The emperor’s study, Xuanyuan City, Huang Heavenly Dynasty:
“The cardinal central position is occupied by the Nine Li Imperial Dynasty led by Chiyou? Hah! We already crushed them once, and now they dare to rise from the ashes!” Ji Dihong’s voice was laced with disdain.
Limu chimed in, his voice cold and confident, “Your Holy Eminence, since we have defeated them before, we can defeat them again. The Huang Heavenly Dynasty has undergone significant changes over the past millennia, while Chiyou is starting anew. He is no match for us anymore.”
Fengbo joined the conversation, sneering, “Absolutely! How much time has passed? Chiyou has only managed to gather a few old followers. He has his current nation only because one of his followers gave him the nation that follower established. Without Jiang Lianshan, Chiyou is nothing but a shadow of his former self.”
Emperor Kong said with determination, “The cardinal central position? Chiyou is unworthy of it. The Nine Li Imperial Dynasty is three imperial dynasties and sixteen royal dynasties away from the Huang Heavenly Dynasty. I am willing to lead our forces to expand our territory!”
Ji Dihong lightly tapped his finger on the desk, sinking into a momentary silence.
“Lords, let’s not underestimate Chiyou!” Cangjie suddenly spoke up.
“Huh?” The others turned their gaze towards Cangjie.
“You’re all aware of the recent news. Chiyou and Gu Hai have formed an alliance. Our spies reported hearing them refer to each other as brothers!” Cangjie’s words carried a weighty significance.
The room fell silent as the gravity of the revelation sank in.
“Brothers? Have any of you ever witnessed Gu Hai forming such a bond of brotherhood? Or Chiyou, for that matter? They both possess indomitable spirits. While Chiyou may have eighty-one brothers, they all bow to his authority, while Gu Hai stands apart….” Cangjie’s voice trailed off intriguingly.
“Isn’t that better?” Limu said, failing to understand the significance.
“Haha! You’re missing the point. Perhaps neither submits to the other, but their sworn brotherhood runs deeper than anything. If we launch a full-scale attack on Chiyou, Gu Hai will not remain idle. Don’t make the mistake of assuming Gu Hai is the same person he was a decade ago,” Cangjie explained indifferently.
The room fell into an uneasy silence as the realization dawned on everyone present.
“Putting Gu Hai aside, he already has three consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm subordinates,” Emperor Kong said, his face sinking.
“Shangguan Hen and Gu Han follow Gu Hai’s orders, and though Vairocana is on equal terms with Gu Hai, their friendship runs deep. We’ve witnessed their profound connection during their battles against Jiang Gautama,” Cangjie explained solemnly.
“But even with that, the Huang Heavenly Dynasty is not afraid of the Han Imperial Dynasty.” Limu frowned.
“General Limu, it’s true that the Huang Heavenly Dynasty isn’t afraid, but we must acknowledge that the Han Imperial Dynasty has become a bit troublesome, hasn’t it?” Cangjie smiled.
“You’re right!” Limu nodded, his brow still creased.
Cangjie continued, “And let’s not forget Chiyou’s identity. Apart from Jiang Lianshan, does he have no other kin?”
“The Yan Heavenly Dynasty, Ba?” The room fell into solemn silence.
“Jiang Lianshan was a master of schemes who did not spare even his own children. He got you to harm Chiyou and Ba. Even without Jiang Lianshan, both Chiyou and Ba hold deep grudges against Your Holy Eminence. Ba’s strength is formidable, posing a greater danger than the Han Imperial Dynasty. It appears she’s waiting for something. If we engage in a forceful confrontation with Chiyou, Ba will undoubtedly intervene.” Cangjie analyzed the situation.
Ji Dihong’s finger gently tapped the desk, his brow furrowed in deep thought.
Indeed, for Ji Dihong, Chiyou was a thorn in his side that had to be removed. However, it seemed the situation was far from simple.
“Your Majesty, to the south lies Essence Genesis, to the west is Jiangchen, and in the center stands Chiyou! Are you truly ready to make a move against Chiyou?” Cangjie directed his gaze at Ji Dihong.
The room was silent as all eyes fixed on Ji Dihong.
“We want the cardinal center position. Anyone who dares to obstruct us shall be dealt with!” Ji Dihong’s voice was cold and resolute.
“Very well, then we shall deliberate on our next course of action,” Cangjie said firmly.
“Do you have a strategy, Mister Cangjie?” Ji Dihong turned to Cangjie.
Cangjie said with utmost seriousness, “Your Holy Eminence, I believe our position is too sensitive. What if we seek external assistance?”
“External assistance?” Ji Dihong’s eyes narrowed as he contemplated the suggestion.
“Does Your Holy Eminence remember the Heavenly Demon Holy Land envoy from yesterday?” Cangjie emphasized.
“The Unrestrained Heavenly Demon? Humph! He wants to meddle in the land of the living? If I agree, I would be aiding his access to the land of the living.” Ji Dihong’s expression darkened with suspicion.
“Essence Genesis destroyed the Purple Jade Heavenly Demon, leaving the Unrestrained Heavenly Demon with no other choice. Jiangchen has occupied the Spirit Mountain Holy Land’s territory, making it impossible for the Unrestrained Heavenly Demon to claim. That’s why he thought of cooperating with us. The land of the living is not that vast, and having one more person to share in the pie is indeed like inviting a wolf into the room. However, the land of the living is not limited to my Huang Heavenly Dynasty. Someone will drive him back to the nether realm in the future!” Cangjie said, smiling.
Ji Dihong narrowed his eyes, contemplating the potential benefits and risks.
“That’s right, Your Holy Eminence. What’s wrong with cooperating with the Heavenly Demon Holy Land? Since the Unrestrained Heavenly Demon is the White Tiger Prime, he is definitely hostile to Jiangchen. Their future conflicts will benefit us. This time, we can use the Heavenly Demon Holy Land to test Chiyou and, if possible, eliminate him!” Emperor Kong chimed in, a smile spreading across his face.
In the study, everyone nodded, one after another, expressing their willingness to cooperate with the Heavenly Demon Holy Land.
After deep contemplation, Ji Dihong finally nodded in agreement.
------
Lifespan Court, Borderless Heavenly Capital:
The Unborn Man’s body was emitting black and white energies when a red light suddenly flickered from a stone pendant on his chest.
Buzz!
The pendant trembled when the red light appeared, capturing the Unborn Man’s attention.
“Huh?” The Unborn Man paused, his focus shifting to the pulsating red light.
Halting his cultivation, he anxiously picked up the pendant and gazed into the red glow.
“What happened? Is something wrong?” the Unborn Man asked urgently, his voice filled with concern.
“The Bone Deity is running rampant, launching a large-scale invasion. Although there’s currently no immediate danger, Lady Houtu suspects a conspiracy.” Long Wanqing’s voice came from the red stone.
“I understand. I’ll immediately bring Gu Hai there!” The Unborn Man rose swiftly from his seat.
When faced with Long Wanqing and her sister, the Unborn Man lost his usual shrewdness and composure.
“There’s no need to rush. The Bone Deity’s forces are still a considerable distance away. Let Gu Hai attend to his own affairs first; we can discuss it with him later,” Long Wanqing advised calmly.
Long Wanyu’s voice chimed in, issuing a stern warning. “Unborn Man, don’t pressure my brother-in-law. If you do, don’t return to see me!”
The Unborn Man fell into a brief moment of contemplative silence, reflecting on his failure as a father. Conversations with his two daughters always revolved around defending Gu Hai, leaving him with a bitter taste in his heart.
“I understand. I’ll have a proper conversation with him,” he sighed, acknowledging the complex dynamics at play.
Buzz!
The red stone quivered momentarily before subsiding into stillness.
With a deep sigh, the Unborn Man stepped out of the grand hall, his gaze fixed in the direction of the palace.
Coincidentally, Gu Hai and Chen Xianer emerged from the training hall, catching his attention.
“Chen Xianer?” The Unborn Man’s voice carried a tinge of displeasure, reflecting his reservations as Long Wanqing’s father. After all, Long Wanqing was also the Han Imperial Dynasty’s empress, so he felt conflicted about Chen Xianer.
In the distance, a grand hall swung open, revealing Gu Han and Gu Qin hastening toward the training hall where Gu Hai resided.
“Mother!” Gu Qin’s face was wet with tears as emotion overwhelmed him.
“This child pays respects to Mother!” Gu Han greeted, equally moved.
The two immediately knelt and kowtowed to Chen Xianer.
Upon witnessing their actions, Chen Xianer extended her hand to help them up, saying, “What are you both doing? It’s chilly on the ground. Get up, quickly!”
Chilly? Even if they knelt on an ice glacier, they would not have felt the chill. However, Chen Xianer’s words warmed their hearts. That was the tone of a mother.
“Mother, I want to kowtow to you three more times!” Gu Qin’s words tumbled out in his excitement.
“Alright, stand up now. Don’t make your mother unhappy!” Gu Hai interjected.
“Yes, yes!” The two brothers promptly got to their feet, their faces brimming with joy and anticipation as they gazed at Chen Xianer.
Observing them, Chen Xianer remarked, “You’ve both changed!”
“Mother, we haven’t changed. We will forever be your sons!” Gu Han declared with fervor.
Chen Xianer smiled softly. “Indeed, no matter what happens, you will always be my sons.”
Amid the heartwarming conversation of Gu Hai, Chen Xianer, Gu Qin, and Gu Han, a figure approached swiftly—it was the Unborn Man.
“Your Reverence!” The Unborn Man bowed respectfully.
The four paused.
Gu Qin and Gu Han frowned, evincing discontent.
Maintaining her composure, Chen Xianer said courteously, “Greetings, Senior Unborn Man!”
As the Unborn Man was Long Wanqing’s father, Chen Xianer demonstrated respect despite sensing his displeasure.
“Greetings, Empress Chen.” The Unborn Man stiffly nodded in acknowledgment.
Unperturbed by the Unborn Man’s apparent discontent, Chen Xianer responded with a faint smile.
“Unborn Man, what is the reason for your visit?” Gu Hai inquired, his curiosity piqued.
“Your Reverence, it is about time for you to fulfill your promise,” the Unborn Man reminded respectfully.
“Oh?” Gu Hai’s expression shifted, as he understood the meaning behind the Unborn Man’s words—he needed to embark on the journey to Long Wanqing’s location.
Gu Hai glanced at Chen Xianer, who wore a serious expression. “Husband, it would be best to bring Wanqing back as soon as possible. It’s not safe for her to remain outside for extended periods.”
Gu Hai sensed Chen Xianer’s magnanimity, and a trace of gratitude flickered in his eyes as he nodded.
On the side, the Unborn Man was somewhat baffled. Chen Xianer has no objections to Wanqing?
Just as Gu Hai was about to speak, Chen Xianer’s eyebrows suddenly twitched. “Don’t move!”
“Huh?” Gu Hai was puzzled.
The Unborn Man sneered inwardly, Is Chen Xianer trying to deceive Gu Hai and pull his favor to herself?
However, instead of mentioning Long Wanqing, Chen Xianer sniffed the air.
Sniff. Sniff. Sniff. Chen Xianer’s nose twitched, her expression turning cold.
“What’s wrong?” Gu Hai asked, perplexed.
“There’s poison; it’s everywhere. Such hidden toxic gas! Moreover, this poison is potent. Are they trying to poison everyone in Borderless Heavenly Capital? To poison you, Husband, to poison Gu Qin, to poison Gu Han?” Chen Xianer’s voice turned frosty.
When it came to poisoning Gu Hai and his sons, Chen Xianer’s temperance shattered in an instant. An aura of murderous intent burst forth.
Before the surging murderous intent, the Unborn Man’s face suddenly changed. This aura…is that of a consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivator? How is it possible? How could Chen Xianer possess such a high cultivation?
“Toxic gas? Poison everyone? What kind of poison? Why can’t I smell it?” Gu Han questioned, perplexed.
Despite being at the consummation of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm, Gu Han could detect nothing.
“It’s spider venom, no doubt about it. This stench is unmistakable!” Chen Xianer said coldly.
Although Gu Han did not smell anything, he instantly chose to trust his mother’s words.
“I can’t smell it, which means it must be someone at the consummation of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm who’s using the poison. Spider venom? Heavenly Demon Holy Land’s number six, the Silken Web Heavenly Demon?” Gu Han’s face suddenly sank.
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