"It’s probably because of those Mount Shu Disciples we detained. These major sects are such a hassle, involving a whole string of people once you provoke one," the Great Elder sighed slightly. Recalling this, he still felt some lingering pain—after all, he had been struck by Yan Dan’s sword, and the pain was anything but pleasant.
"Cough cough, let’s forget about them and start the blood sacrifice as quickly as possible. Our lord has been waiting far too long and can hardly wait to see this new world," the Great Elder said, coughing continuously as if he was about to cough out his lungs.
The others looked at the Great Elder, whose condition seemed to be deteriorating, with eyes constantly shifting. They didn’t know whether this old, sly fox was really fading or just fishing—after all, it wasn’t the first time he had done something like this.
Lu Yu was also carefully sizing up this highest standing Curse Master, giving him a very strange feeling. Although he was desperately trying to hide it, Lu Yu could clearly see the death aura on him. Despite using this mysterious power to conceal it, he, who was nearing death, would soon be unable to hide his weakness.
However, Lu Yu saw another force within him—a transcendent, otherworldly power. His gaze flickered slightly, as if he had thought of something.
"Go now, the sacrificial ritual will commence tomorrow. Prepare in advance," the Great Elder said in a very feeble tone, leaning on the chair. His face began to turn pale, and he could no longer conceal his weakening breath.
Upon hearing this, everyone retreated one by one. Lu Yu, with his keen senses, noticed that these people began to form their own little groups and, with great understanding, kept their distance from each other. It seemed they were planning something—everyone except for the Third Elder, who was left standing alone at the back, looking rather forlorn.
Even Lu Yu couldn’t help but smirk. The person he had transformed into must be doing poorly to not even have a single ally to join forces with.
What Lu Yu did not know was that this Third Elder was a famous zealot of Curse Mountain, unlike the other Elders who each harbored their own schemes. This person was wholly committed to their cause, thus he looked down on those who only knew how to engage in endless power struggles.
Only the Great Elder, as the divine representative of the Divine Spirit on earth, could command him in the name of the Divine Spirit.
At such a critical time, who would ally with such a brainwashed fanatic? That would be no different from seeking death.
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However, this was no problem for Lu Yu. Eavesdropping was one of his strengths. By quietly tuning in his ears, he heard all the whispers of the people in the distance.
"It seems the old man has been grievously wounded by that person from Mount Shu," the person with a rather sharp voice said, and Lu Yu immediately thought of the Fourth Elder, who looked somewhat gloomy.
"After all, it’s the Sword Immortal. That strike was tremendously powerful; being struck by such a sword, even if one does not die, would cost half a life," the person with a robust voice said, whom Lu Yu recognized as the Fifth Elder with his distinct square-faced appearance.
"More than half a life—I can see the death aura on him; this old man is going to die," the Fourth Elder said with certainty.
"Really? Could he be acting? It’s not the first time he’s done this. We need to be careful."
"Absolutely sure. You can deceive with your facial expression and demeanor, but not the death aura. Right now, he’s enveloped by it. I’m certain he won’t live past three more days," the Fourth Elder’s words caused the Fifth Elder’s breath to quicken.
"No wonder the old man suddenly moved up the date for the blood sacrifice. Perhaps he knows his time is near and is pinning his hopes on the grace of the Divine Spirit," the Fifth Elder speculated, his tone already tinged with glee.
"It’s highly likely. Otherwise, with his cautious nature, he wouldn’t have made such a choice. If he succeeds, you and I might never have our moment to shine," the Fourth Elder lamented, and after finishing his statement, he exchanged a look with the Fifth Elder. Both saw the cold murderous intent in each other’s eyes, realizing they shared the same thoughts.
"Since death is already upon us, we should simply accept fate, don’t you think, Fourth Brother?" the Fifth Elder said solemnly.
"You’re right, he has been sitting there a bit too long," Fourth Elder replied.
On the other hand, the Third Elder, who had previously questioned Lu Yu, had now found a young Curse Master responsible for the security of the Temple.
"The old man is almost done for." The Third Elder opened with this line, startling the young Curse Master to stand up straight from his seat.
"Is it true?" he asked, swallowing his saliva, his words filled with tension.
"With death lingering, could it be false?" countered the Third Elder. Find exclusive stories on freewebnovel.com
"Then it’s true, that’s good. I never thought he would have such a day," the young man said with glee.
"Don’t get too happy too soon, that old guy isn’t the kind to just sit and wait for death, he has already made plans," the Third Elder threw cold water on the young man’s excitement, calming his agitated heart. The other was the Great Elder who had governed Curse Mountain for many years, even the origin of the Curse Masters was due to his discovery of Curse Mountain.
How could such a figure willingly await death?
"I suspect he plans to use a blood sacrifice to awaken the Divine Spirit, seeking the Divine Blessing to extend his life. He has already ordered the blood sacrifice to start tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" the young man asked, puzzled.
"Of course, tomorrow. With death all around him, he will undoubtedly die within three days," the Third Elder stated confidently.
"Then what do we do? Surely we can’t spend our lives groveling under his breath," the young man retorted.
"Stay calm, why the rush? He hasn’t succeeded yet. Moreover, he wants to make a blood sacrifice, but has he asked us? Tomorrow you just secretly open the prison holding the sacrifice. Without a sacrifice, I’d like to see how he can awaken the Divine Spirit," the Third Elder advised.
"But what about the Fourth and Fifth Elders? If they intervene, I might be powerless," the young Curse Master frowned and asked.
"Fourth and Fifth Elders? They probably want the old man dead even more than we do. They’ll just turn a blind eye; just go ahead and be bold," Third Elder reassured.
The Third Elder’s words gave the young man a sense of reassurance, suppressing the excitement and fear within him as he quietly waited for the flush of excitement to fade from his face, then unobtrusively continued with his daily duties.
Lu Yu felt that his journey was truly worthwhile. He hadn’t yet encountered the Evil God, but a great drama had already unfolded before his eyes. The seemingly mighty members of Curse Mountain each harbored their own schemes, yet at this moment, their common hope was the death of the Great Elder.
Just then, someone called out to Lu Yu, stating that the Great Elder wished to see him. Lu Yu’s interest was piqued, as through their words, he had already discerned that this Great Elder was no easy mark, and surely had a fallback plan.