Chapter 1471: Recruiting Jiang Chen
Emperor Everviolet had once seen Jiang Chen face to face
when at Pillzenith’s side. Both of them vividly remembered that meeting. But
rather than sharing in Pillzenith’s fate after Pillfire’s destruction, he’d
opted to defect to the Order of Wind and Cloud.
Jiang Chen glanced at him. The fellow also cultivated arts
of the eye. The young man didn’t mind having an eye technique showdown.
But now clearly wasn’t the right time.
The young lord chuckled, his stare impassive. “It seems that
the heavens created man, but has nurtured many kinds. Sir, should I call you
Emperor Everviolet, or a protector king of the Wind and Cloud?”
A cold glint shone in Everviolet’s eyes. Jiang Chen’s
derision had struck where it hurt most. The contempt, in particular, was
difficult to endure. He sneered, declaiming in a mystical tone, “One of the
Eight Protector Kings of the Wind and Cloud stands before you. I am crowned
Holy King Shockcloud.”
With a cold smile, Jiang Chen cast a sidelong glance the
great emperor’s way.
The latter mistook his silence for awe, and spoke with even
greater pride and complacency. “Young lord Jiang Chen, I came at my supreme
lord’s behest to proclaim his holy decree.”
“Bullshit!” Coiling Dragon could no longer endure things.
“How dare you be so presumptuous in front of the young lord! Holy decree? Pah!
In Veluriyam, the young lord’s word is the only holy decree there is. What kind
of poppycock is your Order?”
“That’s right, they’re mere upstarts! History is littered
with countless similar sects. The higher they rise, the faster they fall!”
“That’s right. Their love for war will make them sinners
reviled by all of mankind!”
“It looks like reputations are definitely misleading. To
think that one of the wandering titans would stoop so low!”
“Young lord, why waste time on them? Their Order is public
enemy number one. Since they’ve delivered themselves on a silver platter, we
should give them the beating they crave.”
“Right. Since they’d rather be dogs, let’s put them down
like the rabid dogs they are!”
In the outside world, these people would shake in their
boots at the mention of the Order. But here in Veluriyam, they’d found new
sources of borrowed courage. The scattered shouts soon turned into a collective
outcry.
With a faint smile, Jiang Chen looked Everviolet straight in
the eyes. “Do you hear that? Your fellow humans have spurned you for your
actions.”
Everviolet laughed boisterously. “Spurned? To the victor
belongs the spoils. Those hooting the loudest today may be the first ones to
kneel at my feet tomorrow. Flattery and hypocrisy, isn’t that what you people
most excel at?”
His unbridled defiance riled the crowd. Someone of your
status should be ashamed of submitting to the Order. What gives you the balls
to come here strutting?
“Young lord, let’s kill them first. After that, we’ll
exterminate the nefarious Order of Wind and Cloud down to the roots!”
“Right, just say the word!”
Everviolet threw Jiang Chen a lazy glance. “Countries at war
don’t kill their messengers. Jiang Chen, you’re aware of such a basic rule, I
hope?”
The young lord was in fact annoyed as well. But as
Veluriyam’s master, he had to keep his composure. Giving the word would be
easy, but what if he failed to kill them? He’d be a laughingstock.
No matter how brash, Everviolet’s point was hard to refute.
Jiang Chen loathed the man, but the sanctity of a messenger was the most basic
etiquette. In any case, it wouldn’t be too late to kill him another day.
His voice loud and clear, he proclaimed, “Everyone, don’t be
so anxious. We’ll see each and every one of them dead one day, but there will
be many opportunities in the future. Let’s hear what this fellow has to say
first.”
It would be too childish of Everviolet to come just for a
mere show of strength. He had to have another objective.
Everviolet laughed heartily. “Didn’t you hear me? This king
comes carrying the supreme lord’s holy decree. Jiang Chen, our lord heard of
your fame and appreciates your talent. He’s of a mind to give you a chance.
Surrender while there’s still time, and he’ll take you in as his personal
disciple and pass on his peerless arts. This is a once in a lifetime
opportunity!
“By the way, the supreme lord is a mighty empyrean master
with immeasurably deep cultivation. You should feel blessed to have caught his
eye.” Judging by his carefree tone, he was satisfied with his new role and
seemed unapologetic about betraying mankind.
Some of the men behind him were familiar faces, while others
were strangers, but each of them wore a haughty and self-conceited expression.
Jiang Chen laughed in spite of himself. “Empyrean master? I
understand now why his Order’s risen so fast. For people of your status to
submit willingly, he must have made you numerous promises, correct?”
Everviolet replied indifferently, “That’s none of your
business. The supreme lord’s already offering out an olive branch. Grab it if
you know what’s good for you. I would hate to see a young star like you fizzle
out so quickly.”
“Is that so?” Jiang Chen remained impassive. “Everviolet, go
back and tell your master to tuck his tail between his legs and be a good boy.
An empyrean cultivator? I’ll squash him all the same. I’ll let you go this
time, but you better lie low from now on. You’re dead if I ever see you again.”
There was no need to waste time with false courtesy.
The recruitment offer was nothing more than a ploy for
public humiliation. How would a faction not even four years in the making dare
so casually recruit Veluriyam’s master?
It was merely an attempt to strike a blow at Jiang Chen’s
prestige and make the Order appear greater than Veluriyam. But simple and crude
as this scheme was, it sometimes worked wonders.
Everviolet cackled eerily, unsurprised by the reply. “I see
you don’t know what’s good for you.”
Jiang Chen’s tone hardened. “I should be the one saying
this. Everviolet, it’s your last chance to scram! Otherwise, none of you need
to even think about leaving!”
This wasn’t just a threat. His faint yet discernible murderous
intent was a testament to his resolve.
Everviolet had brought many experts and come in with grand
fanfare. But he was on enemy soil. He suddenly realized he’d underestimated the
young man. He flushed red and white. He took in a deep breath after a long
pause and spat out, a vicious fire belching from his eyes, “Good, good. Jiang
Chen, remember your foolish choice today. You’ll pay for it, if you don’t die
first that is!
“Let’s go!” Despite his arrogance, he knew when to retreat.
Staying any further would be pushing the young lord one step too far. If Jiang
Chen were to disregard convention and order them killed in a fit of anger, the
great emperor wasn’t confident he could leave unharmed, no matter how strong
and bold he was.
He’d seen the young man triumph over stronger enemies too
many times to count. More importantly, countless powerhouses was in attendance.
He had no desire to be trapped in such a place.
With a wave of the hand, he and his men left as quickly as
they’d come.
Jiang Chen didn’t give chase. He simply watched their
departing figures with a cold, silent smile.
“Young lord, it’s a pity to let them go so easily!” the
Skysword Sect’s head Han Qianzhan exclaimed. The glint in his eyes betrayed his
long-repressed eagerness for a fight.
“They must have come prepared. We’re bound to suffer
casualties if we attack them without a plan. There’s no need to sacrifice lives
right now.” Jiang Chen’s anger hadn’t clouded his judgment. He glanced around
him. “Gentlemen, I trust you got a taste of the Order’s arrogance. Their wanton
conquests have swept every obstacle in their path. None of you is safe from
them!”
The crowd nodded, their faces grave. All the factions
present could feel the danger breathing down their necks.
“The Order isn’t our only threat. Many hidden dangers lie
ahead of us. Most of you must think the Order is a local tumor. But is their
mysterious supreme lord truly human? Have you thought of that?”
The sudden possibility shook the crowd like a bolt from the
blue.
Not human? Everyone gasped at the thought.
“That can’t be, can it? It’d be too frightening to imagine!”
“Young lord, if not human, where else could he come from?”
Jiang Chen shook his head. “Truthfully, I haven’t seen him
face to face and can’t say for certain either. But human or not, his ambitions
have already pushed mankind to the brink of despair.
“The situation looks peaceful on the surface, but it’s
merely the calm before the storm. The demons have begun to stir. The Boundary
Steles might crack at any moment. Tomorrow, we might wake up to a demon
calamity or an invasion from foreign races. Even as we speak, the Northwestern
Stele is on the verge of breaking. Do any of you know which tribe lives beyond
the northwestern wasteland?”
Staring, the Celestial Cicada Court’s Su Huanzhen cried out
involuntarily, “The Embittered Savage Tribe!”
Ordinary cultivators knew little about the Savages, but most
peak experts who’d come into contact with ancient secrets or records knew what
that name entailed. For mankind, this race was the stuff of nightmares!
Chapter 1472: Alliance Head Chen
Some that knew of the Embittered Savage Tribe colored when
they heard those words. The Boundary Stele of the northwestern wastes was on
the verge of being destroyed! The barbarians were at the gates!
The news was positively astounding.
If those savages were allowed to invade human lands, the
disaster that ensued would be nothing short of genocide. This was no
exaggeration: the Embittered Savage Tribe was a ferocious race, destroying
wherever they went like a plague of locusts. Typically, nothing was left alive
after their devastation, flora and fauna alike.
There was also some unrest amongst the current company. Some
cultivators who hadn’t heard of the race before asked their fellows in hushed
undertones. The others that did explained with somber expressions.
Jiang Chen allowed the whispering to go on for a while until
conversations were largely finished. When everyone knew what the Embittered
Savage Tribe meant, he carried on. “The sudden breaking of Agarwood Valley’s
Boundary Stele and the endangerment of the one in the northwestern wastes…
Perhaps all of you think these are coincidences. I must admit that the
stability of ancient steles isn’t quite as they used to be, but who can say
that there’s no malicious intent in all this?
“Before the Order of Wind and Cloud, I’ve always thought
Agarwood’s stele had weakened partially on its own. That seems somewhat less
plausible these days.”
Su Huanzhen furrowed her slender brows a little. “Young lord
Jiang Chen, do you think that the Order of Wind and Cloud is behind this?”
Jiang Chen didn’t confirm nor deny. “Friends, do you
remember the northern alliance’s attack on Veluriyam Capital a few years ago?”
It had been roughly four years since then. Many sects here
had participated in that attack and was therefore quite familiar it.
“Emperor Pillzenith had fabricated slander wholesale about
my supposed destruction of Boundary Stele. I didn’t care much about his
ridiculous accusations at the time, but I will explain myself today. The
destruction of the stele was the work of three empyrean experts from the
Southern Celestial Tribe, not mine. However, I did do my best to repair them
after they left. Obviously, my work can’t compare to the ancients, and neither
can I guarantee that experts from the Southern Celestial Tribe won’t try their
hand again. The celestial demon lord is another likely candidate too, after he
recovers to peak strength!”
Jiang Chen spoke honestly and plainly, his eyes reflecting
that fact.
“There was another thing regarding the northern alliance:
those imposters pretending to be Emperor Cloudbillow and the others. Where did
they come from, hmm? Do you have an answer in mind now?”
All of the experts looked thoughtful.
“So, the Order of Wind and Cloud’s rise was premeditated
after all?” Su Huanzhen mused. “Their actions only look recent on the surface,
and the Order has had a covert hand in all of these other problems too?”
“Truly, there was mass confusion at the origin of those
imposters. But now, the Order of Wind and Cloud clearly seems to be the
culprit,” Han Tianzhan agreed.
“I must admit that I’ve underestimated them. Back in
Agarwood, I thought no one else other than us human cultivators had gone
inside. Now, it seems that the Order had a handle on events all along! That’s
why they could create the imposters in the first place and use Agarwood’s
details to their advantage. It was a clever provocation of the relations
between Veluriyam and the other factions!” The questions that had puzzled Jiang
Chen for a long time were finally becoming being answered.
He was certain that the Order of Wind and Cloud was behind
all recent events. The people that had been stationed at Agarwood’s entrance
were doubtless still in the Order’s captivity.
Su Huanzhen was solemn. “The Order of Wind and Cloud isn’t
picky about its methods, it seems. That faction’s existence is something very
bad for humanity at large.”
“Yes. Who knows what kind of trouble they will bring us?”
“These bastards! Aren’t they human cultivators as well?
What’s the point of breaking these Boundary Steles? Won’t an alien invasion
trouble them too?”
The cultivators present were uniformly indignant. There was
tremendous displeasure at the Order of Wind and Cloud’s actions. This was a
grand matter of right and wrong, one that concerned the survival of humanity.
“Young lord Jiang Chen, we can’t let the Order of Wind and
Cloud do as they wish any more! They’re utterly ruthless!”
“That’s right, we must band together!”
“Veluriyam Capital is the leader of the human race. We are
all willing to fight to the death under your command!”
“Exactly. If not for us, then for our descendants! The Order
of Wind and Cloud is going against the natural order. The human domain will be
dragged into the abyss sooner or later!”
“Please give us orders, young lord Jiang Chen!”
All the sects and factions expressed their willingness to
comply after hearing Jiang Chen’s explanation.
“Young lord Jiang Chen,” Han Tianzhan proclaimed, “only
Veluriyam Capital has the right to don the mantle of leadership for the whole
of the human domain. Please, don’t be too modest.”
Su Huanzhen nodded as well. “If Emperor Peafowl were here,
he would shoulder this heavy responsibility as his own.”
“The people expect your leadership, young lord Jiang Chen,”
the Ninesuns Sky Sect’s Shangguan Yanqing chimed in. “Ninesuns is at your
command.”
“The Moon God Sect is willing to listen to the young lord’s
orders.” Though the sect had only sent a representative here today, its
attitude was nevertheless conveyed firmly.
The heads of the Sublime Chord Temple and the Empyrean River
Palace traded a look. They were internally conflicted, but the present circumstances
were clear. Either they listened to Veluriyam Capital and accepted Jiang Chen
as the leader of the human alliance, or they joined the Order of Wind and Cloud
as its dogs.
After weighing the two, they preferred the former. The Order
of Wind and Cloud had wind in its sails, but it was too brutal and heartless
for their tastes.
If they joined the Order, they would gain a bad reputation
as inconstant subordinates without being assigned much value by their new
leader. They wouldn’t necessarily even be able to keep their own sect’s
heritage – consolidation into the larger Order was quite possible.
At least the sects in Jiang Chen’s alliance were given
sufficient independence. It was just a loose coalition. After some
consideration, the sect heads for the Temple and Palace made their stances
clear too.
“We welcome young lord Jiang Chen as the leader of the
alliance in the unified front against the Order of Wind and Cloud!”
“May our alliance be sealed with an oath of blood,
persisting unto death!” These two sects suggested a blood oath in order to
prove their resolve. An oath like that was no joke. When broken, they typically
resulted in well, rather bloody consequences.
The first rank sects having made their positions known, the
second and third rank sects had no issues following suit. They could only
survive in these trying times by depending on their stronger peers.
It was difficult to succeed in the pursuit of self-preservation
in the current scene. There was mass concurrence at the suggestion. Veluriyam
Capital was unquestionably selected as the leading faction of the alliance and
Jiang Chen as its leader.
The young man saw no reason to refuse. He understood very well
that no one else was suited if he didn’t step up. His position required much
more than cultivation level. It needed both reputation and overwhelming backing
from one’s faction. He fulfilled both requirements.
As the author and prime mover of many earth-shattering
events over the past few years, he’d never lacked in prestige. Any individual
deed would have qualified him in this respect. As for the strength of his
faction, Veluriyam was naturally the strongest in the lands after Pillfire’s
downfall.
Even if Emperor Peafowl were to come back this very day, he
wouldn’t necessarily be as well supported as Jiang Chen was currently.
“Alliance Head Jiang Chen, Alliance Head Jiang Chen!”
“Please make a speech, Alliance Head Jiang Chen!”
“Yes, yes, say a few words at this momentous time!”
The crowd’s excitement was tangible. There had been a lot of
excitement at the prospect of forming an alliance. The existence of an alliance
meant that each individual faction now had many allies to rely on, and no attack
to any one member would have to be weathered alone.
The Ninesuns Sky Sect was the happiest of all. It was the
sect most threatened by the Order of Wind and Cloud right now.
Jiang Chen didn’t shirk his responsibilities.
“Alright, then,” he nodded, “I’ll add a few words. Today’s
alliance is not a joke. I don’t really care about my status as a leader of some
alliance. The only thing I will emphasize is that everyone should figure out
for themselves why we’re forming this alliance in the first place. This
alliance was not formed solely to take on the Order of Wind and Cloud! We must
also take on any future dangers to the human domain head on.
“Now that we are joined together in an alliance, we must
consider whether we can truly act for the public good. It’s natural for humans
to be selfish, but the alliance may force us to make some painful sacrifices on
our own and our sect’s behalf. Can everyone manage that kind of selflessness?”
This was key to the success of the alliance. If the alliance
was all form and no substance, there was no point to having it.
It didn’t demand unconditional giving, but neither could it
tolerate any penny-pinching behavior. The alliance was instituted for
humanity’s sake, and sacrifices sometimes had to be made for the greater good.
The inability for the alliance’s members to make those sacrifices was Jiang
Chen’s primary concern.
Han Tianzhan was the first to speak. “The Skysword Sect
won’t boast too much, but we’ll send out as much money and manpower as we can!
Whenever and wherever that may be needed. We won’t hold anyone else back!”
The Great Yu Skysword Sect seemed more and more like the
pinnacle of first rank sects by the day.
The Heavenly Dragon Sect had surrendered and the Ninesuns
Sky Sect was in grave danger. Because the Skysword Sect had the best
relationship with Veluriyam among the three strongest first rank sects, it had
also received the most benefits. The sect’s development in recent years had
proceeded the quickest, giving it an edge in both strength and status.
Chapter 1473: What Is Empty Will Be Replenished, What Is
Substantial Shall Be Lacking
The Skysword Sect’s proclamation was very convincing.
Su Huanzhen agreed in earnest. “Though the Celestial Cicada
Court has many women, there is no reason we should do any worse than our fellow
male members of the alliance. We know as well as anyone that when a land
suffers, so too does all its people. It’s all our duty to defend humanity!”
Her words moved all the other sects. When a land suffers, so
does its people!
These words hit everyone head on. If the land suffered, how
could any singular resident truly remain separate?
It was a simple principle in hindsight.
The Order of Wind and Cloud clearly wanted to subjugate all
of the human domain. Every sect and faction either existed under its banner, or
not at all. Furthermore, its ambitions weren’t limited to the human domain. Its
hand in the destruction of the Boundary Steles were a blatant sign of its true
intentions.
This was where the suspicion about the supreme lord’s race
had come from. It was common opinion that something like that didn’t seem quite
possible from a normal human. No matter how ambitious a man was, he would never
toy with the safety of his own race like that.
Opening up the Boundary Stele realms offered paramount glory
or absolute destruction. If the head of the Order was capable of any rational
thought, there was no way he wouldn’t have thought of that. Still, he had
proceeded against all opposition.
This threw his true identity and race into great doubt. This
was the primary reason why Jiang Chen considered it unlikely for the supreme
lord not to be a human hermit.
A human hermit wouldn’t ignore humanity’s fortunes so
brazenly.
Well, there were some who reached a certain point where
their loved ones died due to the passage of time. Because of this, they tended
to become unusually cold and impassive. Their actions also became callous and
unfettered. However, most never reached absolute nihilism.
All of the first rank sects expressed their willingness to
pursue altruism for the sake of the greater good. Jiang Chen found no problem
with them in terms of attitude.
“Young lord, now that our alliance has formed, is it time to
raise an army and attack the Order of Wind and Cloud?”
“That’s right, the Order has been too overbearing recently!
It needs a harsh lesson.”
“If they’re allowed to go on like this, the entire human
domain will be stirred up!”
Recently, the Order of Wind and Cloud had indeed been too
tyrannical. It was making ready to attack the Ninesuns Sky Sect while also
sending out letters to almost every sect demanding their surrender.
Everyone was unmentionably wary of the Order of Wind and
Cloud. One or two sects couldn’t take it on individually, but now that everyone
was in an alliance, wasn’t this the best time to do so?
All expectant eyes trained upon Jiang Chen, waiting for him
to speak.
He mused for a while before responding. “The Order of Wind
and Cloud must be punished for its misdeeds. Unfortunately, it’s too mysterious
right now. We have almost no understanding of its methods and capabilities. If
we attack now, we might walk right into a trap.”
He wasn’t afraid of the Order. No faction in the human
domain could cow him. However, he was also long past the age to be hot-blooded.
Why was the Order of Wind and Cloud so overbearing and
arrogant? Didn’t they know that that kind of attitude would draw public ire?
But it acted with wanton disregard on that issue, never
making an attempt to hide its insolence. It seemed that the Order of Wind and
Cloud was unafraid of consequences from other factions. That meant it must have
some kind of backing.
It was potentially their own tactic, done to provoke the
other factions.
Because Jiang Chen had been chosen as the alliance leader,
he couldn’t think as simply as the rest. He needed to be steady for now. Any
rash decision he made would affect the human domain and race as a whole, and
potential the fortunes of the entire human race.
“Everyone, have some patience!” Su Huanzhen exclaimed. “I
think young lord Jiang Chen has a point. Victory can only come after knowing
one’s enemy. How much do we really know about the Order of Wind and Cloud? If
not for Emperor Everviolet’s boasting, we wouldn’t even have known that their
supreme lord was an empyrean expert.”
It was true. The Order of Wind and Cloud’s rise had been
meteoric and common knowledge about it sparse.
“Young lord Jiang Chen, we’re all ears. Our entire sect will
be mobilized against the Order of the Wind and Cloud whenever you give the
word!”
“Yes, we will defer to you in all things.”
“There’s too many here,” Jiang Chen smiled, “so we can’t
make a battle plan right away. Otherwise, word might immediately get to the
Order. Even if we are going to attack right away, the bigger sects will need to
discuss the matter first to figure out the gist of our strategy.”
In the world of martial dao, it was rare to mobilize a horde
of troops like one might in wars between ordinary kingdoms.
“Let’s wait and see before the strategy is drafted.”
……
Emperor Everviolet was gone as quick as he’d come. After he
left Veluriyam’s territory, he grabbed a message glyph from the air. He grinned
oddly when he saw what it contained. “An alliance? Absurd!”
There was disdain in his tone.
“Still, I’m surprised that Jiang Chen was able to maintain
calm despite his youth. He didn’t order an attack on us straight away. Even
though we’re putting so much pressure on him, he didn’t use the formation of
the alliance as an impetus… an astute leader, it seems.”
Emperor Everviolet’s entourage returned very quickly to the
Order’s headquarters in Unbounded Mid Region.
“Supreme Lord, that Jiang Chen brat doesn’t know what’s good
for him. He publicly refused your invitation, and insulted us several times
besides!” Emperor Everviolet had never held Jiang Chen to be in high regard. He
was adding as much fuel to the fire as he could.
But Jiang Chen’s refusal didn’t defy the supreme lord’s
expectations. After hearing Everviolet’s recounting, he nodded a little in
reply.
“Protector King Shockcloud, you represented the Order of
Wind and Cloud well on your trip. Good job.”
Protector King Shockcloud was Emperor Everviolet’s title; he
was slightly surprised that the supreme lord had no admonishment. Instead, it
almost seemed that he had expected all of this.
“Supreme Lord, shouldn’t we teach that kid a lesson for his
rudeness?” Everviolet was one to hold a grudge. He felt deeply wounded by Jiang
Chen’s disrespect.
“We have plenty of time to teach him a lesson in the future.
Emotions will only make the whole plan go awry.” The supreme lord spoke with
meaning and depth. A strange smile playing at the corner of his mouth, he
turned to another. “Protector King Stormwind, how are things in the
northwestern wastes going?”
Stormwind was a big man with a covering over his face.
“Supreme Lord,” he stepped forth respectfully. “The foundations of the Boundary
Steles in the northwest have been shaken. If the Embittered Savage Tribe senses
the wavering, and if they’re still as bloodthirsty as they once were, then they
should smell the blood in the water.”
The supreme lord flashed a pleased smile when he heard this.
“Good, very good!” he clapped. “Don’t worry about the Embittered Savage Tribe’s
senses! They’re sharks and desert wolves. They naturally lust for blood, and their
instinct for bloodshed is almost supernatural.”
“You are very wise, Supreme Lord,” bowed Stormwind.
“However, I’m still a bit worried. It’s been far too many years since ancient
times. Can a race like the Embittered Savage Tribe really last until now, given
how starved they were for resources? Even if they still exist, can they fight
as fiercely as their ancestors did?”
Most people’s first impression of the Embittered Savage
Tribe was their poverty and starvation. How could a race survive under those
incredibly adverse circumstances for such a long time?
“Don’t worry. You don’t know the nature of the Embittered
Savage Tribe. Perhaps a comfortable life would wear away their fighting spirit
and dull their senses. Theirs are only honed under the razor of adversity. They
are like that down to their bone. Therefore, I’m almost certain that the
Embittered Savage Tribe is ravenous for battle.”
The supreme lord had a natural charisma that inspired trust
from others. It was difficult for anyone to question his authority.
“What do we do next, Supreme Lord?”
“Everyone is ready to attack the Ninesuns Sky Sect, Supreme
Lord!”
The supreme lord smiled once more, his expression full of
wisdom.
“We shall practice deception in this campaign. Hold off on
the attack on Ninesuns for now.” The supreme lord’s words greatly took everyone
aback.
The seventy-two elders in reserve weren’t even qualified to
attend the meeting today. It was a very high-level affair.
That the supreme lord would say something so astonishing
floored everyone. Hadn’t they spent all this time preparing solely to take down
the Ninesuns Sky Sect? So that they would have two first rank sects beneath
their heels?
This was what the supreme lord had led them to think. And so
the announcement to refrain from attacking Ninesuns was quite unexpected.
“Supreme Lord, are we attacking another sect? The Moon God
Sect instead, maybe?”
The Moon God Sect was located in the northwest. If they went
through former Heavenly Dragon territory, it wouldn’t be a long way there; west
and northwest weren’t too far apart.
Going from the Heavenly Dragon Sect to the Moon God Sect was
drastically different from starting out from Veluriyam. The former was more
advantageous in several ways.
The supreme lord smiled, but said nothing.
“Not the Moon God Sect? It must be the Empyrean River Palace
or Sublime Chord Temple then. I think the Palace is a bit far though.”
“Your guesses are too far off. Maybe the supreme lord wants
to go for the Veluriyam Capital directly?” Someone ventured something more
daring.
Chapter 1474: The Mysterious Protector King Scourcloud
An awe-inspiring aura exuded from the mysterious supreme
lord’s every word, giving one the feeling of looking up to a towering mountain.
Even great figures like Everviolet couldn’t fathom his meaning.
Instead of explaining himself, the supreme lord ordered,
“Attend to me, Ardentwind, Gentlewind.”
“At your order!”
“Take four Celestial Stars, eight Earth Fiends, and a group
of skilled disciples to the Celestial Cicada Court. Pretend you’re doing so
covertly, but make sure you’re discovered. Make them think you’re going to
attack.”
“But should we really attack or not?” Ardentwind needed
exact clarification.
“Don’t. Simply surround them and create some panic.”
“Shockcloud, Howlcloud, attend,” the supreme lord commanded
once more. “Take eight Celestial Stars, sixteen Earthly Fiends, and twice as
many disciples. Your destination is the Ninesuns Sky Sect. Likewise encircle
them but don’t attack.”
Encircle but don’t attack?
A disgruntled Everviolet protested, “Supreme Lord, I
guarantee I can overwhelm the Ninesuns Sky Sect with so many men!”
Two kings, eight Celestial Stars, and sixteen Earthly Fiends
was indeed an overwhelming force.
The supreme lord’s face darkened. “Shockcloud, are you
questioning me?”
Everviolet shivered at the chill in the supreme lord’s tone.
Cold sweat trickled down his back. He’d just returned from Veluriyam and hadn’t
been reprimanded despite his failure to recruit Jiang Chen. The relief had made
him forget himself.
The warning made him realize how impetuous he’d been.
Questioning the supreme lord’s order? Wasn’t that suicide?
“I dare not. Your subordinate will obey your holy decree.”
Everviolet had obviously suffered a great deal at the supreme lord’s hands, or
else he wouldn’t have remained so loyally docile after the rebuke.
“Protector Kings Stormwind and Galewind, continue observing
the Moon God Sect. Hmph, trying to hold back impending disaster and repair the
Stele? That trivial sect truly doesn’t know its place!”
The derision in his voice made clear how little he thought
of the Moon God Sect trying to bite off more than they could chew. Jiang Chen
was the only one he feared. No one else was worth his attention in the entire
human domain. The Moon God Sect, Skysword Sect... none of these first rank
sects were a threat. Right now, all his plans were directed at Veluriyam and
its young lord!
“The others are to stay in the headquarters and remain
available for future missions.” The supreme lord dismissed the gathering after
this last order.
Those assigned a task went back to prepare before setting
off. The others remained within the sect. No one dared leave without
permission. The Order of Wind and Cloud was a young faction, but its discipline
was unusually strict. Despite their status, even protector kings didn’t dare
violate the rules.
Inside a certain palace, a cultivator sat, back not long ago
from the gathering. He wasn’t among those sent off on a mission. His attire
impressively marked him as one of the eight lords, titled Protector King
Scourcloud.
His origins were mysterious. Some said he had been a
wandering cultivator once, but even a wandering titan like Everviolet had never
heard of him.
As a fellow protector king, Everviolet had previously
attempted to rope the other to his side.
There was no clear-cut ranking among the eight lords. But
inside the Order, it was public knowledge the eight lords were split into two
camps, Wind and Cloud, either of which had its own leader.
Ardentwind headed the Wind camp, while the Cloud camp’s
leader was none other than Shockcloud, also known as Everviolet. For that
reason, the latter naturally wanted for all four Cloud kings to be united. But
Scourcloud had continuously turned a blind eye to his hints.
Like a woman scorned, hell hath no fury like Everviolet
scorned. He couldn’t rein in his anger at his gestures of goodwill being
rejected. So he’d resorted to force and underhanded tactics.
But throughout it all, he realized that he couldn’t gain any
ground. His opponent matched him move for move. He’d even felt vaguely
powerless. His instincts told him that, in a real all-out battle, his life
would be at risk.
This experience had taught him to keep a respectful
distance. He became mindful of staying amiable and not offending his fellow protector
king if possible.
As time went on, most people had also come to realize the
taciturn Scourcloud was a fierce character not to be trifled with, despite
always keeping a low-profile.
As a man neither Ardentwind nor Shockcloud could order
around, Scourcloud was an independent entity unto himself. He obeyed only the
supreme lord, and no one else dared provoke him. The supreme lord also seemed
to admire him very much and didn’t even bother him for small errands.
As Scourcloud sat there, a profound glint flashed in the
depth of his eyes.
“The supreme lord is as mysterious as ever. What’s his
objective this time? A diversion? To confuse the enemy? Or does he have some
other agenda?”
Many questions whirled in his mind.
“He’s pulling out all stops before he reaches his goal. He
doesn’t even think twice about damaging the Boundary Steles. How can he be a
secluded human empyrean master? He’s roped in the protector kings with the
possibility of breaking through to empyrean realm. But even now, it’s
impossible to see if that’s true or not.”
Scourcloud had been one of the first to join the order. He’d
coolly observed everything from the sidelines. But to his surprise, he still
couldn’t unravel the core of the Order after so many years.
The Order had grown year after year, expanding at a speed
defying imagination. More and more experts had swollen its ranks, especially
wandering cultivators. Much of the latter were given to blind obedience.
They were attracted by the Order’s aura or had come to abhor
their wandering lives. The sect’s ambition and unstoppable momentum resonated
with them. They felt that they’d finally found their rightful home. Thus,
wandering cultivators had been the basis of the Order’s expansion.
In fact, wanderers made up the bulk of the cultivation
world. Sects were strong, but their numbers were limited. Moreover, few great
sect members would choose to defect, unless the Order destroyed their former
sect. Thanks to this almost savage growth, the Order’s power had inflated
explosively!
Lost in thought, Scourcloud suddenly received notice of
someone paying a call.
“You again?” To his surprise, the one he saw outside once
he’d lifted his residence’s restrictions was Everviolet.
The latter smiled insincerely. “Daoist Scourcloud, I’m
envious of your good life but also sympathize with you. The supreme lord is so
fond of you that he’s reluctant to send you away on missions, whether big or
small. As to myself, I’m sadly destined to be a beast of burden. I’ve barely
returned from Veluriyam before I have to leave again for the Ninesuns Sky
Sect.”
Scourcloud said indifferently, “So why are you here
blabbering instead of following the supreme lord’s holy decree?”
Everviolet stretched lazily, a mischievous smile on his
lips. “I will of course carry out my mission without fail. But why should I be
worried? I won’t even need to fight, I just need to scare them.”
“Are you telling me all this just so I can repeat it to the
supreme lord?” Scourcloud turned frosty.
“Haha, give me some credit. I know you’re not that type of
man.” Everviolet laughed as if it were a joke.
Scourcloud scrunched his face imperceptibly at his visitor’s
shenanigans. He wasn’t duped at all. Would someone who’d once ranked among the
three strongest wandering titans clown around? Of course not.
Annoyance welled once again in Everviolet. Thankfully, he
was already accustomed to Scourcloud’s standoffish character. He chuckled.
“Hehe, fellow daoist, let me be frank. I really wonder if you’re a wandering
cultivator as you say. I used to be someone in the wandering world and knew
everyone, especially the elites, but I’ve never heard of someone like you.”
“So? There are many things you’ve never heard of. Are you
going to investigate them all one by one?” Scourcloud wouldn’t have any of it.
“Why do you reject me? I genuinely want to be your friend.
It’s hard to get close to you when you’re so aloof.”
Scourcloud smiled coldly. “We have little in common. There’s
no reason for us to become close.”
“Little in common? Don’t we both serve the supreme lord?”
Everviolet took exception at his words.
Scourcloud remained silent, refusing to explain.
Like a dog trying to bite a hedgehog, Everviolet didn’t even
know where to begin with the man.
“Fellow daoist, do you perhaps disapprove of the supreme
lord’s actions?” These were treasonous words!
Scourcloud remained indifferent to Everviolet’s sinister
goading. “You seem fond of your own voice, so just talk to yourself. I won’t be
wasting time with you any further.”
Everviolet seethed with rage. He’d come to rope in the man
once again, but as always, he seemed to be talking to a brick wall.
Chapter 1475: Doubts And Suspicions Swirl
Everviolet would have lost his temper at Scourcloud’s
attitude and exploded in a pitched battle if they weren’t currently within the
headquarters.
But sadly, they were, so he reined in his anger and didn’t
blow his top. In any case, he might have once again come out the worse for wear
in a battle. Not because of the fighting, but because he had no justification
for taking action.
The Order forbade internal fighting and he was in
Scourcloud’s residence. Trespassing on someone else’s house? The fault would be
entirely his if a dispute were to erupt.
Everviolet kept a tight hold on his anger and stomped away
in a huff.
Scourcloud watched the departing figure, as cool as ever to
Everviolet’s moods. Everviolet was a leader of the wandering cultivators, yet
he’s so unwavering in his submission to the supreme lord. Has humanity’s
fortunes truly fallen so low?
This mysterious protector king had his own bottom line.
Unlike his peer, he didn’t drift with the waves, blindly following orders and
committing distasteful acts. He even wondered whether the supreme lord was wary
of him, or truly valued him too much to send him on small errands.
“A fake siege on the Ninesuns Skysect on one side, another
fake siege on the Celestial Cicada Court on the other. What can he be up to?
“Perhaps he’s gotten word from the assembly that the grand
alliance is aimed at him. Perhaps he knows the Ninesuns Sky Sect will be a hard
bone to pick with Veluriyam’s backing. Is that why he’s revised his plans? Or
does he have something else in mind? Are the pretend attacks simple
diversions?”
When it came to the supreme lord, Scourcloud’s bold guesses
were as good as anyone else’s. Common sense didn’t apply to the man. There was
surely a mad scheme behind these actions.
“He still doesn’t fully trust his protector kings, even if
all of them have taken his Exultation Pill of Wind and Order.”
The pill was one of the ways the supreme lord controlled his
protector kings. It enhanced their cultivation, but it also contained a unique
poison that would be lethal without regular doses of antidote.
It was a very cruel, even insidious move. But it was common
practice for the supreme lord. Bluntly put, one had to follow his rules if one
wanted to enjoy the benefits he provided. Otherwise, one wasn’t even qualified
to join his faction.
In fact, such behavior was understandable from a man in his
position. What ruler didn’t wish for obedient, untroublesome subjects?
Not to mention that these were subordinates he’d taken in
along the way. There was naturally a clear difference in loyalty compared to
the firm bonds between genuine sect peers. So he indeed required the Exultation
Pill.
Scourcloud felt restless. Though a member of the Order, he
didn’t approve of its actions. Destroying the Boundary Steles in particular,
went against his beliefs. He’d voiced his opposition many times.
Alas, the supreme lord had been determined to see it
through, remaining impervious to the protector king’s urgings. Moreover, he’d
been the only one among all eight kings to have stood firm in his opposition. A
couple others had been doubtful, but they’d quickly given in to the supreme
lord’s resolve and had firmly supported the decision instead.
Perhaps herein lay the reason why the supreme lord had never
sent him on missions. If not for his outstanding cultivation, he might already
have been stripped of his title of protector king.
I wonder if Veluriyam Capital already knows about the
northwest? The faction’s young lord Jiang Chen was now the only one who could
reverse the situation. How I might send him word of this development?
Scourcloud had become unnerved by the supreme lord’s
inscrutable plans. Worry and confusion were growing inside his heart.
“The Exultation Pill will flare up sooner or later if I
leave. I don’t mind dying, but my death should at least be meaningful. I’ve
stayed here for so many years, but I haven’t unearthed any secrets yet. What a
waste of four years spent in painful isolation!”
He gently stroked his disguised face, slowly removing the
mask. Inside the mirror, a horrifying face leered back at him. A cold, firm
smile appeared on his lips. “I even changed my martial path and disfigured
myself. Wouldn’t it be laughable if I had nothing to show for it?”
As it turned out, the protector king’s heart didn’t belong
to the Order.
Everyone had to use their true guise in order to attain the
status of a protector king. His unwavering resolve and courage to conceal his
own and resort to self-mutilation was something that not everyone could do.
The supreme lord hadn’t imposed such a harsh requirement on
the lower ranked Celestial Stars and Earthly Fiends. But the stricter scrutiny
was mere common sense. After all, protector kings were involved with the
highest level of decision-making.
……
Veluriyam Capital.
“Young lord, we’ve found a group of men skulking their way
towards the Celestial Cicada Court. They’re aiming for the sect’s rear.”
“Young lord, followers of the Order are gathering inside the
Ninesuns Sky Sect’s borders as if readying for a siege. They’re commanded by
Emperor Everviolet.”
“Young lord, the Moon God Sect has proof the Order is behind
the northwestern troubles. They await your decision!”
Bits of intelligence filtered to Jiang Chen one after
another. He’d done his level best to filter out fake information over the past
few days. Yet, many happenings still reached his ears, each more pressing than
the last.
“Surrounding the Celestial Cicada Court’s rear?” Jiang Chen
frowned. The Court was Su Huanzhen’s sect, Veluriyam’s close companion and its
staunchest ally. With the Court’s main force still in Veluriyam, a sudden
attack might spell untold damage, harming all of the sect’s fortunes.
“What is the Order up to now?” he puzzled.
Sounding east to strike west instead?
But where was east and where was west? Who was the Order’s
real goal?
It was impossible to tell with the information at his
disposal. The Celestial Cicada Court seemed the least likely target. But in
war, nothing could be ruled out. Perhaps this least likely target was precisely
the Order’s next goal.
“This supreme lord is a master tactician. We’re like puppets
dancing in his palm.”
Jiang Chen was a tad irked. In so many years in the the
human domain, even his most fearsome opponent Pillzenith had never backed him
so tightly into a corner.
With so many allies, a direct assault on the Order seemed
the best choice.
Yet, in the depths of his mind, there was a voice telling
him this wasn’t a wise choice.
By the time his forces reached his target, the Order might
have already vacated the premises, turning around to attack Veluriyam instead
or a first rank sect. The alliance might find its ancestral homes under siege.
Anything was possible.
Meanwhile, the Order clearly had little attachment to the
Unbounded Region. It was merely a temporary springboard for them. If they could
truly invade Veluriyam or a first rank sect, would they be hurting for another
land to occupy?
Even the Heavenly Dragon Sect’s domain was vastly superior
to their current location. This was the sorest issue for Jiang Chen.
The Order was young yet and unweighed down by baggage,
affording them greater flexibility. They could abandon the Unbounded Range at
the drop of a hat. However, not even the lowest third rank sect in the alliance
could abandon its home. Away from their roots, they would wither and die.
“Young lord, this supreme lord seems to be reading our
actions like an open book!” Emperor Wellspring voiced his doubts.
Jiang Chen blinked. “What do you mean?”
“They seem aware that we’ve decided to bide our time for
now. That’s why they’re sending their troops everywhere and putting us under
pressure. There must be moles inside our alliance.”
Jiang Chen had also come to this conclusion. It was
impossible to prevent spies in such a large gathering.
Many wandering powerhouses had attended the grand assembly.
Moreover, no one could guarantee the Order hadn’t infiltrated one sect or
another.
“Old Brother Hui, the Order is crafty and cunning . All of
their troop movements are decoys. They must be forcing us to spread ourselves
thin so they can take us down on all sides.”
Jiang Chen had his own guesses as to the supreme lord’s
plans.
Emperor Wellspring muttered, “It’s a real possibility. Or
perhaps they have a main target in mind, while everything else is a
smokescreen?”
A main target?
That was the most troublesome part. Which was the main
target? No matter which sect it was, if they couldn’t react in time, it would
invariably weaken such a freshly born alliance.
Chapter 1476: Sir Xiahou
The Order of Wind and Cloud’s erratic movements were a
source of restlessness for Jiang Chen. Even if he wanted to settle the score
immediately, it was doubtful the Order would comply with that intention.
They willing to resort to as much underhandedness as
possible, and to do some truly disgusting things. An opponent like this was
much harder to handle than an exasperated Pillfire City had been.
……
The supreme lord’s residence within the Order’s headquarters
was a mysterious and shrouded place. Even the eight protector kings weren’t
permitted to approach without a summons.
Within the residence, two figures flanked the supreme lord
like twin shadows. Their posture signified utmost respect to their dear leader.
“Elder Peng, Elder Mo, you two have been with me for a long
time. There’s no need for such formalities.” The supreme lord waved a hand
dismissively.
These two old men were the experts most intimate to the
lord. Barely anyone else even knew they existed at all. In fact, Peng and Mo
were the most capable of his subordinates – and the most trustworthy, of
course. He held these two in much higher esteem than the eight protector kings.
The protector kings were largely people that he’d managed to
gather from various places in the human domain. They were natives of the place.
These two on the other hand, had always been his retainers.
“Seventh Master, we assist you at the house’s orders. You
are our master and we must reflect that in our attitude toward you. We dare not
overstep our bounds.” The speaker was the slightly chubbier Elder Peng.
Beside him, Elder Mo was a thinner, darker-skinned man who
nodded in agreement. He seemed naturally averse to talking much. The ‘seventh
master’ on their tongue was none other than the Order of Wind and Cloud’s
supreme lord.
“Elder Peng, you’ve spied everywhere in the human domain
these days. You should have enough information by now, yes? Do you have any
clues?” The supreme lord looked toward the bigger subordinate.
“I’ve found out a lot, yes,” Elder Peng responded quickly.
“As a whole, the human domain is the weakest it’s ever been since the ancient
times. Still, its weakness is superficial to a degree. There’s a group of
empyrean experts hidden within the human domain, though they habitually feign
death through hibernation. The mainstream view here is that peak great emperor
is the strongest one can be. Most cultivators believe that no empyrean experts
exist in the human domain.
“Of course, it’s hard to say they’re wrong. Not many
empyrean experts exist anymore at all, and the ones that do don’t care about
human affairs. One could say there’s little difference between the two.”
The supreme lord nodded slightly. “The human domain has
fallen so low. Not even a tenth of the ancient spirit veins remain as they once
were. It is wise for the empyrean experts not to show themselves, because they
will only accelerate their deaths if they do.”
“Haha, waiting won’t make much of a difference in their
inevitable fates either. They’re only fooling themselves! They’ll die sooner or
later. If the human domain’s spirit veins can’t recover to their old states,
they’ll only slowly wither away in their faltering dreams.” Elder Peng’s tone
held a hint of mockery. Clearly, he didn’t hold the hidden empyrean experts of
the human domain in high regard.
“Nevertheless, their attitude is understandable.” The
supreme lord inclined his head. “It’s good for us that they’re not willing to
move out. That’s one less potential obstacle to our plans.”
“Seventh master, we can scoff at these people, but we can’t
ignore them. If they realize our goal, they might mobilize like mad dogs
against us. Our best choice is to keep our true intentions from them.”
The supreme lord thought about this for a few moments, then
assented. “You’re right. We can’t reveal our goal. Instead, we must hasten its
completion. When other factions from Myriad Abyss shrug off the taboo and surge
in, House Xiahou’s advantage will not be as pronounced. Currently, House Xiahou
is ahead of everyone else in our return to the human domain.”
The supreme lord of the Order of Wind and Cloud was the
seventh master of Myriad Abyss Island’s House Xiahou. If Jiang Chen were
present, he would have noticed instantly that the Order belonged to Huang’er’s
worst enemy.
Of course, this seventh master wasn’t the house’s most core
disciple – ergo, not the one that was supposed to have Huang’er as his
cultivation vessel. However, the fact that he was of the same house was reason
enough to oppose him.
The seventh master of House Xiahou had snuck into the human
domain using a variety of arts, bringing a small retinue with him. Just as
Elder Shun had slipped into the human domain with Huang’er all those years ago,
House Xiahou’s seventh master had necessitated the same kind of secrecy.
There was a taboo imposed on the entirety of Myriad Abyss
Island, forbidding anyone to return to the human domain without express
permission. It had once been very strict. Because it had been almost two
hundred thousand years since the ancient era, it was slowly being forgotten.
It was said that when the taboo had first been announced, an
oath had been sworn that two hundred thousand years needed to pass before its
reconsideration was possible. This meant that Myriad Abyss Island’s forebears
had the foresight to realize that things wouldn’t change very much in the two
hundred thousand years in their future.
Past that, things were much more uncertain.
Regardless, the taboo wasn’t yet removed at present time.
Though there were many loud voices clamoring for its removal, anyone that
returned to the human domain from Myriad Abyss Island before it was actually
removed infringed upon the rules.
This was also the reason for Elder Shun’s excessively harsh
punishment upon his return to his homeland, quite a few years back.
Obviously, the passage of time meant that the taboo had
little actual force. The difference was in how people chose to enforce it.
If a group gathered together to make a big deal of itt, the
taboo could be the basis to dole out trouble. If there wasn’t anyone that cared
much about it however, the taboo was a superb tool for personal gain.
House Xiahou had a clear upper hand thanks to their
precedence. Perhaps they’d been inspired by Elder Shun and Xi’s trips to the
human domain.
“Seventh Master,” Elder Peng remarked seriously, “we can’t
reveal our identities yet right now no matter what. House Xiahou can’t give its
enemies ammunition back on Myriad Abyss Island.”
The supreme lord nodded in agreement, then laughed. “Didn’t
you say you would investigate the young lord of Veluriyam Capital last time,
Elder Peng? Do you have any results yet?”
The question piqued Elder Peng’s passion. “He’s not a simple
kid! I went out of my way to gather up every little tidbit about this kid’s
rise. His path from a commoner to greatness would be remarkable even in back
home.
“He started out as the son of some duke of a mundane
kingdom. Who knows what kind of amazing insight he’d received to become the
leader of the human domain! Apparently, he cured that chit from House Yan of
her poison.”
The elder related Jiang Chen’s exploits with a great deal of
interest.
“Heheh, he’s certainly brave to touch third brother’s chosen
woman. I guess she wouldn’t have been of much use to him anyway if her poison
hadn’t been cured, so he’s done something helpful in that regard. Still… after
touching third brother’s woman, his life is as good as over!”
Elder Peng widened his eyes. “Seventh master, you’re going
to move against Jiang Chen?”
“I might as well do third brother a favor. Nothing wrong
with that, eh? No matter how he cured that chit from House Yan, he’s punishable
by death for even nominally associating himself with a woman chosen by House
Xiahou.” The supreme lord responded, rather matter-of-factly. He radiated a
kind of aloofness that reflected House Xiahou’s self-styled supremacy.
“He’s pretty capable,” Elder Peng smiled. “The Order isn’t
well established yet, and we have a long way to go before we can find what
we’re looking for. It doesn’t seem like a good use of resources to spend our
time and energy on fighting Jiang Chen.”
“Inappropriate.” The silent Elder Mo finally proffered a
single word.
“What’s so inappropriate about it?” The supreme lord frowned
a little.
“Cart before horse.” Three more words were all that the
elder was willing to part with.
Elder Peng elaborated helpfully. “Seventh Master, we have
all the time in the world to do battle against Jiang Chen later. Right now, our
foremost goal should be to complete the house’s task of excavating the human
domain’s ancient sites. We must find the heavenly secret orders that pertain to
a primordial secret. That secret has never been cracked, even in ancient times.
“Back in the day, all seven secret orders came close to
being collected together. Alas, there was a failure at the eleventh hour.
Because the seven heavenly secret orders have never been gathered, the
primordial secret has never been divulged. It’s been two hundred thousand
years, and Divine Abyss Continent is about to enter into another period of
turmoil. We have to take advantage of this opportunity before the storm, and
make use of what little time we have left!”
Elder Peng had the best of intentions. He knew that House
Xiahou was a uniformly prideful family. They could not accept a woman they felt
they owned being defiled by another. This was the reason for the Order of Wind
and Cloud’s recent opposition to Veluriyam Capital.
The only reason for it had been the seventh master’s
displeasure with Jiang Chen, leading to a deep-seated desire to make trouble
for the latter. Unfortunately, covert observation has revealed that it wasn’t
an easy task to deal with Jiang Chen.
Back in Agarwood’s secret realm, the seventh master and the
two elders had been hidden during the entire sequence of events. The method
they’d hid themselves with was so clever that neither the Vermilion Bird nor
the celestial demon lord had noticed them.
Not that either ancient being had been at the peak of its
strength, to be completely fair. The separation of both from the outside world
had severely weakened them.
Chapter 1477: Admiration, Envy, Hate
At their peaks, the celestial demon lord and the Vermilion
Bird would’ve easily found the group from the Myriad Abyss Island. After all,
the former had been at the top of the food chain during the ancient era.
The seventh master of House Xiahou and his two retainers
were only the descendants of an ancient people. It was uncertain exactly how
much of their ancestors’ abilities had been inherited after two hundred
thousand years.
The seventh master’s silence made the two elders feel that
they’d possibly spoken too harshly.
“Seventh Master,” Elder Peng advised, “there’s no conflict
between our search for the heavenly secret orders and our fight against Jiang
Chen. Plus, that kid looks like he really does enjoy great fortune. Maybe we’ll
be able to use him to find the orders?”
“Him?” The supreme lord sneered with scorn. “A commoner kid
will only have so much fortune to him. He’s only lucky because the human domain
around him is so poor. In Myriad Abyss Island, there are countless geniuses
like him.”
Deep down, the seventh master retained House Xiahou’s diffidence
and pride. He both hated and abhorred Jiang Chen, but had no way to consume him
in one bite.
Elder Mo shook his head, dissatisfied with the young
master’s judgment. “Jiang Chen cannot be underestimated.” This was his opinion
on the matter.
“Seventh Master,” Elder Peng chimed in, “you definitely
can’t belittle that kid. Otherwise, the Order of Wind and Cloud may eat a
severe loss from him in the future.”
“Oi, aren’t you two over exaggerating his abilities?” The
supreme lord was a hundred twenty percent unconvinced.
“Not at all. I’ve collected a lot of information about him.
His deeds in the human domain are utterly earth-shaking. Everyone in the
outside world believes that he was able to do all this because he has backing
from Myriad Abyss Island.
“The truth of the matter is that the only people related to
him come from House Yan. Elder Shun and that Huang’er girl. We know how much
House Yan is worth, and none of the pills that Jiang Chen has refined could’ve
come from them. The Pinecrane Pill, the Longevity Pill, the Emperor Ascension
Pill, the Emperor Supremacy Pill… there must be more to his story than that,
much more!” Elder Peng’s tone was thoughtful and full of meaning.
Elder Mo nodded as well. “These pills are very high level
indeed. An empyrean pill immortal in Myriad Abyss Island would have trouble
coming up with them.”
It was rare for the tight-lipped elder to utter such a
lengthy sentence.
The supreme lord grew thoughtful. “That Jiang Chen kid has
had some ridiculous luck,” he sighed softly. “I’m curious where he got those
pills from. Elder Peng, what do you think?”
Elder Peng had no answer to that conundrum. He couldn't
understand it at all; such amazing pills would have been explosive even in
Myriad Abyss Island. How could they have come out of the human domain?
Especially one in such a sorry state?
Was there such a thing as communicating with the gods? Had
one really been summoned? Had Jiang Chen’s beating back in the Eastern Kingdom
given him an invisible patron?
Such a sentiment seemed preposterous and absurd. Elder Peng
didn’t believe it himself. But if not that, how were the pill recipes to be
explained otherwise? Was a commoner child remotely capable of coming up with so
many miraculous recipes all by himself?
That was even more illogical.
“I’m guessing that he really did receive tutelage from some
senior or other at a young age. Maybe he wandered into a secret realm of some
sort, and got the recipes from there?”
The elder didn’t quite believe his own hypothesis. It was a
huge stretch to assign improbability to this degree.
“If he got the recipes from a secret realm, how could he
have refined the actual pills? He’s just some kid. I think only an empyrean
pill immortal could perfectly manage the techniques needed for them, no? Even
pill emperors would have a hard time.”
“That’s why we say he’s full of secrets.”
“Back then in Agarwood Valley, his luck shone through again,
right? He received the heritage of the Primosanct Sect! His fortune knows no
bounds!”
Both master and servants had plenty to complain about. Their
trip from Myriad Abyss Island to the human domain had been extremely smooth.
Because of that, they’d expected similar ease for their exploits after
arriving. But right now, Jiang Chen and Veluriyam Capital were a huge obstacle
in their path, preventing them from doing as they wished in this new land.
They had come solely in order to seek out ancient secrets,
with the heavenly secret orders at the top of their list. Besides this ultimate
goal, they had other delusions of grandeur as well.
There had been countless powerful human sects in ancient
times. Any powerful sect had its own suite of treasures, tomes, and resources.
The deserters who’d fled to Myriad Abyss Island had brought
many resources and treasures with them, but what they’d managed to bring was
certainly a far cry from everything. Much had remained in the human domain. The
two hundred thousand years that had passed were enough to cover anything in the
sands of time; for example, if Agarwood’s secret realm hadn’t opened and the
celestial demon lord hadn’t helped things along, who would’ve managed to get
into the sealed Primosanct Sect under the guardianship of the Vermilion Bird?
“Hmph! That kid is an odd one. How come the Vermilion Bird
likes him so much? I thought it was supposed to have a fiery temper.”
This was a very perplexing point.
The Vermilion Bird had clearly been a divine creature
protecting the sacred grounds of the Primosanct Sect. Any other intruder would
have been ferociously attacked, these unwelcome guests from Myriad Abyss Island
included.
Many human cultivators had been slain at the bird’s talons,
in fact. And yet, this Jiang Chen kid seemed to have some kind of magic that
allowed him to coexist harmoniously with an entity as unreasonable as the
Vermilion Bird. They spoke and laughed as if they were long-lost family.
The incomprehensible state of affairs upset the Seventh
Master immensely and made him rather jealous. He was from Myriad Abyss Island!
Shouldn’t he be much nobler than some backwater lout like Jiang Chen? He
deserved that kind of treatment much more!
Alas, things didn’t always turn out the way everyone wanted.
It had been inconvenient to even show themselves in the presence of the bird.
Not that they were afraid of it, but revealing themselves would have been
foolhardy.
Thinking back on this still made the seventh master mildly
disgruntled.
The fact that Jiang Chen had managed to gain the bird’s
friendship only added fuel to the fires of jealousy and envy. Wouldn’t it have
been amazing if he had tamed a Vermilion Bird, and had been able to ride it
back to House Xiahou as a mount?
The bird was an ancient sacred fowl! One of the four ancient
sacred beast bloodlines. The regality of its line far exceeded these ancient
human descendants.
“The Primosanct Sect was once one of the ten great factions
in ancient times. By all means, it was one of the leaders among humanity. That
kid is immensely lucky.” Elder Peng couldn't refrain from his contemplative
observations.
If he had been permitted to show himself, the Primosanct
Sect’s heritage could have been theirs. Unfortunately, things hadn’t quite
panned out that way. Jiang Chen was the one who’d benefited in the end.
“Heheh… if we let out word that this kid got the Primosanct
Sect’s heritage, won’t the others on Myriad Abyss Island start rampaging? The
descendants of that sect’s disciples most of all?”
The ancient Primosanct Sect had been a just and righteous
sect. They had been at the vanguard of the defense against the demonic
invasion, all of them fighting tooth and nail against the invaders.
However, even a noble bunch like that had its cowards.
Fearing for their lives, a small contingent had slithered off to Myriad Abyss
Island.
For a sect as large so large, even its wimps were reasonably
proficient. Additionally, there had been a series of agreements establishing
hierarchy between those fleeing to Divine Abyss in the first place.
Primosanct’s deserters had managed to establish a base on
Myriad Abyss Island, with some continuation of their old heritage there. If the
seventh master were to release news of the sect’s old grounds and treasures
reappearing, the descendants of that sect would undoubtedly enter into a
frenzy.
The human domain would certainly be livelier then!
“We cannot allow that, Seventh Master. Right now, we cannot
afford to alert the enemy.”
“Haha, I’m just joking around. I’ll take all he has of
course, when he falls into my hands. Hahahaha!”
As they conversed, a message glyph shot in from outside the
residence.
The seventh master picked it up casually.
“Haha, Overlord Shockcloud is efficient alright! He’s
already encircled the Ninesuns Sky Sect. No attacks, of course, just skirmishes
and intimidation. Rumor has it that Veluriyam is preparing a combined army
against him.”
The seventh master burst into laughter when he came to this
part. “Maybe that kid thinks I’ll be there personally. Did he want to take a
decisive victory over me?” His laughter was extremely exaggerated, as if he
were especially pleased with his stratagem.
“Seventh Master,” Elder Peng reminded, “that Jiang Chen is a
master of warfare! Both military and psychological. We shouldn’t take him
lightly.”
“Haha, this isn’t about taking him lightly. I’m going to
give him a big surprise this time!”
Elder Peng’s eyes lit up. “Do you have a plan?”
“Yes!” The seventh master made no move to hide it.
Both elders looked to their young master, waiting for him to
continue.
“The core of my plan is to bait Jiang Chen out of Veluriyam
Capital. We can then lead the bulk of our forces in a sneak attack on the city.
I hear that Veluriyam Capital was built by an ancient Veluriyam king. He was
one of the three leaders of humanity back then. The city he built surely holds
the secret to his life’s work as well as a rich heritage. How can we not try
our luck there?”
Chapter 1478: A Tremendous Appetite
The Veluriyam Sect was also one of the ten great factions of
the ancient times. It was on par with the Primosanct and even more. Their
lingering heritages was indirect proof of that.
Supported by the Veluriyam Pagoda, Veluriyam Capital had
persisted to the present day. Because it hadn’t inherited most of the other
facets of the ancient Veluriyam Sect, Veluriyam Capital wasn’t a real
successor. This was true in both public perception and fact.
Still, there was an undeniable connection between the two.
The Pagoda was on Capital land after all. The city retained ownership rights to
the complex as additional evidence.
“Attack Veluriyam Capital?” Elder Peng’s facial muscles
tensed. “Seventh Master, are you planning to break with Jiang Chen completely?”
The two elders’ conservative natures didn't allow them to
support that course of action. Unfortunately, they’d been brainwashed into
following the seventh master’s word as law.
This was despite conventional wisdom informing them of the
foolishness in entering this conflict now; after all, the human domain openly
supported Jiang Chen’s leadership. There was no buffer of forgiveness between
the attack on the city and public opinion.
Truthfully, Elder Peng hadn’t supported such actions from
the start. Alas, the seventh master couldn't be swayed. Their young charge’s
mind made up, they couldn't actively voice their opposition at the present
time.
“Elder Peng, what do you think my chances are in attacking
on Veluriyam Capital?” The seventh master smiled. “In recent years, I’ve
gathered quite a few human great emperors to my side. If I push the numerical
advantage by deploying all of them at once, I think I’ll have a pretty good
shot – as long as Jiang Chen brings his main force to reinforce the Ninesuns
Sky Sect.”
“They’ve just formed the alliance. They can’t abandon
Ninesuns just like that. What would be the point of the alliance at all
otherwise?”
“Yes, Jiang Chen has no choice.”
The seventh master clapped cheerfully. “When I take over
Veluriyam Capital and seize control of it, that kid’ll be too late even if he
runs back!”
He was excited just thinking about occupying the core of the
human domain.
Veluriyam Capital was a place of ancient heritage,
containing a sacred place as legendary as the Pagodas. Most importantly, they
had heard that Veluriyam Capital had a tradition of holding Veluriyam Pagoda
Meetings every sixty years.
Regrettably, no genius from Veluriyam had achieved a
breakthrough at the meeting, leaving the ancient sect’s heritage buried still.
This meant that there was plenty of virgin ground for them to uncover!
Even though the seventh master and his two servants came
from Myriad Abyss Island, the heritage of the ancient Veluriyam Sect was quite
alluring to them.
He’d delegated six of his eight Protector Kings out on
various tasks. Two remained at headquarters. There were plenty of Celestial
Stars and Earthly Fiends available, though. He had stationed them close by in
order to attack Veluriyam Capital together. He was avoiding a direct attack in
the open in order to provoke Jiang Chen.
When Veluriyam’s young lord foolishly believed that the
battlefield would be at the Ninesuns Sky Sect, the young master would be off
elsewhere demolishing Veluriyam Capital’s base of operations.
“Elder Peng, Elder Mo, I must rely on your assistance for
our sortie on Veluriyam Capital.” Though the seventh master was displeased by
everything about Jiang Chen, he had to concede that the other youth was the
only one who posed a threat in the human domain.
In particular, the eight stone golems and the Vermilion Bird
near him were extremely recent advantages – a fact that made the seventh master
exceedingly upset. Those opportunities belonged to him!
“We will do everything we can. If Veluriyam doesn’t have the
stone golems and the Vermilion Bird, the great emperors garrisoned there won’t
be worth much. We can strike them down with ease.”
“However…”
‘However’ was a word anathema to most plans in the world. It
tended to be followed by difficult problems.
“However what? Out with it.” The seventh master couldn’t
resist urging.
“However, no one has been able to fully comprehend the
Veluriyam Pagoda since time immemorial. Maybe it really is waiting for that
fated someone. It may not be wise to brute force our way in.” Elder Peng was
being perfectly honest. It would be a crime if harm were to befall the seventh
master in the process.
“We descendants of the ancients are superior to these native
pigs ten times over! With our talents, how could we not be the fated ones?”
The seventh master’s tone was steeped in confidence. It was
as if he was some kind of destined ruler, descending upon the human domain. The
two elders kept their mouths shut in the presence of their master’s
determination. He was liable to get mad if they opposed him any further.
……
The Order of the Wind and Cloud mobilized once more.
Every high ranking member still within the headquarters
appeared within ten breaths of the command. They were all curious what
important matter the supreme lord had to announce this time.
“My friends, it is time for us to put our skills to the
test.” The supreme lord spoke forth. “There is an opportunity before us, one
that can enrich each and every one of you if we take advantage of it. I
guarantee that after this sortie, you will have passed the test of loyalty. The
Exultation Pill of Wind and Order will be removed from your bodies once it is
complete. From now on, you will be considered my most trusted subordinates!”
The removal of the Exultation Pill garnered everyone’s
interests.
Protector King Scourcloud’s eyes moved around when he heard
what the supreme lord had said. He was rather curious what the leader had in
mind this time.
“I will give you half a day to prepare. This afternoon, we
will embark at the appointed time. There is a tough battle ahead of us. Prepare
yourselves both physically and mentally!”
“Supreme Lord, what are we…”
“Yes, Supreme Lord. Where are we going?”
There were plenty of questions in the crowd to go around.
The people wanted to know more.
The supreme lord smiled. He wanted to keep his subordinates
guessing. “I’ll tell you when we’re almost there. This time, I’m leading the
charge personally. Besides all of you, I have asked two empyrean experts to
accompany us.”
The so-called accompanying experts were Elders Mo and Peng,
of course. They were his finest lieutenants, and absolutely necessary in his
attack on Veluriyam. The ordinary Order members murmured amongst themselves
when they heard the announcement about their too-capable helpers.
As expected of the supreme lord. Two empyrean experts
backing them up? There was no way they would fail this time, whatever they set
out to do!
“Devourcloud, Scourcloud, on my orders! I command you to
lead our troops on the expedition this day!”
The two protector kings stood up one after the other.
……
The Order’s forces secretly embarked right after noon.
Because their target today was Veluriyam Capital, the
seventh master repeatedly instructed his soldiers to take care in concealing
themselves on the way.
Scourcloud was the vanguard of the expedition. He and
Devourcloud took to the group’s forefront along with a few Celestial Stars. It
was quite obvious that the latter’s loyalties laid strictly with the Order’s
supreme lord.
“The supreme lord is being rather mysterious this time. Our
mission is presumably of great importance,” remarked Devourcloud.
Scourcloud was silent. He too wanted to know where the
supreme lord intended to attack this time, too. The other, more capable
protector kings had been sent out on other missions.
He and Devourcloud were the two protector kings ordinarily
given the fewest tasks. Strangely, they’d been picked to participate in this
covert operation.
The route seemed a bit directionless, but more careful
perusal revealed a chilling conclusion. “Is the supreme lord going to attack
Veluriyam Capital?”
Protector King Scourcloud considered the details a bit more.
Though they constantly took detours, the aim of the expedition was
unmistakable. It was definitely Veluriyam Capital they were heading towards!
The astonishing thought made the protector king very
anxious.
No, anywhere but Veluriyam Capital! Scourcloud was
thoroughly distressed. I must think of a way to notify the city so that they
can prepare in advance!
The more he thought about it, the more things became clear.
The reason the other protector kings had been sent out was
to attract Jiang Chen’s attention. More specifically, the supreme lord intended
everyone to think that the Order was aiming for the Ninesuns Sky Sect in a
concerted strike. His real goal was Veluriyam Capital!
Protector King Scourcloud was apprehensive about the supreme
lord’s methods. His skillful and clever actions were essentially perfect.
It would be a lie to say that Scourcloud wasn’t tense about
this turn of events. Veluriyam Capital was sacred to him. He wouldn't allow
others to trample on it, the Order of Wind and Cloud included!
Protector King Devourcloud seemed to notice his emotional
turbulence. “Daoist Scourcloud, what are you thinking about?”
Scourcloud recovered himself. “Nothing,” he smiled wryly. “I
was simply thinking about matters within the Order. I lost track for a moment.”
“Oh? What did you think about, fellow daoist? Can you
share?” Protector King Devourcloud showed an inclination to pursue everything
to the end.
“Idle thoughts not worth speaking about,” Scourcloud
retorted coolly.
Devourcloud cackled. “Daoist Scourcloud, many people in the
order say that you are cold and aloof. According to them, you don’t feel like
you belong. But I think the supreme lord places a lot of expectation upon you.
Clearly, this mission is a cut above the rest.”
Scourcloud had no time or inclination to squabble with him.
He was intent on finding out how to send a message to Veluriyam Capital
instead.
A transmission via consciousness? That wasn’t hard, but the
supreme lord was more than attentive enough to notice right away. If that
happened, his undercover identity would be done for.
Chapter 1479: Protector King Scourcloud’s Identity
Scourcloud was uninterested in Devourcloud’s attempts to
coax information out of him. This depressed the latter a little.
In fact, the entire Order was sensitive about the protector
king’s former identity. There were some internal rumors about it, but nobody
could say anything for sure. The only prevailing sentiment was that this
protector king was very mysterious indeed.
Devourcloud was mildly upset. His colleague wasn’t giving
him a lot of respect. They were both protector kings, weren’t they? They were
equal in status and position. Scourcloud should have been much more polite
rather than distant.
“Daoist Scourcloud, you have a lot on your mind. Where do
you think the supreme lord is taking us?” Not entirely satisfied, Devourcloud
tried once more.
“The supreme lord’s thoughts are beyond our knowledge. I’m
not sure either. Listening to his orders is good enough.” Scourcloud finally
replied with a longish sentence.
Devourcloud sighed softly. “The supreme lord is unreadable
indeed. I’m curious… I wonder if the supreme lord spoke true in his promise
about empyrean opportunities?”
Scourcloud smiled, but didn’t pick up the conversation.
Another order came from the back as they walked onwards.
“Protector Kings, the Supreme Lord commands you to take to the southeast.”
Devourcloud blinked. “Southeast again? This… we’re heading
toward…”
His tone and expression both froze. The objective was almost
immediately obvious once he thought about it! “Daoist Scourcloud, we… we’re
going to Veluriyam Capital, huh?”
Veluriyam Capital was the only major city to the southeast.
“Whatever the supreme lord says,” Scourcloud retorted
coolly.
Devourcloud took a deep breath, a glimmer of keenness
appearing in his eyes. Finally, he nodded. “Yes, as the supreme lord commands.”
He’d actually been observing Scourcloud all this time. The
latter had maintained undisturbed calmness throughout. Though Devourcloud was a
bit angry, he also found reason enough to respect the man. The other protector
king’s composure was first-rate. Every protector king had his own personality,
but most were impulsive and tooted their own horn far more than Protector King
Scourcloud.
There was mutual competition between the eight protector
kings for the sake of gaining the supreme lord’s favor. More favor meant more
of a chance at the empyrean opportunity promised.
This rivalry for approval meant that there was plenty of
unseen strife between the protector kings. This was the main reason for
Devourcloud’s endless questioning along the way.
Scourcloud’s composure was unrivaled, however. Was he really
this calm or was he pretending? Devourcloud found the other man’s indifference
to power and glory incredible.
“Daoist Scourcloud…” he made to speak once more.
“Daoist Devourcloud, we are leading the vanguard. We have a
lot of responsibility to prepare the way for the supreme lord. It would be very
bad if we miss any scouting details due to idle conversation.” Scourcloud
evidently had no interest in chit chat.
Devourcloud laughed dryly despite the curt response he
received. “Yes, yes, fellow daoist. You’re absolutely right.”
Scourcloud actually wanted to propose that they split up,
but he was concerned about the possibility of suspicion from his colleague. The
supreme lord was far more paranoid about such things as well. He could only
restrain himself and slowly press on.
What a pity that the two brothers aren’t in the vanguard.
Otherwise, I could have sent them to scout ahead and deliver a message.
Protector King Scourcloud was bothered and irritated.
He was none other than Emperor Peerless who’d been waiting
for Jiang Chen at Agarwood Valley’s entrance.
The young man’s trip had involved the emperor and the Jiao
brothers waiting outside, disguised as wandering cultivators. Alas, Jiang Chen
and company had lingered inside for a long time. Emperor Peerless and the Jiao
brothers couldn’t follow despite their worries.
While they tensely awaited his return, there had been a
strange smell near Agarwood’s entrance that’d put everyone waiting there to
sleep. The supreme lord of the Order had brought a group of diehard loyalists
from Myriad Abyss Island, capturing all of them in one fell swoop.
Because Emperor Peerless had once fallen victim to the Moon
God Sect’s Seven Emotions Poison, Jiang Chen had given the great emperor a
little bit of his own blood essence way back when as part of the antidote.
The young man’s blood had an antitoxin attribute from his
golden cicada bloodline, allowing Emperor Peerless to stay conscious despite
the poison. Initially, there had been a chance for the great emperor to flee.
However, before he did so, he’d noticed the absurd strength of their captors.
Even if he had taken that chance, he would’ve had twenty
percent success at most. Moreover, since the Jiao brothers had already been
taken, he found it more prudent to pretend to be poisoned instead.
Thankfully, there had been no immediate probe into their
identities before and during their trip back to the Order of the Wind and
Cloud’s headquarters.
While everyone was still unconscious, Emperor Peerless had
been decisive enough to destroy his facial appearance utterly, disintegrating
his former identity. Because he had refined the kunpeng blood Jiang Chen had
given him, his abilities concerning that bloodline had been gradually
strengthening all the while.
This gave him the necessary preconditions to hide his former
martial style and make his identity undetectable.
When the Order began to investigate their identities in more
detail, he styled himself as the Wandering Kunpeng Master. No one in the
wandering cultivator world had heard of that name.
Emperor Everviolet hadn’t managed to provide much of a clue
either. Because of Emperor Peerless’s unrecognizable face and strange aura
provided by his kunpeng blood, the other great emperor wasn’t able to figure
anything out. Though the two emperors had fought many times in the past, Everviolet
had experienced only the original Peerless, rather than the one enhanced by
kunpeng blood.
Because of the lack of flaws in Peerless’ disguise,
Everviolet had never even considered his real identity as the remotest of
possibilities. Using his new identity as the Wandering Kunpeng Master, Peerless
had leveraged his bloodline and martial strength to become one of the eight
protector kings.
As for the Jiao brothers, they’d received hints from Emperor
Peerless after awakening to hide their strengths. As a result, the Order only
knew them as emperor realm experts.
Because of the number of prisoners they had taken and the
relative normality of the brothers, they had only been able to become Earthly
Fiends – three levels below the supreme lord. Not many people paid attention to
individuals at that rank.
All three were able to survive uneventfully, with no one the
wiser about the true relationship between the three. Nevertheless, Emperor
Peerless and the Jiao brothers had taken the Exultation Pill as well. Because
of this layer of insurance, the supreme lord was unafraid of trickery or
betrayal from anyone.
At the bottom of his heart, the seventh master treated the
human domain with derision. He felt that everyone who lived here was
disgraceful and cowardly. There was the stick of the Exultation Pill and the
carrot of the empyrean opportunity, wasn’t there? There was no way anyone could
possibly be disloyal given these two incentives. Therefore, he’d never
seriously considered the likelihood of anyone betraying him.
The only reason he was exercising caution this time was
because of how important the offensive on Veluriyam was.
After realizing the supreme lord’s conspiracy, Peerless was
very anxious. Though they were very distant from Veluriyam Capital presently,
Jiang Chen wouldn’t make it back to the city in time after being pulled to
Ninesuns territory.
Moreover, doing so carried the possibility of being ambushed
in itself.
No, I must think of a way to deliver a message to the city.
They need time to prepare! Since first meeting Jiang Chen, Emperor Peerless had
formed a deep friendship with the youth. Veluriyam Capital was where he felt he
belonged. Plus, his dao partner Madame Yun was still in the city.
He had more than enough reason to protect it with his life,
both professional and personal.
Emperor Peerless was someone who cared a lot about
relationships. Though he hadn’t known the Jiao brothers as a wandering
cultivator, they were colleagues and peers under the same Sacred Peafowl
Mountain banner. Emperor Peerless couldn’t just leave them to rot.
This desire to take care of his peers and investigate the
mysterious individuals had kept him from leaving when he could. Still, his
attention to detail hadn’t helped him find out the supreme lord’s identity and
origins yet.
The lack of a way to send a message to Veluriyam made him
suspect that Devourcloud’s incessant questions had been for the sake of
watching his behavior. He could very well be planted by the supreme lord.
Peerless had no intention of revealing any flaws in his
disguise right now.
The army neared Veluriyam Capital with the passage of time.
It finally arrived within the city’s demesne one day, which meant that the
walls were within another day’s travel. Thankfully, the supreme lord ordered a
rest and break.
“Seventh Master, why not press the attack? We’re already
very close, aren’t we?” Elder Peng asked.
“We’re not in a hurry. I’m waiting for news from the
Ninesuns Sky Sect. When it is verified that Jiang Chen is indeed over there, I
will give the order to besiege the city!” The supreme lord had a specific plan
in mind.
He knew well that Jiang Chen’s presence gave Veluriyam
Capital a spine. It would be much more difficult to take the city then. Without
its young lord, a leaderless city was liable to fall into chaos. There was no way
it would stand against his attacks.
Elder Peng nodded. “Very wise, Seventh Master. That kid is a
pillar of the city; Veluriyam Capital is nothing without him.”
They weren’t wary of Jiang Chen’s cultivation level, but of
his effect on Veluriyam Capital as a whole. Furthermore, the eight stone golem
brothers and the Vermilion Bird were very dangerous as well. Though they
weren’t scared, the eight stone golem brothers were clearly tough opponents. It
was better to avoid them if possible!
Chapter 1480: Utmost Urgency
Currently, Jiang Chen was indeed on his way to the Ninesuns
Sky Sect. The information he’d been given was nebulous as to the Order of Wind
and Cloud’s intentions, but he still had to try to counteract them as best he
could.
According to his analysis, there was clearly a bigger force
over at Ninesuns. It seemed reasonable enough to assume that there was a
full-out offensive planned there. As for the Celestial Cicada Court, Jiang Chen
had sent Emperor Wellspring, the Skysword Sect’s Han Qianzhan, and company
there to defend it.
Aside from that, he had left half of his troops as well as
the Vermilion Bird back at Veluriyam Capital. Four of the eight stone golem
brothers were stationed there as well to assist the bird in defense.
Jiang Chen himself led the alliance’s forces upon the path
to the Ninesuns Sky Sect. He was ready for a decisive battle in their
territory.
……
As part of the vanguard, Devourcloud was a bit anxious.
“What is the supreme lord waiting for? If we’re going to attack Veluriyam
Capital, we should just go for it. Hanging around aimlessly is burning a hole
in my chest.”
Though he couldn’t show it on his face, Emperor Peerless was
even more anxious than he. Suddenly, the emperor’s ears moved. His consciousness
detected something familiar. Judging by his reaction, Devourcloud had picked up
something as well.
With a flash of movement, Peerless shot outward, grabbing
towards the earth. A single motion was enough to retrieve what he was looking
for.
It was a golden rat.
A Goldbiter Rat, to be precise!
The emperor was no stranger to these rats in particular. He
was quite happy to see one around here as expected. Devourcloud strode over as
well, curious at the commotion.
Truthfully, Emperor Peerless had had an idea when he sensed
the rat’s aura at the outset. He took the initiative after perceiving that
Devourcloud had also noticed the beast. If the other man were to have captured
the rat, it would be dead by now.
“Haha, my luck’s not bad today. I caught a spirit creature.”
Emperor Peerless waved the rat about nonchalantly before putting it in his
sleeves.
Devourcloud laughed. “What a dumb beast, running into our
sights like that. What do you plan on doing with it?”
“Doing with it?” Emperor Peerless played dumb. “What do you
mean? I’ve been a bit bored in the Unbounded Mid Region. A spirit creature
should spice up my life a little. Daoist Devourcloud, you’re not planning on
fighting over it with me, are you?” The emperor’s tone was half-joking.
Devourcloud was verbally backed into a corner. “Ah, no, you
got it first,” he smiled embarrassedly. “How could I take your prize from you?
Still, we’re in Veluriyam territory now. We must be wary about whether they
were sent by Veluriyam Capital.”
“Haha, it doesn’t matter even if they are. Now that I have it,
it only has one choice: become my contracted beast, or else!” Emperor Peerless
said forcefully.
Devourcloud had nothing else to say. His investigations
yielded no further movements from the surroundings.
Both men went back to their camps. Sitting down
cross-legged, Emperor Peerless took out the rat and proceeded to play with it.
Devourcloud shook his head to himself. Emperor Peerless
looked like he was actually making the spirit beast as his own. “Daoist
Scourcloud sure has a lot of free time on his hands. That’s a pretty average
spirit beast on all counts. What’s the point of taking it as a contracted
beast?” Clearly, Devourcloud didn’t hold the emperor’s actions in high regard.
Emperor Peerless, on the other hand, had just begun
communication with his consciousness. “Little rat, I know you’re a Goldbiter
Rat. Your leader is Old Gold. Remember carefully that I’m Mo Wushuang, young
lord Jiang Chen’s sworn brother. Right now, the supreme lord of the Order of
Wind and Cloud is preparing to attack Veluriyam Capital. You have to get the
news back to the city and the young lord. Otherwise, the city will be in grave
danger!
“Don’t fret, I’ll pretend to take you as my contracted
beast. If you have friends nearby, tell them immediately and then come back to
me. They will suspect something is afoot if you just leave outright.”
Emperor Peerless was very attentive to detail. He knew that
if he let the rat go now, Devourcloud would assuredly inform others of his
irregular behavior. There would then be unnecessary attention and suspicion on
him.
As one of the rats designated for scouting duty, this rat in
particular was quite clever and keen. It immediately expressed that it did in
fact have companions nearby.
Emperor Peerless remained impassive. He secretly let the rat
go when Devourcloud wasn’t paying attention. Every second was precious right
now. A small differential in time potentially meant the difference between life
and death.
The rat was very smart. It knew to be even more cautious in
the face of danger. In no time at all, it had informed its nearby peers of the
looming danger. The other rats passed the message onto their king.
The rat king panicked when it heard what was currently
transpiring. The Goldbiter Rats had remained in Veluriyam Capital to safeguard
it. It immediately contacted the Vermilion Bird.
As they were both members of ancient bloodlines in a sense,
this made communication easier. After getting wind of this, the bird’s first
idea was to contact Jiang Chen.
Because Veluriyam Capital was very far away from the
Ninesuns Sky Sect, a remote messaging ability was required to send the message
as quickly as possible.
This kind of ability was very difficult to use and control.
The Vermilion Bird knew about it and was capable of using abilities of that
kind, but it had insufficient vitality to do so. Instead, one of the stone
golem brothers was delegated the execution.
…...
Faraway at the Ninesuns Sky Sect, Jiang Chen was still
painstakingly poring over the battle plans with the Order of Wind and Cloud.
Near him, Big Stone’s consciousness twitched. His expression moved with the
thoughts in his mind.
“Savior, things aren’t good!”
“What isn’t?” Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow.
“I just got Third Stone’s message. He says the Goldbiter
Rats have found Emperor Peerless. The emperor told them the Order’s main force
is already at Veluriyam. They can attack any time! Ninesuns and Cicada Court
are both tricks. The Order wants Veluriyam Capital for real!”
Big Stone’s words sounded in Jiang Chen’s ears like a
thunderclap. He was stunned and stupefied. It took a few moments for him to
recover himself. “Anything else?” the young man asked.
“No, that’s it.” Big Stone was quite honest.
“Emperor Peerless?” Jiang Chen muttered to himself. “Old
Brother Mo’s disappeared for four years… so he was at the Order of Wind and
Cloud during this time?”
He’d implicitly trusted that both Emperors Peerless and
Peafowl were too fortunate to have died so casually. He was overjoyed to hear
news of the former, though that was swiftly accompanied by doubt. Why had
Emperor Peerless made contact right now, of all the possible timing?
However, he quickly pushed that out of mind. The news was
unlikely to be false. The Goldbiter Rats were no stranger to the emperor. There
was no way a fake’s aura would fool them.
Given that the rats found the man trustworthy, Emperor
Peerless was probably the real deal.
The message was most likely out of extended inconvenience.
It was the soonest Emperor Peerless was able to get the message out.
Jiang Chen stood up suddenly at this conclusion, his eyes
filled with determination.
“Old Brother Mo, it doesn’t matter why you’re sending me the
message right now. You wouldn’t lie to me. It seems that I’ve underestimated
the Order. I thought it was a simple kind of misdirection, but the deception is
double-layered. The real goal is my Veluriyam Capital, huh?” Jiang Chen drew a
sharp breath when he came to this point. He had to admit that the supreme lord
was especially wily. The stratagem was more complicated than one might have
expected, which meant it was difficult to defend against. Who would’ve thought that
Veluriyam was his real goal?
Jiang Chen certainly hadn’t expected such a ravenous
appetite.
“The Order’s army is at our borders, ready to attack at any
time. If I go back the way we came at the fastest speed possible, the trip
would still take one or two days. More concerningly, I’d probably be walking
straight into an ambush. If the Order is smart enough, they’ll set up an
expert-fueled ambush on my return route. To return like this would only leave
me unprepared!”
Now that Jiang Chen knew of the Order’s conspiracy, he had
to peruse what the enemy’s future plans were as well. He himself was scared by
the possibilities.
If things proceeded as they currently were, wouldn’t going
back be falling right into his opponent’s trap?
“No, I can’t lead the army back without alerting the Order’s
spies. It would be trivial for them to lay an ambush then.”
Jiang Chen knew that speed and time were both a problem if
he were to lead the alliance’s army back. The biggest problem of all was the
potential ambushes lying in wait for them.
After plenty of consideration, he settled on sending the
army onward to the Ninesuns Sky Sect. There was no reason for them to delay.
He would split off from the group with the four stone golem
brothers, his spacetime seal allowing him to instantly return. Only the
spacetime seal could send him back to the city in a flash!
Because the stone golem brothers were inhuman, they could
separate their bodies and consciousnesses with a secret method and thereby be
brought along.
The Veluriyam Pagoda didn’t allow illegal entry, but
inanimate stone golems weren’t banned.
Back in Agarwood Valley, Jiang Chen had studied the
necessary secret method in the Primosanct Sect’s sacred place. It was quite
viable for him to make use of it now! There was minimal effect if the duration
of separation was short.
