor Peafowl never truly recovered
from the passing of young master Fan. Perhaps this time he’ll seek a new
successor! Heh Heh, I’m looking forward to it even though chances are slim at
best. Brother, it’s not that I’m blaming you, but you should really be more
serious about this matter if you’re to save your fellow sect disciples and find
your father. Who in the Upper Eight Regions would dare go against you once you
become Emperor Peafowl’s successor? All would answer to your beck and call!”
Chapter 815: Emperor Peafowl
Ji San's words had quite the impact. Though Jiang Chen had
little interest in becoming someone's disciple in order to inherit their
teachings, it would no doubt of great use to his future endeavors if he could
create a connection to Emperor Peafowl.
"Brother, look 'ere. The Eternal Celestial Capital is
chasing you everywhere right now, but if you become Emperor Peafowl’s
successor, then they won't dare touch you even if you stand right at their
gates. That's a big difference, isn't it?" Though it was a little harsh,
Ji San’s words rang true. Emperor Peafowl had made a name for himself three
thousand years ago, and his renown was spread across the entirety of the Upper
Eight Regions. Even great emperors from first-ranked sects dared not antagonize
him.
Jiang Chen laughed at Ji San's excitement. "Brother Ji,
everything in the world follows the path of fate. It has guided us together as
brothers, as it did for the serendipitous meeting with Wei Jie at Myriad
Peoples City. My meeting with Emperor Peafowl is just another thread in fate's
tangled web. As for whether I can become his disciple… well, we'll just let
fate decide, hmm?"
Ji San was astonished. "Brother, do you really believe
in fate, in heaven's mandate?"
Jiang Chen smiled faintly in reply. He sighed softly to
himself. How can I not? In his previous life in the divine planes, he had
observed the lives of countless people. The majority of lives and events he’d
witnessed had been dictated by fate's interwoven threads. Two brothers from the
same family and background could walk drastically different paths, simply
because of differences in their fate.
Jiang Chen suspected that his reincarnation into this world
had a hidden thread of fate attached as well, but didn't dare think further on
it. Every time he did so, he would get a headache. The seal of chaos within his
consciousness only fueled his theory—his presence here was preordained. What
else would explain the chain of seals within his consciousness?
During Jiang Chen's time at the Precious Tree Sect, he had
meditated on the dao beneath the sect’s Precious Tree in order to break through
to origin realm. Marked by natural phenomenon, it had led to the discovery of
the seal within his consciousness for the first time. There were also what
appeared to be nine droplets of water that surrounded the seal in a ring. Till
date, it was an unsolved mystery to him. Jiang Chen hadn't been able to analyze
the seal back then upon first breaking through to origin realm, and he still
wasn't able to even now—though he was fifth level sage realm.
However, whenever he touched the seal during his meditation,
inexplicable tremors would pass through his mind, followed by various
primordial visions that ran rampant through his consciousness. Jiang Chen felt…
odd, but with a dose of curiosity. However, curiosity aside, he had no
intention of forcibly exploring the seal. One wrong move on his part meant the
total disintegration of his consciousness, and the destruction of his soul and
spirit.
"Brother, what are you thinking about?" Seeing
Jiang Chen's face full of smiles, Ji San was curious himself.
Jiang Chen maintained his expression. "Nothing much. I
was reminiscing about something and lost myself for a second."
"Okay. Well, you just have to remember one thing
really. This is an opportunity, and it leads to many more like it in the
future. You know that the Upper Eight Regions are core to the human domain, and
there are often events held to exchange information between the major factions.
As long as you hold a high enough position, you'll have plenty of chances to
travel as part of these exchanges, as well as meet fellow geniuses from
different Upper Regions. This will make it easier for you to obtain news about
your parents. If you do it yourself, it might take ten or twenty years before a
lead comes up, but with the right person… well, it might only take ten or eight
days, right?" From the young master's words, Jiang Chen could hear that Ji
San had only his best interests in mind.
"Brother Ji, I will treat the matter with all
seriousness," he nodded.
Ji San was finally satisfied with Jiang Chen's attitude.
"That's more like it!"
The two brothers spoke for a while. Ji San was clearly in a
good mood. Now that the Wang father and son were taken care of, the Coiling
Dragon Clan was enjoying much better days.
Though he’d only received an extension of three to five
years to his life, the Coiling Dragon clan lord also seemed in much better
spirits. His recovery brought an important matter to the other clans'
attention.The decision to distance themselves from the Coiling Dragon Clan
before did not seem so wise now. From the look of the Coiling Dragon clan lord
currently, the man was at least refreshed enough to contend again. The act of
reclaiming respect after losing it for a time solidified the Coiling Dragon
Clan's place as the Veluriyam Capital's foremost clan once more. Moreover, the
Coiling Dragon clan lord knew that majority of the merit for this act went to
Ji San.
Thus, Ji San distinguished himself among his fellow
candidates in the race for the successor, and gradually assumed a leading role.
All of this was ultimately thanks to Jiang Chen. As a result, the young
master's gratitude towards Jiang Chen and thoughtfulness on his behalf were
both completely genuine.
Jiang Chen retreated to the back garden after a long time
spent entertaining guests. A sudden upward glance revealed the apparent
presence of a sound, or possibly a translucent shadow, near the pagoda. Was
there someone there? Perhaps, perhaps not. It was so indistinct that Jiang Chen
thought he was seeing things. Upon closer examination, he found that there was
a person there after all. However, the person almost seemed to meld into the
garden's scenery.
"Who is it?" Jiang Chen called out in a low voice.
Someone who could slip into the garden unseen and undetected was surely extraordinary.
Moreover, Taiyuan Tower had a rule that only female family members were allowed
in the back court. Even the ten sage realm cultivators Jiang Chen had
handpicked had no right to enter. There were very few people who were eligible
to enter.
"Young man, I've waited for you for a long time now. Do
you have the courage to come with this old fellow and speak awhile?" The
voice was foreign to Jiang Chen, and didn’t hold any clues to its identity
either. But, it had an odd magnetism, piercing through time and space in a
mystical way. Jiang Chen furrowed his brow. In that moment, he found himself a
little indecisive.
"Don’t worry. If this old fellow wanted to harm you,
there would be no need for such theatrics." The voice laughed softly
before it rushed outwards in a flash. Concerned for the women in the rear
court, Jiang Chen pursued it with gritted teeth. He was very familiar with the
garden's layout, but found himself walking its paths no longer. As he shot
forward, he seemed to head onto a different road, but the connection between
the two was seamless—almost if he really had come onto it from the path near
the pagoda.
"Hmm? What's this?" Jiang Chen's heart sank, and
he stopped in his tracks. Activating his God’s Eye, he scanned his surroundings.
"Is this a formation?" Frowning, Jiang Chen realized that he had
entered a formation set by the other entity without even noticing. The
formation that he was now in was unique. It was able to connect itself to
reality and manufacture a patchwork landscape that even Jiang Chen hadn't
noticed at first glance. After activation, Jiang Chen's own formations
ordinarily formed an internally consistent world. It was always drastically
different from the outside world. However, this person's formations could link
together with reality, and bridge the gap flawlessly. The formation methods on
display here moved Jiang Chen greatly.
"You have a good eye. I thought it would take longer
for you to understand." The voice sounded again, this time directly in
front of Jiang Chen. The shape of a body appeared near a patch of pines. The
entity's form was dressed in a rainbow taoist robe, and gave off a feeling of
antiquity. The man cut a tall and straight figure, his features well-defined on
his face. He had a very handsome appearance, and the lines of his body was
nothing less than perfection.
"Who exactly are you, if I may ask?" Jiang Chen
asked, grimacing. Though he was within the man's formation, Jiang Chen didn't
lose his composure. However, the other man carried a disorienting aura around
him. It was as if Jiang Chen was standing at a seashore, and could not measure
the depth of the waters before him, or as if he gazed at an endless expanse,
and could not tell the stars' origin. The man's profundity made him a mystery.
"Who do you think I should be?" The man faintly
smiled, his expression placid.
Considering the man for a moment, Jiang Chen came to a
sudden realization. "Emperor Peafowl?" He blurted aloud.
The man did not deny the identification. "Your
intuition is quite good," he smiled cheerfully. Suddenly, the man's gaze
intensified, though his expression remained unchanged. "Then, you're the
Jiang Chen from the Myriad Domain?"
"Did the Coiling Dragon clan lord tell you, Your
Majesty?" Jiang Chen blinked.
The man grinned nonchalantly. "Then, the Coiling Dragon
clan lord's known your identity all this time? Ah, that old eel… he didn’t tell
me."
Jiang Chen didn't say anything. His instincts told him that
the man before him had no need for deception.
"Jiang Chen. This old fellow has known of you ever
since you first set foot in Veluriyam Capital with Wei Jie."
Old fellow? As far as Jiang Chen could see, Emperor
Peafowl's face was that of a man in his thirties. He showed no sign of age.
Thus, Jiang Chen found the man's self-designation of 'old fellow' a little
peculiar.
"Your Majesty, calling yourself an old fellow while
looking like that… well, it feels a little odd."
Emperor Peafowl smiled softly. "Then, what shall I call
myself? Shall I use the royal we, or say 'this emperor'? Do you not see that I
have no desire to converse with you as Emperor Peafowl?"
"Why is that?" Jiang Chen asked.
"Because today is just a private visit." Emperor
Peafowl laughed. "I wanted to take a closer look at the youth from the
Myriad Domain—someone who could stir up chaos even in the ranks of the Eternal
Celestial Capital—and see what kind of person he was. Now that I'm here, I see
that I have not made my trip in vain."
"Oh? And what has Your Majesty seen in me?" Jiang
Chen chuckled.
"You saw through my formation, which was your first
distinction. You identified me, which was another. You are neither anxious nor
uncomfortable, which was the final point in your favor. Are these three
distinctions not satisfactory enough for me?"
Jiang Chen didn't think that Emperor Peafowl would be able
to casually summarize so much. "Your Majesty, you said just now that you
knew of me the first day I arrived? What do you mean by that? I didn't have the
chance to see Your Majesty that day."
Emperor Peafowl shrugged. "That day was my successor's
funeral. You remember this much, at least?"
"Young lord Fan?" Jiang Chen remembered the
circumstances in which he entered the city that day. House Wei being a staunch
supporter of young lord Fan, Wei Jie had been severely distraught upon hearing
the latter's death. The entire House had worn funereal white in remembrance and
commemoration.
But Jiang Chen still didn't recall having seen the emperor.
Chapter 816: Emperor Peafowl’s Intentions
“No need to be surprised. It’s true that I wasn’t physically
present at the time, but I did imbue a trace of my consciousness onto my
successor’s coffin. It is this consciousness that had scanned the entirety of
Veluriyam Capital.”
“Consciousness imbuement?” Jiang Chen was shocked. It wasn’t
a technique that just anyone could perform. The cultivator first had to shear
off a tiny shred of their own consciousness before they could imbue it onto a
lifeless object. Just how powerful a cultivator must be before they could
perform such a thing?
Normally speaking, it wasn’t difficult to imbue one’s
consciousness onto a living object. For example, Jiang Chen often imbued his
consciousness onto the Bewitching Lotus of Fire and Ice. There were plenty of
experts who knew of this technique. It wasn’t a difficult thing to perform. But
the imbuement of one’s consciousness on a lifeless object was a completely
different league. The cultivator literally had to tear a part of their
consciousness off to perform the technique. One must understand that a
consciousness separated from its host body and wasn’t supported by a living
being would quickly fall apart.
Emperor Peafowl had solidified this separated piece of his
consciousness, imbued it onto a lifeless object and made it scan the entire
city. Jiang Chen didn’t think it was something that just any great emperor
could perform. Some of the surprise unconsciously showed on Jiang Chen’s face
as he stared at Emperor Peafowl. However, Emperor Peafowl looked as calm and
serene as ever. It was rumored that Emperor Peafowl was unable to pull free
from the pain of losing his disciple, but Jiang Chen couldn’t sense such
sadness from him at all. Not now, at least. Perhaps Emperor Peafowl was just
good at concealing his pain?
Emperor Peafowl smiled when he saw Jiang Chen scanning his
face, “What are you looking at?”
“Your insight is profound, so why don’t you venture a guess,
Your Majesty?” Jiang Chen started playing games of mystery as well.
“Hehe, I shall do just that. You must be trying to detect a
hint of pain or sadness from my expression, aren’t you?”
Jiang Chen smiled wryly, “You truly are all-seeing, Your
Majesty.”
Emperor Peafowl answered smilingly, “Yet you found no such
emotions from my face, no?”
Jiang Chen subconsciously nodded, “No, I haven’t.”
“Do you know why that is the case then?” Emperor Peafowl
asked indifferently.
“I don’t,” Jiang Chen shook his head honestly. He was going
to say that Emperor Peafowl was very good at concealing his emotions, but that
didn’t seem to be the case. Maybe a magnanimous person like Emperor Peafowl had
achieved supreme enlightenment and simply gotten over his loss?
Emperor Peafowl sighed softly before he suddenly spoke, “I
have nothing to be sad of, because I am the one who killed him. It’s just that
the outside world thought that he was killed by poison due to a mistake in his
cultivation.”
“What?” Jiang Chen was shocked. His words were so shocking
that Jiang Chen doubted if the man before him was really Emperor Peafowl for an
instant. But once he thought through everything carefully, Jiang Chen thought
that this Emperor Peafowl should be real. So why had Emperor Peafowl killed his
beloved disciple?
“You are the only one I’ve told about this,” Emperor Peafowl
said slowly.
Jiang Chen smiled wryly, “I’m feeling the burden of the
situation then.”
“What burden is that? Are you wondering if this incident has
something to do with you?”
Jiang Chen shook his head, “Your disciple was already dead
before I arrived, so I am sure that it has nothing to do with me.”
Emperor Peafowl nodded, “It had nothing to do with you
before, but now, it does.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I say this, because I felt like I’ve found an even better
successor,” Emperor Peafowl’s eyes abruptly lit up. He looked at Jiang Chen
with unconcealed praise.
“You mean me, Your Majesty?” Jiang Chen looked startled.
“Is there anyone else here?” Emperor Peafowl smiled faintly,
“What you said earlier with your sworn brother makes a lot of sense: There is
fate in everything. I do not know if it is your acute instinct or your unique
perception, but I felt like taking you in as my disciple the moment you spoke
about fate.”
“You wish to take me as your disciple?”
“So? Do you think your destiny in this matter has arrived?”
Emperor Peafowl asked with a smile.
Jiang Chen was silent. He had crossed arms with many experts
and seniors since he had started cultivating. For example, there was Ye
Chonglou of Skylaurel Kingdom, and then the sect head of Precious Tree Sect.
There was also Palace Head Dan Chi and Elder Yun Nie of Regal Pill Palace. They
were all his seniors, but Jiang Chen called none of them his master. This was
because Jiang Chen valued the relationship between master and disciple very
highly.
There was nothing he particularly sought in martial dao, so
he wasn’t particularly interested in taking a master. In fact, he’d always held
a certain arrogance that maintained that there was likely no one in this world
who could qualify as his master. It was just a kind of pride that he held in
his heart. In reality, there were still plenty of experts who were stronger
than him, even though this world couldn’t compare to the great divine plane he
used to inhabit during his past life. In learning, there was no first or last.
When one learns and progresses fast, then the last would become the first. But
even then, it didn’t mean that no one was qualified to teach him. No matter how
many memories he possessed from his past life, there were certain things that
he could only learn and inherit in person. That was why Jiang Chen didn’t find
the idea of a master repulsive even though he wasn’t really interested in it.
Even now, Jiang Chen didn’t feel particularly much like
admitting Emperor Peafowl as his master. Or rather, he felt like it wasn’t time
for that fated moment yet. Emperor Peafowl seemed to have expected his
reaction, and smiled faintly, “I can wait… or at least I hope that I can last
until that moment of fate arrives.”
Emperor Peafowl actually sounded a little aged when he spoke
those words. A thought suddenly flashed through Jiang Chen’s mind, “If I may
ask, Your Majesty, young lord Fan was described to be an incredibly outstanding
person by everyone. It can’t be all fake, can it?”
Many people were full of praises when they spoke of young
lord Fan. Wei Jie in particular was almost at the level of a mindless, diehard
fan. Emperor Peafowl nodded, “It was all true -” Then, he immediately added, “-
except for one thing, unfortunately.”
Jiang Chen looked startled, “What is it?”
“His identity,” Emperor Peafowl said indifferently, “He
possessed the blood of the demon race in his veins. He hid it well, but for all
of his brilliant schemes, I was the exception to his equation. My powers had
long since exceeded his imagination.”
“The demon race?” Jiang Chen looked startled. Everyone, be
it Chonglou or Palace Head Dan Chi, had more or less brought up the topic of
the demon race back in the Myriad Domain. However, the demon race they
described were comprised of scattered tidbits of extremely superficial information.
They had nothing substantial to tell of.
Jiang Chen only knew that the demon race was part of the
history of the Divine Abyss Continent, and was a powerful enemy of ancient
times who’d invaded and settled the land. It was said that no peace would befall
Divine Abyss Continent as long as they weren’t thoroughly exterminated.
“The demon race,” Emperor Peafowl’s voice was the same as
ever. Surprisingly, the seriousness in Palace Head Dan Chi and everyone else’s
voice when they talked about the demon race was absent from his tone.
“What kind of a race was the demon race?” Jiang Chen was
curious.
“In the ancient times, people of foreign realms invaded the
Divine Abyss Continent and started an ancient war that completely overturned
its original power structure. The continent shattered, and the powers that
existed was almost completely reshuffled and transformed into the way they are
now. Later on, heaven’s orbit collapsed and the passage that those of foreign
realms used to invade Divine Abyss Continent was closed off, but some of the
foreign races had managed to take root here. Over time, they slowly became
natives of the Divine Abyss Continent. The battle against the demon race
continued until the last Great War of Demon Sealing. There, the demon race was
defeated and the leaders of the demon races were sealed away. They had no
choice but to go dark and lay low. But this didn’t mean that the demon race had
accepted their fate. The demon race is born brutal, possessive and warlike.
Their ultimate objective is to devour all bloodlines that exist on the Divine
Abyss Continent and install the demon race as a sole ruler. If that day were to
come, then the Divine Abyss Continent would lose all of its inheritances and
become the Demon Abyss Continent instead.”
Jiang Chen listened quietly without interrupting Emperor
Peafowl, but he inwardly felt quite surprised. If the demon race really was as
brutal as they sounded, then why hadn’t the true experts of Myriad Abyss Island
gotten involved? Could it be that the true heart of the Divine Abyss Continent
was actually afraid of fighting against the demon race? Jiang Chen couldn’t
think of anything despite mulling over the question.
Of course, Jiang Chen wasn’t particularly interested in
these stories to begin with. Be it the demon race or the Divine Abyss
Continent, Jiang Chen had never thought of himself as a native of the Divine
Abyss Continent. What he cared for wasn’t the conflict between the demon race
and the natives of the Divine Abyss Continent, but his friends and families if
a demonic apocalypse were to arrive one day. His own slight indifference aside,
Ye Chonglou and Palace Head Dan Chi had influenced him into paying some
attention to the situation. He also understood that no one was safe if the sky
was falling on everyone’s head.
“Jiang Chen, I’ve been waiting for you to ask me a question,
but to my great surprise, you’ve not done so.”
“What question?”
“Your true identity. Why was I able to recognize you the
moment you entered the city?”
Jiang Chen smiled wryly, “And why’s that?”
“The answer’s quite simple. A long time ago, I detected an
abnormal phenomenon at the Precious Tree Sect of the Myriad Domain. Since then,
I’ve begun collecting information about you and made plenty of calculations.
Most others may not know that you are tied to that phenomenon, but I am well
versed in the art of divination. After I tied together all the details I could
gather and made my calculations, I concluded that all the evidence pointed
towards you being the cause of that phenomenon.”
Jiang Chen was stunned. He was actually completely stumped
for words. From the moment he’d been born, he had always thought that he was
unique because he carried with him the skills of the divine plane. That was why
he always thought little of the Divine Abyss Continent because he thought that
the experts of this world were ultimately incomparable to the ones he’d seen in
his past life. This thought had given birth to a tiny bit of contempt.
But Emperor Peafowl’s words suddenly made him realize that
he was very, very wrong in his assumption. Be it the divine plane or the Divine
Abyss Continent, anyone who could rise to the top possessed extraordinary
talent and intelligence. For example, Emperor Peafowl might have been a ruler
of a small world himself if he’d been born on the divine plane. It wasn’t that
his talents were insufficient. It was just that this was as far as he could go
within the confines of this world!
“The Mt. Rippling Mirage Pill Battles happened, and you were
trapped in Mt. Rippling Mirage for two years. While the Great Scarlet Mid
Region had invaded during the Myriad Grand Ceremony, you managed to escape
safely from the invasion. When your sect was destroyed, you were able to escape
the Eternal Celestial Capital’s ambush and escape confidently. You were even
able to singlehandedly annihilate the Eternal Celestial Capital and the
Ninesuns Sky Sect’s team… All of these events only goes to prove that you are a
genius of great destiny.”
“Destiny?” A sharp gleam flashed past Jiang Chen’s eyes,
“Your Majesty, can you see the threads of destiny?” Naturally, Jiang Chen
wasn’t unaware of the theory of destiny. There were plenty of great people in
the divine planes who knew how to observe destiny.
Destiny was supposed to be something that was indiscernible
and untouchable. However, there were some people who were born with special
eyes who could see views that no other could see. They could unlock the
All-Seeing Eyes of the divine plane and see the threads of destiny! There were
very few such people in this world, but all of them were top level geniuses.
Could this Emperor Peafowl possibly be a...
Chapter 817: All-Seeing Eyes
A look of doubt colored Jiang Chen’s face for a moment, and
he looked at Emperor Peafowl a little more seriously than he did before. If
Emperor Peafowl really had activated the All-Seeing Eyes, then calling him a
terrifying cultivator would be an understatement. A person like him shouldn’t
be limited to an earthly plane like this!
Emperor Peafowl had been observing Jiang Chen all this time,
and he himself was very, very surprised at the strength of the youth’s
reactions. As a great emperor, he had never talked about destiny with any
youngsters. In fact, most of his friends and great emperors who were close to
him were skeptical when he talked about destiny. One might even say that most
of them disapproved of his theory completely. Most of them saw destiny in the
same way as heaven’s will. They thought that it was something that was
completely unpredictable.
Emperor Peafowl might be keenly aware of the correctness of
his ideas, but he wouldn’t go so far as to force his understandings down
someone’s throat. However, after a thousand years of careful exploration, he
had managed to summarize and create a technique that could observe destiny
itself. It was true that he felt that his abilities in this regard were
half-baked, but he was almost never mistaken about the people of great destiny
whom he had observed in private.
Although Jiang Chen hailed from the Myriad Domain, Emperor
Peafowl had secretly gathered much information on him and come to the
conclusion that he was a boy of great destiny. Emperor Peafowl was tempted many
times to see Jiang Chen with his own eyes, but he was worried that his visit
would disrupt Jiang Chen’s fate. So he had kept his desire in check. Then, he
heard that the Eternal Celestial Capital had sent out a capture order on Jiang
Chen, and that the person in question was on his way to Veluriyam Capital.
This revelation gladdened Emperor Peafowl, and his belief in
the will of heaven grew even stronger. As such, he had been waiting all this
time. He had been waiting for a genius who shouldered the destiny of a world to
show up. Finally, Jiang Chen entered Veluriyam Capital that day. His arrival
happened to coincide with young lord Fan’s funeral procession.
It was yet another sign that the old was ushered out in
exchange for the new. The powerful destiny Jiang Chen carried with him when he
showed up in Veluriyam Capital was a massive shock to even Emperor Peafowl. It
was enough to finally convince him of his own theory. What surprised Emperor
Peafowl the most at this moment was that Jiang Chen’s reaction was not one of
skepticism. No, the boy asked the emperor if he could see the threads of
destiny. Did Jiang Chen believe in the theory of destiny too?
Emperor Peafowl sighed, “I’ve always been cultivating eye
arts. More than a thousand years ago, enlightenment suddenly dawned on me, and
my arts transformed into a strange kind of observation art. At first, I didn’t
know what it was, so I spent a thousand years observing everything before me.
Although my observations have never coalesced into a system of their own, I was
seldom wrong when I used it to observe destiny. The day you entered the city
was a great shock to me. I’ve never seen someone with a destiny as great as
yours, not to mention that it subtly matched the winds of destiny that had
surged to the sky and shaken the clouds back in the Myriad Domain. In that
moment, I had ascertained almost immediately that you were the youngster I was
waiting for from the Myriad Domain. You were the Jiang Chen who the Eternal
Celestial Capital wanted very badly, but couldn’t hunt down despite all their
efforts.”
Eye arts? Jiang Chen couldn’t help but stare at Emperor
Peafowl’s eyes. Emperor Peafowl’s eyes were like a pair of deep pools, but
their depths were as unfathomable as the sky itself. His eyes would shift
colors between dark green and azure from time to time, and it constituted an
incredibly unique visual impact.
“If I’m not mistaken, you have an eye art yourself, Jiang
Chen. In fact, it is an incredibly powerful one!” Emperor Peafowl said
smilingly.
Without an objection to offer, Jiang Chen nodded, “You have
amazing talent, Your Majesty. There really is nothing that can be hidden from
you. Now that I think back, it's hilarious how confident I was at hiding my own
abilities. Thank goodness I haven’t caused trouble within your domain, or you
could’ve killed me in a single strike.”
“Hahaha,” Emperor Peafowl laughed candidly, “Your claim that
you haven’t caused trouble is not entirely accurate, but it is a fact you
haven’t started one of your own accord. I wouldn’t have visited you if you did,
or if you’d proven yourself to be evil.”
Cold sweat silently escaped Jiang Chen’s pores. Emperor
Peafowl is too amazing. I’m not even living in his house, and yet he seem to
know everything that has happened around me. “Your Majesty, you haven’t imbued
a consciousness around my social circle, have you?” Jiang Chen didn’t know what
kind of expression he should wear.
“Haha, do I look like someone who enjoys spying on others?”
Emperor Peafowl was also somewhat amused by Jiang Chen’s words.
So far, Jiang Chen’s impression of Emperor Peafowl was quite
good. At the very least, Emperor Peafowl’s bearing and broadmindedness were
things that no ruthless overlord could compete against. Through his
conversation, Jiang Chen could deduce that the latter’s understanding of him
had come from general observation, not spying. If it really was spying, Jiang
Chen would’ve left Veluriyam Capital without a second thought. After all, no
one wanted to be spied upon during every moment of their lives. It was practically
torture of a whole different kind to live that way.
“Your Majesty, do you mean that you know everything that I
did in Veluriyam Capital?”
“Not necessarily. I can more or less grasp the general aim
of your actions. For example, you are the one who trashed all those pill stores
at Farmer God Market, aren’t you?”
Jiang Chen knew that anyone with a discerning eye could
figure that out. He smiled, “It was a choice I was forced to make. They had to
pay for their intolerable acts of bullying. In fact, I’m actually relieving you
of some burdens, Your Majesty.”
House Wei belonged to the Coiling Dragon Clan, and the
Coiling Dragon Clan belonged to Emperor Peafowl. Indirectly speaking, he was
indeed helping out Emperor Peafowl.
However, Emperor Peafowl returned a noncommittal smile.
After a moment of silence, he said slowly, “I know everything that happens in
Veluriyam Capital. The Majestic Clan’s provocations, the feathery probes of
Emperor Shura, their hopes towards Veluriyam Pagoda and their desire for my
seat as the number one great emperor of Veluriyam Capital… if even my
subordinates know about this, how could I not know about them as well?”
Jiang Chen was surprised, “You knew it all from the very
beginning, Your Majesty?”
“That’s right,” Emperor Peafowl revealed the ghost of a
smile, “In other words, even Emperor Shura’s tremendous success and growth, so
much so that even the outside world think that he was now capable of replacing
me, was within my predictions. In fact, you might even say that I’m the one who
pushed for his growth in secret.”
“What?” Jiang Chen’s mind couldn’t quite catch up to the
topic, “You mean you were purposely nurturing a threat?”
“The nurturing part is true, but a threat? Not necessarily
so.” Emperor Peafowl’s smile was deep, “My only fear is that he grows too
slowly.”
“What do you mean?” Jiang Chen frowned. He suddenly felt
like his brain was a little lacking.
“More than a thousand years ago, I vaguely activated the
All-Seeing Eye and felt the call of heaven’s dao. There, I was able to capture
tiny glimpses of the laws of the world.”
“You’re about to achieve a breakthrough?” A thought abruptly
flashed across Jiang Chen’s mind.
“I am. I’ve been suppressing it for more than a thousand
years, holding myself back from mastering the laws, but I feel that I can’t do
so for much longer. I am afraid that I am fated to leave Veluriyam Capital in
less than a hundred years. Therefore, someone capable enough must succeed my
seat. An ordinary person would be unable to quell the internal and external
threats of Veluriyam Capital.” Emperor Peafowl sighed softly with a hint of
melancholy.
“Forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty, but there are countless
people out there who is incapable of learning heaven’s dao or win its
acknowledgement. If you have sensed it, then why on earth would you suppress it
on purpose?” Jiang Chen seriously couldn’t understand Emperor Peafowl’s thoughts.
“Would you believe me if I told you that it was all to keep
a close watch on the demon race?” Emperor Peafowl suddenly revealed a self
deprecating smile. Jiang Chen shivered as he stared at Emperor Peafowl in
disbelief. He actually doubted his own eyes for a second, for he saw a hint of
true worry leaking from Emperor Peafowl’s expression. It was both great mercy
and great wisdom that had been born of a compassion that encompassed the world.
Jiang Chen had seen a very similar expression from Ye Chonglou and Palace Head
Dan Chi’s faces before. It was just that Ye Chonglou only had the worry, but
not the in-depth knowledge of the bigger picture. He didn’t know just how
deadly the demon race was. Palace Head Dan Chi possessed greater understanding
than Ye Chonglou, but he thought more from his sect’s point of view.
Emperor Peafowl was the only one who Jiang Chen’d seen so
far to possess both mercy and wisdom. An erudite wisdom and true worry for the
world that was untainted by even a speck of selfishness. A moment of puzzlement
later, Jiang Chen came to understand why. Emperor Peafowl’s cultivation was so
great that he could sense the laws of the world already. Therefore, what
meaning did worldly power conflicts mean to him? His viewpoint and insight of
the world had long since exceeded the viewpoint of Veluriyam Capital.
Unfortunately for him, his viewpoint was too high and too far out of reach. It
was so high that no one could catch up to him. As a result, not many people
could understand his feelings at all.
The demon race? Why on earth would normal cultivators bother
to think about the demon race unless a demonic calamity actually happened?
There could be countless calamities in the world, but none were as important as
their own cultivation. It was exactly because most people were this numb,
selfish, and easily satisfied by low ambitions that no one paid attention to
the bigger picture.
It was why Emperor Peafowl was alone in his wisdom. It was
to the point where one might even say that the timing of his worries and
compassion was a little off. Suddenly, Jiang Chen felt a little stifled. For
whatever reason, he suddenly recalled his father from his past life. His father
had exactly been such a person himself. Despite holding the post of a celestial
emperor, he was troubled by a lack of people who could understand him. He was
worried to death for the fate of the great Taiyuan world, but still failed to
prevent the calamity that destroyed the heavenly plane in the end. A person
like him might be called a hero or a pioneer in books’ written pages. However,
most of them didn’t have a good ending.
In comparison to his father, Jiang Chen felt that he had
lived his life too lowly during this lifetime. His father would likely be
unhappy if he learned of his current appearance, wouldn’t he? Passion mixed
with shame rose within Jiang Chen’s heart, “Jiang Chen is most impressed by the
height of your insight, Your Majesty. I may not be able to become someone as
great as you, but I will contribute my strength to the Divine Abyss Continent
to the limit of my capabilities.”
Despite not having promised anything in stone, Jiang Chen
had made up his mind. He had lived so very cautiously so far, but what had
befallen him after all his efforts? A destroyed sect, and no home to go back
to. If that was the case, then why should he live so suffocatingly anymore? Why
should he not do all he could and live to his heart’s content instead?
Chapter 818: Redistribution of Longevity Pills
Throughout the course of his visit, Emperor Peafowl hadn’t
given any Jiang Chen any promises or made any lofty demands. If one had to describe
this visit, it was as if a lonely elder spotting a young man that happened to
catch his interest, and so made a visit to make a friend. A smile appeared on
Emperor Peafowl’s face when he heard Jiang Chen’s words.
“Just like you said to Ji Ole Third before Jiang
Chen—destiny. In the thousand years that I’ve held sway in Veluriyam Capital,
there has yet to be a single person who has so elicited admiration from me. I
have nothing else to say that other than if you remain pure of heart in
Veluriyam Capital, you can do as you will in the Capital. I will handle all
trouble that may arise from what you might do.” Emperor Peafowl smiled faintly
after saying this and pointed lightly with his finger, causing all of the
scenery around them to instantly vanish—the emperor as well. Only a voice
lingered by Jiang Chen’s ear, “Jiang Chen, remember to come to the Peafowl
Gathering.”
Jiang Chen remained silent for a long time, deep in thought.
He’d had quite a bit of gains from this conversation.
The next day, young master Ji San came hurriedly running
over with another bit of news. “Brother, this kind of sucks. I just received
word that many more places have been added to the Peafowl Gathering. Almost all
great clans beneath Emperor Peafowl have received invites for a large portion
of their disciples.”
“Oh? The invitation list’s grown bigger?” Jiang Chen smiled.
“Right!” Ji San was a bit depressed. “I’d thought we were
the only young disciples to be invited amongst all the great clans yesterday
and was feeling a bit proud of that fact. It’s all turned to nothing the next
day, sigh.”
Ji San really was sounding a bit depressed. After all,
everyone wanted to be special. If everyone was invited, then there was nothing
special about this treatment at all.
Jiang Chen smiled, “Brother Ji, there’s nothing to be
depressed at all. At last you were the first batch to be invited, no?”
Ji San started and broke out in a grin. “That’s right! I was
the first batch. There’s still more glory in that than them!” He seemed to
immediately think of something else and spoke again, “Oh right brother, there’s
something very important that I must tell you.”
“What?”
“About the Longevity Pill. The Sacred Peafowl Mountain owes
you a big favor having received the Longevity Pill, so they’ve been discussing
what to do recently as well.”
“Have they reached a conclusion?” Jiang Chen asked
carelessly. The Longevity Pill hasn’t been released to the market yet. Apart
from the two that the Majestic Clan had taken out to experiment with last time,
all of the rest had been confiscated by the Peafowl Guard. There were none in
circulation, so they were impossible to find in Veluriyam Capital.
“The clan lord says that the Sacred Peafowl Mountain has
decided upon what to do.”
“And what is that?”
“Initial plans are to split the profits five ways.”
“Five ways? What do they mean by that?” Jiang Chen didn’t
quite understand this plan.
“The Sacred Peafowl Mountain as one, the Coiling Dragon Clan
for one, House Wei, you, and the Regal Pill Palace.” Ji San explained in
detail. A thought struck Jiang Chen when he heard this. The Regal Pill Palace
also has a share? Sacred Peafowl Mountain is showing me quite some face.
However, he then immediately felt that this was likely a result of personal
intervention from Emperor Peafowl. “In terms of materials, House Wei will
shoulder the cost for that. The Sacred Peafowl Mountain and the Coiling Dragon
Clan will be in charge of providing pill kings, and you and House Wei will
handle the technique aspect.”
This meant Jiang Chen and House Wei’s contribution were a
result of the pill recipe. This was quite a reasonable proposition.
“Brother, you can raise any objections you have as well.
We’re still in the process of gathering opinions.”
Jiang Chen thought about it and shook his head. “This is a
very reasonable offer, I have no opinions.”
“Alright, then I’ll go back and tell the clan lord.” Ji San
was quite happy. After all the loops and turns, the Longevity Pill recipe had
still fallen into their camp.
Jiang Chen suddenly thought of something and spoke up,
“There’s something we need to keep an eye on.”
“What is it?”
“The Eternal Celestial Capital stole the pill recipe and
were the ones who gave the pill to the Majestic Clan. However, their quality was
lower because they didn’t benefit from my pointers. But since they have the
recipe, they possess a latent threat to the future market.”
“That’s very true.”
“Therefore, the Sacred Peafowl Mountain must announce right
now that the Longevity Pill is their research item. Apart from the pills from
them, everything else is counterfeit and fake. There’s no guarantee that there
will be no side effects, and we must have everyone acknowledge that only pills
from the Sacred Peafowl Mountain are the legitimate products.”
“Right, this point is very important. This means that even
though the Wang father and son are dead, they must shoulder this to the end.
We’ll say that the Eternal Celestial Capital’s recipe was stolen by the
Majestic Clan.” Ji San’s face was solemn.
“That’s how we’ll do it.” Jiang Chen smiled coldly. “The
Eternal Celestial Capital stole the recipe from the Regal Pill Palace to begin
with. What business does such ill gotten gains have in being announced to the
world?”
“Precisely!” Ji San agreed.
“The most critical thing is, the quality of their pills is
less than ours. If the Eternal Celestial Capital doesn’t wish to accept this,
then the Sacred Peafowl Mountain can issue a challenge and host a competition.
The results of the contest will determine whose is real and whose is fake.”
Ji San’s eyes lit up as he slapped his thigh. “This plan is
perfect! If they don’t answer the challenge, that means they have a guilty
conscience. If they do and their quality is less than ours, then theirs is
still fake and their reputation will suffer heavily as a result.”
Jiang Chen had spoken so much to get to this point. Even
though the Eternal Celestial Capital had stolen the pill, he wasn’t going to
let them have an easy time of things. You destroy my clan, kill my peers, sell
my friends, steal my things, and want to live large after all of that? Dream
on! Even if Jiang Chen didn’t have the strength to hack his way to the Eternal
Celestial Capital at the moment, he would never let them go skipping off into
the sunset.
Having received Jiang Chen’s plan, Ji San happily went to
report back. If this plan could be deployed properly, then they would be able
to take down a majority of the market without having to defeat the Eternal
Celestial Capital’s recipe. After all, the only factor everyone agreed on in
the world of martial dao was the quality of the pill. Whoever’s was higher was
the authentic one!
After sending off Ji San, Jiang Chen went in search of the
House Wei father and son and relayed what he’d just learned. They were
overjoyed to hear of all this as they hadn’t been told of it yet. To them, it
was a stroke of good fortune falling out of the sky and striking them on the
head.
“Pill King Zhen, the Longevity Pill? Two parts of the profit
to our House Wei?” Wei Tianxiao found it a bit hard to believe as an
incredulous expression blossomed over his face.
“Indeed, but House Wei in charge of the materials. Of
course, the cost of the goods aren’t too high for this pill. Two million saint
spirit stones per pill is already a very high price. The costs of the materials
themselves are at most fifty thousand saint spirit stones.” Jiang Chen had been
the one to create the pill, how would he not know the price of the materials?
When he’d auctioned off one pill in the Myriad Domain, he’d sold it for ten
million origin spirit stones and some other bits to Xiang Wentian of the Great
Cathedral. That made for less than two million saint spirit stones. So now that
a pill was priced at two million saint spirit stones, that was a very high
price indeed. With the twenty percent that House Wei could split, that meant
they would receive four hundred thousand spirit stones per pill. Compared to
the fifty thousand saint spirit stones in costs, this was an absolute killing!
Gratitude was written all over Wei Tianxiao’s face when he
heard Jiang Chen’s analysis. “Pill King Zhen, it is truly House Wei’s fortune
that my son was able to make your acquaintance. Although I know that you were
destined to soar to the skies one day in your brilliance, I hope that House Wei
has the great fortune to follow in your footsteps when that day arrives.”
As a mighty expert and the house lord of House Wei, Wei
Tianxiao was holding to a very humble posture in front of Jiang Chen. This also
displayed his rational actions in dealing with interpersonal relationships.
Jiang Chen had close relationships with the Coiling Dragon Clan now and had
even caught the Sacred Peafowl Mountain’s eye. Wei Tianxiao knew that Pill King
Zhen wouldn’t be spending much time in House Wei in the future. Although this
depressed him some, he knew that this was a momentum he couldn’t stop.
After last time’s affairs, Taiyuan Tower’s business boomed
even more so after reopening for business. Taiyuan Lodge also opened for business
after being won by Jiang Chen in a bet. Of course, House Wei also viewed
Taiyuan Lodge as Jiang Chen’s property as well. They were keenly aware of their
positioning and had placed themselves as of secondary importance. With the
force of Jiang Chen’s rise, they knew it wasn’t anything that their house could
hold back. They might as well adjust their mentality and lower their posture so
as to cooperate with Jiang Chen for even longer, therefore benefiting even
further from their friendship. From the current circumstances at least, House
Wei’s position had risen to new heights compared to even their previous peak.
This was all because of Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen didn’t plan on sharing Taiyuan Lodge with House
Wei as it was something he’d won in a bet. This was going to be his new
stronghold of operations. He naturally knew what Wei Tianxiao meant with this
low posture and wasn’t the sort to burn bridges after he’d crossed them. “House
Lord Wei, House Wei is a great reason for why I’ve been able to find my footing
in Veluriyam Capital. We suffered through trials together and will naturally
enjoy the rewards together. It’s natural that you take twenty percent of the
Longevity Pill. The most important thing is that the Sacred Peafowl Mountain
and the Coiling Dragon Clan acknowledges House Wei.”
Wei Tianxiao only nodded with a smile as he ruminated on the
gratitude flowing through him.
Chapter 819: The Sacred Peafowl Mountain
Though it was his second time coming to the Sacred Peafowl
Mountain, Jiang Chen felt entirely different from his first visit. His previous
appointment had been marked with worry. His presentation of the Longevity Pill
as a stratagem to strike at the Majestic Clan was a slight gamble. Who knew if
the people at Sacred Peafowl Mountain would play along? But this time, Jiang
Chen was here on the personal invitation of Emperor Peafowl, and his heart was
undisturbed. Naturally, he had come accompanied by the Coiling Dragon Clan lord
and company. Besides young master Ji San, there were two other geniuses from
the Coiling Dragon Clan as well.
The Coiling Dragon Clan trio's cultivation levels were
similar. One was at the peak of ninth level sage realm, and another was simply
ninth level. On paper, there was no substantial difference between the two of
them and Ji San. Unless Ji San suddenly broke through into emperor realm one
day, he had no overwhelming advantage in the competition to be the clan lord.
The Coiling Dragon clan lord himself had little bias overall for all three of
the possible candidates, whether for or against. However, Jiang Chen was keenly
aware that young master Ji San had distinguished himself in recent events via
his unparalleled contributions. He was likely first place in the clan lord's
heart already.
"Ah, this must be the Pill King Zhen I've heard so much
about recently?" The one speaking was a smartly dressed youth. The
fairness of his appearance easily rivaled Ji San's, though he tended a little
more on the feminine side.
Ji San extended a hand in introduction. "Brother, this
is one of the best and brightest among the younger generation of the Coiling
Dragon Clan. You can call him young master Liuxiang."
"How do you do," Jiang Chen smiled and nodded.
Young master Liuxiang looked Jiang Chen over closely, but
his expression was warm. "I've long heard your name, yet we haven't been
acquainted until now. Ole Third, you're truly a master smuggler. You've hid a
good brother like this away for so long without introducing us. Don't you know
I love to make new friends?"
"Well, you're acquainted now, aren't you?" Ji San
laughed, and the other two followed suit. However, the third genius refrained
from doing so. Garbed in black, he looked at the mirthful trio coolly, his
expression stern. His features were well-defined, almost as if they had been
sharpened against an axe and saber. His entire person gave off a sense of
incisiveness. He was obviously not an easy person to approach.
Ji San had no intention of ignoring him, however. "This
is a newcomer to our ranks, a rising star in the Coiling Dragon Clan. His name
is Ji Zhongtang, and he is four or five years younger than me, and yet he has
already arrived at ninth level sage realm. His future potential is limitless.”
Jiang Chen inclined his head, grinning a little. "The
Coiling Dragon Clan's strength is truly profound. Geniuses like him are hard to
find."
Ji Zhongtang returned the nod with indifference, as a kind
of half-reply. Once the youths' conversations were concluded, the Coiling
Dragon clan lord waved a hand. "Come, we should not be late to the Peafowl
Gathering. It is not good to arrive after the others."
Led by the clan lord, it only took a short while for the
group of youths to arrive at Sacred Peafowl Mountain. Two of the monarchs
subordinate to Emperor Peafowl awaited them at the foot of the mountain. The
one elegant in demeanor was named the Cloudsoar Monarch; the other was more
fierce, called the Chronobalance Monarch. Alongside their compatriots the
Wildfox and Plumscore Monarchs, they were the Four Monarchs of Sacred Peafowl
Mountain. Together, they were the strongest among those who directly answered
to Emperor Peafowl. Of course, it was difficult to gauge their strength against
the Coiling Dragon clan lord's.
In the four monarchs' opinion, the Coiling Dragon clan lord
was older than all of them, and possessed unfathomable strength.
Hypothetically, he would not be an easy opponent. Moreover, the clan lord had
always kept a low profile. Thus, it was impossible for the four emperors to
have ever sparred with him. Exactly which party was stronger was still a
mystery.
"Clan Lord, your complexion is quite rosy as of late.
That is cause for congratulations." The Cloudsoar Monarch consoled,
clearly on good terms with the Coiling Dragon clan lord.
"I had a stroke of good fortune a while ago, and it's
helping me temporarily. Hopefully my good luck continues, and things change for
the better." The Coiling Dragon clan lord was not about to betray Jiang
Chen's trust.
Some matters were so grave that it was difficult to disclose
them, even to close friends. The Cloudsoar Monarch looked over at the youths
behind the clan lord. "Many of the Coiling Dragon Clan's disciples are
geniuses, as expected of the foremost clan of Veluriyam Capital," he
smiled.
The clan lord chuckled as well. "Brother Cloudsoar,
there is no need for the flattery. We are amongst friends here. The only reason
our clan has the position is because of the emperor's care. Without His
Majesty, I'm not sure if we could even maintain a foothold here, much less
contest first place."
There were laughs all around. The Cloudsoar Monarch seemed
quite interested in Jiang Chen. "Clan Lord, this must be Pill King
Zhen?" He asked, pointing to the youth behind the man.
Jiang Chen's submission of the Longevity Pill's recipe was a
well-guarded secret, and had no place in open discussion. This was especially
true with youngsters present.
"That's right. Pill King Zhen's genius is something to
be marveled at. Even His Majesty has made remarks to that effect. That's why he
was hand-picked to come to this conference," the Coiling Dragon clan lord
laughed.
The Cloudsoar Monarch nodded in agreement. "To defeat
the Majestic Clan several times in succession on his own strength alone… a
genius like that is worthy of the emperor's invitation. Well then, please come
in."
He made an ushering gesture. At the signal, the Coiling
Dragon clan lord finally began to walk inside, the youths in tow. There were
many guests already present. As the greatest emperor among the seven great
emperors of the capital, Emperor Peafowl had a whole seven subordinate clans
beneath him. No other emperor came close. This was despite the fact that
Emperor Peafowl hadn't intentionally gathered factions to his side. The only
one who came close was Emperor Shura, who commanded five clans. Together,
Emperors Peafowl and Shura controlled almost half of the twenty-eight great
clans of Veluriyam Capital.
Of the seven that sided with Peafowl, the Coiling Dragon
Clan was the most prominent. At the sight of the Coiling Dragon clan lord, the
other lords who'd already arrived rose to greet him. The internal ushers
working directly for Peafowl were just as attentive to the clan lord's arrival,
receiving him with great care. Meanwhile, young master Ji San took Jiang Chen
away in a different direction, an odd expression on his face.
"Brother, let's take a look over there instead."
Jiang Chen had no preference one way or another. He had no
interest in participating in a conversation with a group of old geezers. The
deeper they went, the more austere the environment became.
"Ji Ole Third, what are you sneaking around like that
for? What do you plan to do?" There was a sudden cry from nearby.
Ji San stopped in his tracks, displeased. "What does
that have to do with you, Fatty Miao?"
To the side, several youths showed themselves from behind a
flower rack. At their head was a young man, broad-shouldered, stocky of build.
Ji San glanced at them lazily, his attitude clearly irreverent. The bear of a
youth was named Miao Suo, an heir to the Spiritbranch Clan, another of the
seven great clans beneath Emperor Peafowl. Though they weren't the foremost
clan, they weren't quite last place, either. They were a respectable top six
clan. But more importantly, Ji San and Miao Suo had always had bad relations.
It wasn't that they had a natural grudge. Rather, they liked the same girl, a
disciple who studied under Emperor Peafowl.
"Hmph, Ji Ole Third. I know you're going to solicit
Miss Dan's attention again. I'm warning you, she's in a bad mood lately. I
wouldn't disturb her if I were you."
Ji San sneered. "Fatty Miao, are you sure there's nothing
wrong with your brain? Or are you seriously telling me how to conduct myself?”
Not wanting to bother with Miao Suo any longer, he turned to Jiang Chen again.
"Brother, let's go."
Miao Suo was greatly upset, but he was held back by several
of the youths near him. "Brother Suo, don't be so angry. If Ji Ole Third
wants to be rejected, then let him. Miss Dan is a disciple of the emperor, many
of her peers admire her already. There's no way that she'd pick Ji Ole
Third."
Unfortunately, the speech only gave Miao Suo further cause
for concern. Ji San himself was already a tough rival. If Emperor Peafowl's
other disciples joined in, what chance did Miao Suo have? In the moment, he
felt a little desperate. For his part, Jiang Chen didn't know whether to laugh
or cry. Ji San was taking him to see his prospective sweetheart! It sparked
some curiosity in him, though. Ji San was a genteel and handsome youth. What
kind of a woman was she, that he esteemed her so?
A bamboo grove was seen in the distance, and a flowing
stream lay in front of it. A narrow bridge of the same material connected the
shores. It was a charming scene.
Ji San waited at one end of the bridge. "Miss Dan, Ji
San of the Coiling Dragon Clan seeks an audience."
A few moments passed. Footsteps could be heard within the
grove. A young maid appeared, addressing Ji San. "Please go back, young
master Ji San. My mistress is in a bad mood today."
Ji San wasn't about to be deterred after coming so far
already. "Little sister Cui'er, can't you let her know that I'm
here?" He said, obviously thick-skinned.
The girl named Cui'er scowled back. "Just go back like
I told you."
Ji San chuckled. "But I've gone to the effort of making
a trip here! This is rare for me. Isn't it a shame to simply leave? Little
sister Cui'er…"
Cui'er raised a willowy brow. "Who's your sister?"
Ji San was still smiling, not taking any offense.
"Okay, okay. Can I call you Miss Cui'er instead? I have a letter here that
you simply must give to Miss Dan. Please, please do. Even if I can't see her,
surely a letter is fine?"
Seeing someone as suave as Ji San adopt such a humble
attitude shattered Jiang Chen's worldview. How beautiful did Miss Dan have to
be for Ji San to act like this? Cui'er thought for a moment, giving Ji San
another onceover. He seemed to pass some kind of litmus test, at least compared
to the fatty earlier.
"Wait here," she stomped off.
Ji San was very pleased. Miss Cui'er must be deferring to
her mistress. He threw Jiang Chen a look of victory.
Miss Cui'er reappeared very quickly, her pace brisk. She was
pouting and had a pile of things in her arms. "These are all the things
you've given mistress in the past. None of it has been touched. So, you can
have it back," she said, candidly facing Ji San.
"What?" Ji San found himself in a disarray by her
words.
Chapter 820: An Imperial Opportunity
Miss Cui'er felt a bit guilty when she saw young master Ji
San's depressed demeanor. "Young master San, Cui'er knows that you're a
good person. It's not that my mistress thinks otherwise, either… she just has
someone different in her heart, and always has. After all these years, she
still hasn't put him down."
Ji San's cheer faded when he heard those words.
Relationships were strange like that. If her heart had been empty, Ji San was
confident that he would one day, with enough effort, be able to change her
mind. But a lost love was much more difficult to beat.
"Young master San, please just go…" Cui'er sighed
in resignation at the situation, turning to leave as well.
Jiang Chen patted Ji San on the shoulder. "Brother Ji,
let things be decided by fate."
Ji San laughed aloud, managing to remain carefree despite
the situation. "As you said, brother. All things under heaven are decided
by threads of fate. Perhaps there is none between Miss Dan and myself." He
shook his head slightly as he spoke. "As it is said, 'The modest,
retiring, virtuous, young lady / For our prince a good mate she.' But alas,
though I may admire beauty, even I know that forcing one's hand in such matters
leads to nothing but unhappiness."
The two of them departed from that place. Though Ji San had
felt some sadness still, he was able to recover after another few moments.
"How unexpected. That I, crushed by my first love, could scatter it to the
wind so soon." Walking out from the bamboo grave, Ji San's laugh was
self-deprecating, but perhaps poignant also.
Miao Suo and company awaited them outside still. At Ji San's
reappearance, the former couldn't help but mock him. "Ji Ole Third, didn't
I tell you already not to go? You were just asking to get snubbed."
Ji San returned a breezy smile. "Well, it's better than
how she treats you, isn't it?"
…...
Miss Cui'er returned to the bamboo grove and approached a
clearing. A pastoral domicile lay here, a refuge from the busyness of the
outside world. "Miss, I've sent them all away." She stood at the
door, speaking to the house's inhabitant.
"Mm." A tranquil voice replied from within.
"Miss, forgive me for speaking out of turn. The… young
master Ji San just now, he's a young man with both talent and character, and
more importantly, he's a moral man. I think, maybe…"
"Cui'er, His Majesty instructed you to attend to my
domestic needs. Do you intend to change professions and play the matchmaker as
well?" The voice was aloof, with a hint of annoyance.
"I'm sorry, miss," Cui'er hastily apologized.
"I'm not blaming you, but I hope my wishes are
known." The voice sighed.
"Yes, miss, I'll never suggest anything like that
again." Cui'er flicked out her tongue, some fear still lingering.
"What is His Majesty up to recently?"
"His Majesty has recently left seclusion, and is
hosting some sort of Peafowl Gathering. Would you like to go observe,
miss?"
The voice faltered a moment. There was a faint exhale.
"Never mind, I will not."
"Miss, don't be like that. You cultivate every day, but
you should get some fresh air as well. I know you might have a lot of things
bottled up, but I'm worried you'll hurt yourself if you continue like
this." As she spoke, Cui'er felt a light pat on her shoulder, and turned
her head. "Your Majesty?" She gasped in surprise.
Emperor Peafowl had come. "Cui'er, feel free to excuse
yourself. I'd like to talk awhile with Dan'er." Emperor Peafowl's tone was
mild. There was no feeling of remoteness, even for a servant.
Too nervous for words, Cui'er could only nod. She ran off
like a gust of wind, tiny steps pattering upon the ground.
"Dan'er, can I come in?"
"Yes, Your Majesty?" The voice inside the house
took on a tone of slight amazement. "Please do."
Pushing past the door, Emperor Peafowl entered the
residence. A slender, beautiful shadow stood by the windowsill inside. From a
distance, she looked a little thin, but her figure was lithe nevertheless.
"Dan'er, the Peafowl Gathering... What do you think
about taking a look together?"
"I would rather not, Your Majesty." Dan'er's
inflection seemed to be permanently neutral. It was as if she cared for
nothing, could be interested by nothing.
"Ah," Emperor Peafowl murmured, "Dan'er, your
cultivation foundation is not particularly sturdy. Even though I've helped you
rebuild it, you cannot pursue haste alone in your studies."
"Your Majesty, I cannot be lazy. My homeland is
destroyed, and the people I care about are lost. How can I disengage myself
from these truths?" Dan'er shook her head, adamant in her conviction.
"The Myriad Domain's fall is not something that can be
rectified in a single day. It takes time for these things. If you abuse your
body like this, you'll use it all up before that day comes." Emperor
Peafowl breathed out in quiet encouragement.
"Don't forget, you have Nian'er as well," he
added.
Dan'er's delicate body shook when she heard the name.
"Your Majesty, how is she? I remember you said you'd take good care of
her."
"Don't worry, Nian'er is quite well. I've instructed
the Plumscore Monarch to teach her personally. I am sure that with enough time,
she will become a bright pearl of Peafowl Holy Mountain."
"Your Majesty, your grace towards me is boundless. I
couldn't repay the debt even if I were to devote my next life to you."
"There's no need to treat me as a stranger like
that." Emperor Peafowl returned a carefree grin. "All things are
decided by fate, and fate led me to you and your daughter in the wilderness.
Your deliverance from evil men was merely circumstantial."
Dan'er inclined her head. "Even if fate is responsible,
I must still thank you for your charity and kindness."
"Let's not speak about such depressing matters. Haste
makes waste. Your first priority right now is to calm yourself. If not for
yourself, then for your daughter. Fate will guide you, as it does in all
things. I've been childless my entire life, and we've gotten along rather well.
I see you as my own daughter, and I do not want you to torture yourself
so."
Dan'er nodded, momentarily lost in thought. Taking in her
enduring sadness, Emperor Peafowl knew that she hadn't really gotten over
things. "Well, the Peafowl Gathering begins soon. Dan'er, I remind you of
only one thing. All things fall into place, when fate's trajectory
dictates." Saying this, he drifted out the door. Emperor Peafowl shook his
head as he left the bamboo grove. "All men are troubled by emotions, and
Dan'er is no different. She's such an emotional girl, yet so stubborn. I wonder
what kind of youth she gave her heart to, back in the Myriad Domain? After all
these years, she still hasn't forgotten."
He sighed softly, but wasn't about to press the matter. He
knew that Dan'er hadn't said a word about it because she didn't want others to
interfere. A man of his skills could divine and investigate the past quite
easily. However, Emperor Peafowl wasn't that kind of work-making busybody. If
Dan'er didn't want outside help, then she would have to unravel the knot in her
heart on her own. Any external meddling could only end in disaster. The Myriad
Domain had already fallen, and likely the person that Dan'er held in her heart
with it.
Emperor Peafowl shook his head again as the thought arose.
"Am I really getting old, and my heart is softening in my old age?"
He allowed himself a wry, almost self-deprecating smile. With a single movement
of his body, he disappeared into nothingness.
…...
The much-anticipated Peafowl Gathering finally began. All of
the guests were seated in their assigned places, their postures solemn. The
venue for the event was a place sacred in its beauty. There were ponds filled
with lotuses all around and bamboo forests to the side, adorned with exotic
flora and making the scene as if an ethereal realm. All present had their eyes
focused on a single entrance. Emperor Peafowl and the Four Monarchs were about
to appear. Under everyone's gazes, the much-anticipated five strode out.
Jiang Chen's look froze. Emperor Peafowl's clothes were the
exact same as when they'd met that day, and he had the same carefree air.
Everyone stood simultaneously at the appearance of the emperor, as if in
agreement. They saluted in respectful unison. "Greetings to Your Majesty”
"Haha, there's no need to be so formal." Emperor
Peafowl opened both arms, laughing. "This isn't a grand ceremony or
anything, friends. Make yourselves at ease."
The attendees were influenced by the emperor's bright smile,
their own moods improving as well. Evidently, part of the reason for their
presence was to see if His Majesty Peafowl had recovered from the loss of his
disciple. It looked like he had, after all.
"I called everyone here today so we could talk about
recent events. Of course, there's the matter of preparing for Veluriyam
Pagoda's opening as well! How ready do you feel, gentlemen?" Emperor
Peafowl carried himself very jovially. His eyes settled on the Coiling Dragon
clan lord first. "Would you like to talk about it, Coiling Dragon?"
Hastily standing, the Coiling Dragon clan lord disclosed
recent events before introducing the several geniuses from the clan at length.
Afterwards, he pointed at Jiang Chen. "This is Pill King Zhen, a guest
pill king of House Wei. I recall that Your Majesty personally asked him to be
invited."
Smiling, Emperor Peafowl shifted his attention towards the
young man. Maintaining full composure, Jiang Chen returned the gaze with a
cupped fist salute. "Greetings to Your Majesty."
"The pleasure is mine. I hear that you’ve distinguished
yourself in the recent events of the capital. You've done a lot of work for
both House Wei and the Coiling Dragon Clan. I hear that you're an apostle of
the Deviant Pill Faction?"
The question was a customary part of proceedings, and Jiang
Chen knew it to be the case. "My studies in pills have been rather
eclectic, but it is true that I am quite proficient in the teachings of the
Deviant Pill Faction. I've studied their knowledge in particular for many
years."
Emperor Peafowl nodded. "Very good. There are many pill
kings here at the Sacred Peafowl Mountain, but we don't have much expertise
with the Deviant Pill Faction and its teachings. It would be good if we could
exchange knowledge here. You are welcome to come to visit anytime."
"I thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Jiang Chen smiled slightly in thanks.
Nothing further was said. The Emperor moved his gaze towards
the other clans, who reported their situations one by one as well.
After the conclusion of the reporting segment, Emperor
Peafowl chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that everyone is working hard. I've
called our young geniuses here to present a select number of opportunities. Of
course, supplies are limited, and only fortune will dictate the degree of your
benefit. Thus, I've made a few arrangements… geniuses of the clans, are you
ready to face my trials?"
Opportunity? Trial? The young geniuses were flush with excitement. Opportunities given by the emperor… it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
