Chapter 343: Ambitions for the Northern Mountain Domain
Qian Xinrui listened to Jiang HuanYu’s seemingly deliberate remarks, glancing at him with her usual
calm demeanor. Her expression betrayed no emotion, leaving it unclear whether she was a ected by
his words.
“Saintess Qian,” Qian Xinrou, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. “If your goal is to rescue
the third elder of the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect, how is that related to your infiltration of the
Northern Mountain Prince’s mansion?”
This question cut straight to the heart of the matter.
The third elder of the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect was an Immortal Emperor—a mighty figure capable of
mastering laws and profound truths. Even within the vast Immortal World, an Immortal Emperor was
an extraordinary existence.
While the Northern Mountain Prince held a respectable position within the Shengming Immortal
Dynasty, his power was far from su cient to influence a airs at the level of Immortal Emperors.
Jiang HuanYu, noticing this discrepancy as well, turned his gaze toward Qian Xinrui, awaiting her
explanation.
“You may not be aware,” Qian Xinrui began, “that the Northern Mountain Prince’s master was one of
the key figures responsible for escorting our third elder to his place of imprisonment. Before his
death, having exhausted his lifespan, the master passed all his knowledge and secrets to the Northern
Mountain Prince. This included the location of the imprisonment site.”
Her words carried an undeniable gravity.
Jiang HuanYu exchanged glances with Qian Xinrou and Xiao Qingli. Such sensitive information implied
that the Northern Mountain Prince likely had a spy from the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect within his
circle, someone who leaked this crucial detail.
Jiang HuanYu, however, did not doubt the truth of Qian Xinrui’s claims. Her infiltration of the Northern
Mountain Prince’s mansion and her actions against the princess suggested she had reliable
intelligence to act on.
“I see,” Jiang HuanYu said thoughtfully. “So your true intention was to use the Northern Mountain
Princess as leverage to force the Northern Mountain Prince to reveal the location of the third elder’s
imprisonment. Am I correct?”
“Precisely,” Qian Xinrui responded without hesitation.
“Then I have another question,” Jiang HuanYu continued. “The Northern Mountain Prince is only at the
peak of the Immortal King Realm. Surely, if the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect sent a stronger force,
capturing him would be straightforward. Why go to such lengths, infiltrating and resorting to
blackmail?”
Jiang HuanYu was certain that the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect still had at least one expert at the eighth
tier of the Immortal Sovereign Realm or higher. The jade talisman in Qian Xinrui’s possession made this
clear—it was no ordinary artifact.
If the sect truly had such power, why not act decisively?
Qian Xinrui’s gaze didn’t waver as she explained, “The experts of our sect have more pressing matters
to attend to. That’s why this roundabout method became necessary.”
“And what matters,” Xiao Qingli interjected, her tone laced with doubt, “could possibly take
precedence over rescuing an Immortal Emperor?”
Jiang HuanYu remained silent, observing the conversation. He suspected Qian Xinrui was being
evasive, but he chose not to press the issue. After all, these were internal matters of the Ghost Demon
Sacred Sect.
Qian Xinrui smiled faintly, her tone cool. “Empress Xiao, this is a private matter of our sect and cannot
be disclosed.”
Jiang HuanYu had anticipated this response. Xiao Qingli nodded, dropping the subject.
“Well then,” Jiang HuanYu said, shifting the discussion. “There’s no need for further details. Here’s my
proposal: I’ll accompany you to the Northern Mountain Prince’s mansion. Together, we’ll use the
princess to pressure him into revealing the location of the imprisonment site.”
“However,” he continued, his tone turning firm, “my subordinates need compensation. We can’t work
for free. After obtaining the location, I’ll take the Northern Mountain Domain for myself. Your sect
must not interfere. Is that acceptable?”
Jiang HuanYu’s demand was clear. The Northern Mountain Domain included several major cities,
among them Tianqing City—a branch stronghold of the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect. His request was
tantamount to asking the sect to sacrifice its foothold in the region.
“Agreed,” Qian Xinrui replied without hesitation.
Her swift response didn’t surprise Jiang HuanYu. Trading a branch stronghold for the location of the
third elder’s imprisonment was a deal too good for the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect to pass up.
“Very well,” Jiang HuanYu said with a smile. “It’s settled, then. Today, I’ll take over Tianqing City.
Tomorrow, we’ll depart for the Northern Mountain Prince’s mansion.”
He personally escorted Qian Xinrui out of the Void Secret Realm, ensuring she departed safely. Their
conversation had solidified a mutual interest. Jiang HuanYu was acutely aware, however, that Qian
Xinrui was a formidable opponent—not someone to be underestimated.
Back in the hall, with only Qian Xinrou and Xiao Qingli present, Jiang HuanYu turned to them.
“What do you think of her words, my loves?” he asked.
Qian Xinrou chuckled lightly. “Your Majesty, from our brief encounter and conversation, both Xiao
Qingli and I feel that capturing this Saintess’s loyalty will be di cult.”
Jiang HuanYu smirked. “I enjoy a good challenge. It makes the satisfaction of conquest all the greater.”
Xiao Qingli gave him a cold glance. “Does that mean we aren’t challenging enough for you anymore,
Your Majesty? Perhaps we should stop letting you have your way so easily.”
Jiang HuanYu laughed nervously. “Don’t tease me, my dear. If you all start making things di cult for
me, I’d be in for endless trouble!”
The women couldn’t help but laugh at his sheepish response.
“Alright,” Jiang HuanYu said, turning serious again. “What are your thoughts on her intentions?”
“It’s clear she’s hiding something,” Xiao Qingli said decisively. “The claim that their experts are
occupied with more important matters is clearly false.”
Jiang HuanYu nodded. “I suspected as much. Still, it’s their internal a air. For now, we won’t pry, but
we should remain cautious. While we must guard against the Shengming Immortal Dynasty, we can’t
ignore the Ghost Demon Sacred Sect.”
Qian Xinrou o ered a suggestion. “There are two options. First, have the Left Chancellor investigate
further. Since he’s already infiltrated certain circles, uncovering details about the Ghost Demon
Sacred Sect shouldn’t be too di cult.”
“And the second?” Jiang HuanYu asked.
Qian Xinrou’s smile turned playful. “Speed up your progress with the Saintess. If you can win her
heart, wouldn’t she willingly share everything with you?”
Jiang HuanYu laughed heartily. “A tempting thought, indeed.”