Chapter 241 My stomach hurts

“Him?”

The old man chuckled softly before letting out a hearty laugh.

“He is… the first among all since time immemorial, the greatest immortal to ever walk the mortal realm!”

Hearing Yun Yanshui’s curiosity about the figure he had mentioned, the old man’s gaze drifted into the vast expanse of his ancient memories.

A faint look of reverence appeared on his face, one he didn’t even notice himself.

Back in those days, the man he spoke of was the unrivaled First Immortal, while he was but a mere attendant at his side.

To him, they were nothing more than fleeting clouds.

“This old geezer better not have some weird obsession with him…”

Watching the old man’s overly reverent expression as he reminisced, Yun Yanshui couldn’t help but quietly mutter a sarcastic thought to himself.

“So, from what you’re saying, this ‘him’ must’ve been pretty powerful, huh?”

“Very powerful,” the old man replied without hesitation.

“Care to elaborate?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Why not?”

“Speaking his name or recounting his deeds would draw the attention of forces above. I won’t risk jeopardizing his plans or bringing calamity upon him.”

The white-robed elder took another sip of tea and gestured subtly toward the heavens.

Seeing that the old man was unwilling to say more, Yun Yanshui didn’t press further. He wasn’t here to indulge in the old man’s cryptic tales but to find the Life and Death Cicada.

“Did anyone else ever come here before me?”

“Yes, a young man,” the old man replied.

“What kind of young man?”

At those words, Yun Yanshui immediately leaned forward, his interest piqued.

The old man didn’t answer directly. Instead, with a wave of his sleeve, a shimmering light formed in the void beside him, revealing a vivid scene.

Within the projection, the endless darkness stretched out like an ocean. After a while, a figure emerged—a handsome, finely dressed young man stepping cautiously through the shadows.

Yun Yanshui stared intently, and recognition dawned upon him. The young man was none other than Wang Liyuan, who had ventured into Wanlong Mountain a decade ago.

He watched as Wang Liyuan approached the glowing skeleton of the elder and retrieved an item from its bony hand—an object shaped like a summer cicada.

“So that bastard really did find the Life and Death Cicada here!”

Yun Yanshui’s face darkened as he gritted his teeth in frustration.

“So, you’ve come seeking the Life and Death Cicada as well?”

The old man dismissed the projection with another wave of his sleeve and turned his gaze back to Yun Yanshui.

“Yes. Do you still have it?”

“The Life and Death Cicada was his creation, and I only ever had one.”

“Damn it!”

Yun Yanshui clenched his fists tightly, despair threatening to overwhelm him. Was there truly no hope left?

“If you desire it, I can offer you what remains of my primordial spirit instead.”

“What good would that do me?”

Yun Yanshui frowned, his interest waning as he glanced skeptically at the old man.

“Hahaha! Though my primordial spirit is but a fraction of its peak power, it is still not far from the miraculous effects of the Life and Death Cicada.”

“Oh?”

Hearing this, Yun Yanshui’s eyes lit up. Could this truly be a silver lining in his otherwise hopeless search?

“However, if I give you my primordial spirit, I will vanish completely, won’t I?”

The thought struck him suddenly.

“Hahaha! It’s rare for someone to worry about this old man. But if it helps you, what does it matter if I fade away?”

“We don’t even know each other. Why go so far to help me?”

Suspicion colored Yun Yanshui’s tone as he studied the old man, convinced there must be ulterior motives.

“I’m not helping you. I’m helping him.”

“There it is again! Always ‘him’ this, ‘him’ that. Are you sure you’re not secretly obsessed with this guy?”

Yun Yanshui’s inner monologue buzzed with sarcasm as he watched the elder with growing incredulity.

“I am curious, though. Since you had the Life and Death Cicada in your possession, why didn’t you use it yourself to gain immortality or revive someone dear to you? Why leave such a miraculous artifact for someone else to take?”

“He’s gone. What point is there in me lingering in this world without him?”

Yun Yanshui: “…”

For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

This old geezer isn’t just obsessed—he’s probably hopelessly infatuated.

Now I’m curious: is the ‘he’ you’re talking about a man or a woman? Who could have bewitched you to this extent?

Inside the pavilion, the elder and Yun Yanshui sat opposite one another. Their conversation gradually grew more relaxed, and the initial tension between them dissipated.

From time to time, something Yun Yanshui said would elicit hearty laughter from the old man, as if reminding him of those carefree days eons ago, sitting beneath the boundless starlit skies, drinking and discussing the mortal world with his old friend.

“This has been a delightful conversation. However, it’s time for me to say goodbye,” the old man said, his voice tinged with both satisfaction and melancholy.

As he looked at Yun Yanshui, he seemed to see shadows of the ‘him’ from long ago.

“Do your best. Remember, the world you live in is not the true world—it’s a prison.”

“A prison? What do you mean?”

“You’ll understand in time. Once you do, you’ll awaken,” the old man replied enigmatically.

His figure began to fade, becoming translucent before shrinking into a small, concentrated point of white light.

The white light floated down gently, landing in Yun Yanshui’s palm. It was a small, luminous pill inscribed with a golden cicada pattern that shimmered brilliantly.

“Though this is our first meeting, you’ve helped me greatly. I may not know your name, but I will never forget your kindness,” Yun Yanshui murmured, clutching the pill tightly in his hand.

This was the last hope to bring his brother, Yantian, back to life. If this didn’t work, he doubted he’d ever find another chance.

As Yun Yanshui whispered to himself, the serene pavilion, the picturesque landscape, and the infinite darkness all faded away.

When he came to, he was back in the cluttered bamboo house. The seemingly bottomless water jar that had drawn him in lay shattered on the ground.

If not for the tangible weight of the pill in his hand, Yun Yanshui might have believed the entire experience to be a dream.

In the dense forest, Li Qing and Master Tu finally found Baili Moxue and the others. Noticing the grief etched on Baili Moxue’s face, they rushed forward with concern.

“Seventh Princess, are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Baili Moxue replied, forcing a faint smile at the two immortals.

“Master Li, Master Tu, how did you end up here?” Yun Yanshuang, supporting her sister-in-law, asked curiously.

“We detected a mysterious figure cloaked in black sneaking into Wanlong Mountain and feared they might pose a threat to you three. So, we entered to investigate,” Li Qing explained.

“Oh,” Yun Yanshuang said, her expression briefly flashing with understanding. She guessed the mysterious figure was likely her brother, Yun Yanshui.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

As Li Qing and Yun Yanshuang spoke, Master Tu suddenly spotted Yun Yanshui emerging from the bamboo house. Without hesitation, he summoned his spiritual weapon and attacked.

Yun Yanshui, unwilling to engage, swiftly waved his sleeve, forcefully deflecting the incoming weapon. In a flash, he vanished into the depths of the forest.

“After him!”

Li Qing’s face darkened as he shouted the order to pursue.

“Ahh! Ahh!”

But before the two could give chase, Yun Yanshuang clutched her stomach and let out a pained cry, doubling over.

“Shuang’er, what’s wrong?”

Both Baili Moxue and Yun Wenxuan looked at her with alarm, rushing to her side.

Li Qing and Master Tu, equally concerned, stopped to examine her condition.

“My… my stomach hurts!”

Yun Yanshuang crouched on the ground, clutching her abdomen and breaking out into a cold sweat, her face contorted in apparent agony.

Li Qing and Master Tu exchanged puzzled looks.

“You’re a Qi Refining cultivator—how can you have a stomachache?” Yun Wenxuan asked, his voice filled with confusion.

“Shut up! I said it hurts, so it hurts! Instead of questioning me, you should be worried about your aunt! Have I not doted on you enough all these years?” Yun Yanshuang snapped, glaring at her nephew with mock indignation.

Caught off guard, Yun Wenxuan looked thoroughly embarrassed.

“Shuang’er, let’s return to the palace and have the imperial physician take a proper look at you,” Baili Moxue said, worried that her sister-in-law might have unknowingly been affected by something sinister within the mountain.

“Fine…”

Yun Yanshuang nodded weakly, her face pale. But her eyes darted in the direction her brother had fled, ensuring he was safely out of sight.

Suddenly, her demeanor shifted.

“Wait! Sister-in-law, my stomach doesn’t hurt anymore!”

Baili Moxue, Li Qing, Master Tu, and Yun Wenxuan: “…”

Why did they suddenly feel like they’d just been played?

 

Chapter 242 Great Sorrow and Great Joy

“He got away!”

Realizing Yun Yanshuang was unharmed, Master Tu finally remembered the figure of Yun Yanshui, who had fled earlier. Frustration crept into his tone as he spoke.

“Let it go. It seems he didn’t intend to harm the Seventh Princess or her companions. Let him leave,” Li Qing said calmly, his years of experience shining through his measured demeanor.

It was clear to him that Yun Yanshuang had deliberately created a diversion to protect the mysterious figure. From this, it was evident that she knew him.

Since the figure had no desire to reveal himself, and Yun Yanshuang had no intention of elaborating, Li Qing saw no reason to probe further.

“Alas! I suppose that’s all we can do. That man’s cultivation is far beyond ours. If he had truly wanted to kill us, we wouldn’t have stood a chance,” Master Tu sighed.

He recalled how Yun Yanshui had effortlessly deflected his attack with a mere wave of his sleeve, revealing the vast gulf between their abilities.

“Indeed. I wonder which senior he might be?”

Li Qing muttered to himself, casting a subtle glance at Yun Yanshuang. But he refrained from asking outright. Everyone had their secrets, and he respected that.

“Seventh Princess, allow us to escort you back,” Li Qing said, redirecting his focus and bowing slightly toward Baili Moxue.

“Thank you, Master Li,” she replied politely.

The Imperial Garden, Royal Palace

“Your son greets Father.”

Under the guidance of the palace eunuchs, Baili Moxue entered the Imperial Garden, where her father, Emperor Baili Xi, was leisurely fishing. She hurried forward and bowed respectfully.

“How did it go? Did you find anything in Wanlong Mountain?”

Baili Xi reeled in a dragon carp and placed it in his basket before setting aside his jade fishing rod. Rising to his feet, he turned to his daughter.

“No, I didn’t,” Baili Moxue replied, her voice heavy with dejection.

“Don’t be disheartened. Perhaps this is fate’s design. Such heaven-defying artifacts are not so easily found,” Baili Xi said gently, stepping forward to comfort her.

“I will remember Father’s advice,” she said, nodding solemnly. “Since I was unable to find the Life and Death Cicada, I should return to the family.”

“Will you not stay in the palace for a few more days?”

“No, Father. My husband has only recently passed, and I must continue to watch over his spirit.”

“Take care on your journey, then. Please convey my condolences to the Yun family,” Baili Xi said with a sigh, pulling his daughter into a gentle embrace.

“And you, Father, must take care of your health. Don’t let the burdens of the kingdom weigh too heavily on you.”

“I will. Don’t worry,” Baili Xi said with a smile, watching as Baili Moxue left the garden, accompanied by the palace eunuchs.

Moments after Baili Moxue departed, a court official hurried into the garden, holding a letter in his hands.

“Your Majesty, Wu has sent an invitation!”

Taking the letter, Baili Xi examined it carefully, his brow furrowing slightly.

“The Five Kingdoms Conference?”

“Hmph! What game is Wu playing, suddenly calling for a Five Kingdoms Conference?”

“Your Majesty, will you be attending?” the official asked tentatively.

“Have the other three kingdoms accepted the invitation?”

“They have.”

“If I were to decline, it would not be appropriate,” Baili Xi said thoughtfully.

“I will prepare everything at once,” the official said with a bow before hurrying off.

Yun Family Estate, Yun Cang County

“Second Brother.”

Carrying a jug of wine and a few dishes, Yun Yunshan approached the shade of an old willow tree outside the estate, where Yun Yunyu sat in silence.

“Fourth Brother, what brings you here?”

Startled out of his daze, Yun Yunyu turned to see his younger brother, a faint smile softening the weariness etched into his face.

“I’ve seen you sitting out here every day. I was worried about you, so I came to check on you,” Yun Yunshan said, placing the wine and dishes on the small table before sitting beside his brother.

For days, Yun Yunyu had been coming to this spot, sitting from morning till night, his gaze fixed on the road leading away from the estate. It was as if he were waiting for something—or someone.

He hardly ate or drank, and his decline in health was painfully evident.

“I’m sorry to trouble you,” Yun Yunyu said with an apologetic smile.

“We’re family, brothers born of the same blood. There’s no need for apologies,” Yun Yunshan replied, pouring a cup of wine for his elder brother.

“Come, have something to eat. Take care of yourself. I believe Shuang’er and the others will return with good news, and Yantian will come back to us.”

He knew his brother spent his days here, longing for the return of Baili Moxue and the others, hoping they would bring news that could restore Yun Yantian’s life.

Yun Yunshan’s words were meant as comfort, though they both knew how fragile that hope truly was.

“Let’s hope so.”

Yun Yunyu sighed heavily, knowing his younger brother’s words were meant to comfort him. He lifted the bowl of wine before him and downed it in one gulp.

Having barely eaten in days, the strong wine caught in his throat, sending him into a fit of coughing.

“Don’t just drink—have some of these dishes. My wife made them herself because she’s worried about you. Some of these ingredients are spiritual delicacies sent by Wenyu and Wenrun from the family. Eat up and replenish your strength,” Yun Yunshan said as he filled his elder brother’s bowl with food.

“These past days, I’ve caused the family no small amount of trouble,” Yun Yunyu said, smiling bitterly.

“We’re all one family—it’s our duty to take care of each other,” Yun Yunshan replied with a gentle smile.

“Father!”

A familiar voice called out, breaking the peaceful moment.

Yun Yunyu’s hand trembled as he hastily set down his bowl and looked toward the source of the voice. There, he saw Baili Moxue returning with Yun Yanshuang and Yun Wenxuan.

“Moxue… how did it go?”

His eyes were filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension as he looked at his daughter-in-law.

Hearing her father-in-law’s question, Baili Moxue lowered her head in disappointment, unable to respond.

Her silence spoke volumes. Yun Yunyu’s face fell as the weight of his despair sank deeper.

“So… it’s truly his fate,” he murmured, his voice trembling.

“Father, where’s Brother?”

Yun Yanshuang, unable to bear her uncle’s grief, leaned toward her own father and whispered, “I believe with Brother’s luck, he must have found something in that bamboo house!”

“I don’t know. But judging by the time, he should be back by now,” Yun Yunshan replied.

Inside a room, Yun Yanshui was removing his sweat-soaked robe and cloak, his mood buoyant as he prepared to take a relaxing bath.

Bang!

The door burst open with a loud crash.

Yun Yanshuang stormed in, paying no heed to her brother’s state of undress. “Where is it?” she demanded.

“Where’s what?”

“Don’t play dumb! You must have found something in that bamboo house. Hand it over! Uncle has been wasting away over Brother Yantian’s death!”

“It’s on the cabinet. Take it yourself,” Yun Yanshui said, gesturing toward a small box on the nearby shelf.

“Remember, Yantian’s revival must remain a secret. If word gets out, it could invite disaster to our family,” he warned.

“I know,” Yun Yanshuang replied, grabbing the box and holding her brother’s words in her heart.

At Yun Yantian’s courtyard, the Yun family members had gathered, including Yun Yunyang and others.

They had all learned of Baili Moxue’s return, but when they heard she had found nothing in the mountain, their spirits plummeted. Many believed that Yun Yantian’s death was an unchangeable fate.

“Uncle!”

Bursting into the courtyard, Yun Yanshuang called out to Yun Yunyu.

“Shuang’er, what is it?”

“I can save Brother Yantian!”

“Re… really?”

Yun Yunyu’s eyes lit up with renewed hope, his hands trembling as he grabbed his niece’s shoulders.

Around them, Baili Moxue, Yun Wenxuan, and Yun Yunyang looked on in astonishment.

“Wenxuan, bring out Yantian’s spirit coffin!”

“Right away!”

Yun Wenxuan quickly left and returned moments later, carrying the coffin containing Yun Yantian’s body.

All eyes turned to Yun Yanshuang, curiosity and hope mingling in their expressions.

Under their watchful gaze, Yun Yanshuang opened the box and retrieved a white pill inscribed with a golden cicada pattern, shimmering with an ethereal glow.

Placing the pill into Yun Yantian’s mouth, she watched as its energy dissolved into his body.

A surge of life force rippled through Yun Yantian’s lifeless form.

His corpse, once cold and pale, began to regain warmth. The bluish tint of his face faded, replaced by a healthy flush.

Moments later, a faint breath escaped his lips.

His chest rose and fell, and his previously closed eyes fluttered open, revealing a dazed and confused expression.

For a moment, the courtyard fell silent.

Then, overwhelmed with joy, the gathered family members erupted into cheers and tears.

In the rear courtyard, Yun Yanshui lounged in a wooden tub, enjoying a long, hot bath.

“Yantian must have awakened by now,” he mused to himself, his body relaxing as his mind wandered.

“From tragedy to triumph—it’s true, the whims of fate are beyond comprehension.”

“What a shame, though. Such an extraordinary artifact will likely never be found again. In this life, no one can be so lucky forever.”

Soaking in the tub, Yun Yanshui’s thoughts turned to his encounter with the white-robed elder.

He understood that the old man had not been an ordinary figure in life. Now that the elder was gone, and “he” whom the elder spoke of no longer existed, such a miraculous item was unlikely to reappear.

The world, it seemed, was destined to return to its natural course.

 

Chapter 243 Meeting on Behalf

“What… what is this…?”

Inside the spirit coffin, Yun Yantian suddenly sat up, his eyes wide with confusion as he looked around, unsure if he was dreaming.

But if it were a dream, why did it feel so real?

“Hahaha! This is wonderful! Truly wonderful!”

Seeing his son brought back to life, Yun Yunyu’s weathered face lit up with joy, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Baili Moxue and Yun Wenxuan rushed to Yun Yantian, throwing themselves into his arms and holding him tightly, as if afraid he might leave them again.

“Shuang’er, where did you get that miraculous pill?”

After the shock and joy had settled, Yun Yunyang turned to Yun Yanshuang with a smile, curiosity evident in his tone.

The rest of the Yun family members also looked to Yun Yanshuang, eager for an explanation.

If their family could obtain such a miraculous pill in large quantities, wouldn’t that…

“It was a gift from my master,” Yun Yanshuang replied after a moment’s thought. She knew it wouldn’t be wise to reveal that her brother had retrieved it from Wanlong Mountain. Instead, she invoked the name of her mysterious master.

“Ah, I see.”

The family nodded in understanding. To them, it seemed only natural that the venerable, god-like Daoist would possess such a heaven-defying artifact.

There was no reason to doubt her words.

“If only our family could have more of those pills,” Yun Yunxun mused as he glanced at Yun Yantian, who was holding his wife and son close, their reunion a heartwarming sight.

“To have such a miraculous pill would be a curse, not a blessing!”

Yun Yunyang’s tone grew stern as he addressed his cousin’s idle wish.

His words jolted Yun Yunxun from his thoughts. Upon further consideration, he realized his elder cousin was right.

If their family were to acquire such a pill in large quantities and word of it got out, it would undoubtedly invite conflict and disaster.

Their family would face calamity.

“Moreover, such heaven-defying artifacts capable of reviving the dead are undoubtedly rare and difficult to obtain.

The Daoist elder must have gone through unimaginable hardship to find even one.

Even someone as powerful as him could only manage to acquire a single pill. To dream of possessing more would be sheer fantasy,” Yun Yunyang added.

His words resonated with the gathered family members, tempering their fleeting hopes of obtaining more of the miraculous pills.

“Once again, our family owes a great debt to the Daoist elder.”

“I just wonder… will we ever get the chance to see him again?”

Yun Yunyang clasped his hands behind his back and gazed at the clear blue sky, his mind wandering to the day the bronze celestial gate appeared, flooding the land with divine light as the Daoist elder ascended into the immortal realm.

For ordinary mortals like them, whose lives were fleeting compared to the immortals, meeting such a being again seemed almost impossible.

“If fate allows, we may meet him again.

And if not, then the younger generation of our family will carry on in our stead,” Yun Yunshan said, puffing on his pipe as he approached his elder brother. He too gazed at the sky, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Ahahaha! Well said, Fourth Brother!”

“Indeed, we old folks may one day pass on, but our family’s descendants will continue to forge ties and connections.”

Yun Yunyang’s hearty laughter filled the courtyard. The sun was bright, and their family had been blessed with Yun Yantian’s revival—a rare and joyous occasion.

However, to avoid bringing calamity upon their family, Yun Yunyang made it a point to remind everyone present to keep the details of Yun Yantian’s revival a closely guarded secret.

He instructed them to claim that Yun Yantian’s survival was due to his extraordinary constitution. They would say he had remained in a state of suspended animation while lying in the spirit coffin and had finally awakened by sheer luck.

“Yunyang Cousin, Master Li is here,” a Yun family member announced, leading Li Qing into the courtyard.

“Brother Yunyang,” Li Qing greeted with a smile and a bow as he stepped into the courtyard.

“Master Li,” Yun Yunyang replied, returning the bow respectfully.

“It’s been a while since we’ve all met!”

After exchanging pleasantries with Yun Yunyang, Li Qing greeted the other senior members of the Yun family gathered in the courtyard.

As his gaze swept across the group, it landed on Yun Yantian, who was sitting with Baili Moxue, their hands intertwined. Li Qing’s eyes widened in shock.

“Prince Consort? Weren’t you…”

“Oh, Master Li,” Yun Yunyang interjected with a wry smile, “to tell you the truth, we also believed Yantian was fatally injured.

“But, just as we were preparing to lay him to rest, he suddenly revived.

“Shuang’er has already examined him. It seems that before Yantian reached the brink of death, my grandson Wenxuan tirelessly fed him numerous healing pills to keep him alive, though barely.

“This prolonged his life enough to place him in a state of suspended animation, which he only recently emerged from.

“To be honest, none of us expected this—it gave us all quite the fright!”

Even though Li Qing had always had a good relationship with the Yun family, Yun Yunyang chose not to disclose the true reason for Yun Yantian’s miraculous revival. Such an extraordinary event was best kept within the family, never to be spoken of again.

“So that’s how it happened. It seems the Prince Consort has been blessed with extraordinary fortune!”

Li Qing nodded, accepting Yun Yunyang’s explanation without suspicion. After all, it wasn’t unheard of for cultivators with great luck to enter a state of false death only to recover later.

“Indeed! My nephew’s luck is remarkable—it’s truly awe-inspiring,” Yun Yunyang said with a hearty laugh.

“With Yantian’s recovery, Yunyu and the Seventh Princess can finally be at ease. Such a joyous occasion must be reported to His Majesty upon my return to the palace!”

“I agree! Such wonderful news deserves to be shared with His Majesty,” Yun Yunyang said with a smile.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Li Qing said, his expression turning serious as he remembered the purpose of his visit.

“Master Li, what brings you here?” Yun Yunyang asked.

“His Majesty has received an invitation from Wu for a Five Kingdoms Conference.

“At the conference, each of Yue’s nine major clans will send three representatives with spiritual roots to participate.

“You should begin preparing your selections soon,” Li Qing explained.

“A Five Kingdoms Conference? Why has Wu suddenly initiated this?”

“We’re not sure. His Majesty intends to attend personally to uncover their intentions.”

“Understood. I’ll arrange for Shuang’er and the Wen sisters to attend,” Yun Yunyang replied, nodding.

“Very well. I’ll take my leave now to help His Majesty prepare for the conference.”

“Safe travels, Master Li.”

After Li Qing departed, Yun Yanshuang approached her eldest uncle with a playful grin.

“Uncle, let my brother come with us too!”

“Your brother Yantian has only just recovered. His body isn’t strong enough for such a journey,” Yun Yunyang replied, frowning slightly.

“Not Yantian—I meant my other brother!”

“You mean Yanshui?”

“Yes! Someone has to look after us on the road, after all. If we’re left to deal with trivial matters like meals and lodging, it will surely disrupt our cultivation,” she reasoned, tugging on her uncle’s arm.

“The court will likely arrange attendants to handle such things,” Yun Yunyang countered, though his tone softened.

“But I like having my brother around!” Yun Yanshuang whined, her tone playful as she clung to her uncle’s arm, drawing laughter from the other elders present.

“Fine, fine! Yanshui can accompany you. Your bond as siblings is clearly strong.

“But remember, this Five Kingdoms Conference is no simple gathering. Wu’s intentions are unclear, and you must protect Yanshui, the Wen sisters, and yourself from harm,” Yun Yunyang said, shaking his head with a helpless smile.

“You’re the best, Uncle! Don’t worry—with me there, I’ll keep my brother and the Wen sisters safe!”

Her words were filled with confidence, though in her heart, she thought: With my brother Yanshui accompanying us, we’ll have the best protection possible.

 

Chapter 244 Wu State Conspiracy

Creak…

The heavy palace doors slowly swung open.

A piercing beam of sunlight cut through the dark, damp, and cold interior of the hall.

Standing at the threshold was a middle-aged man clad in imperial robes, exuding an aura of power and authority. His hands were clasped behind his back, his posture calm and imposing.

This man was Dong Zilong, the reigning monarch of Wu, a cultivator at the Qi Refining Realm.

“Send them in,” he ordered, his tone devoid of emotion as he gazed into the shadowy depths of the palace.

Behind him, several royal cultivators of Wu escorted nearly twenty individuals with spiritual roots into the foreboding hall.

After the group was herded inside, the cultivators promptly withdrew, closing the doors behind them.

Not long after, the silence of the palace was shattered by the piercing screams of the spiritual-rooted individuals.

Their agonized cries echoed through the hall, accompanied by the grotesque sounds of flesh being torn and devoured.

Blood splattered against the shutters of the palace’s windows, staining them with vivid red streaks that shimmered grotesquely under the sunlight. The sight was so horrifying it could chill even the bravest soul to the bone.

Eventually, the screams subsided.

The gruesome chewing noises also faded into silence.

Only then did Dong Zilong push the doors open and step inside. He instructed the cultivators to stand guard outside and entered the grim palace alone.

The dark, damp hall reeked of decay and blood. Corpses littered the ground, their severed limbs and mangled bodies scattered in a horrifying display. Teeth marks were visible on the remains, evidence of savage, inhuman consumption.

The scene resembled the depths of hell itself.

Any ordinary person witnessing such carnage would have collapsed in terror, their minds shattered.

But Dong Zilong, his hands still clasped behind his back, seemed entirely unaffected. He had grown accustomed to such horrific sights. His expression remained stoic, his demeanor unshaken.

“Grandson Zilong greets the ancestor,” he said respectfully, bowing toward a shadowy corner of the hall.

In the dim light, an elder with disheveled hair crouched over one of the corpses, gnawing at its remains. The elder slowly stood, wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. His bloodshot eyes turned toward Dong Zilong, a trace of dissatisfaction in his tone.

“The quality of the spiritual-rooted individuals you’ve been sending me has been declining over the years,” the elder growled.

“Grandson is ashamed.”

Dong Zilong hurriedly explained, “Over the past decade, our nation has been at constant war with Yue, while also guarding against the other three nations.

“Internal conflicts between clans have further hindered our growth, leading to a decline in the number of spiritual-rooted individuals.”

Dong Zilong refrained from mentioning another critical reason: his ancestor’s ever-growing appetite.

Spiritual-rooted individuals were already rare, and his ancestor demanded not only high-quality roots but those of at least third-grade or above, with cultivation at the Fifth Stage of the Embryo Breath Realm or higher.

Meeting such stringent criteria was an almost impossible task, especially given the rate at which his ancestor consumed them.

But Dong Zilong dared not voice this. He knew all too well that challenging his ancestor’s authority would mean his own death.

“I don’t want excuses—I want results!” the elder snarled, his bloodied face contorted with rage.

“If you can’t provide me with more and better spiritual-rooted individuals, don’t blame me for turning my attention to your children.

“From what I’ve seen, your third son has rather promising spiritual roots…”

The elder’s sinister smile and chilling tone sent a shiver down Dong Zilong’s spine.

“Grandson will ensure everything is arranged to your satisfaction,” Dong Zilong said, bowing deeply. His tone was firm, but his heart was heavy with dread.

He had no doubt his ancestor would follow through on his threats. After all, several of his own children had already been devoured by this monstrous being.

“See that you do,” the elder sneered before waving him off dismissively.

“Grandson takes his leave,” Dong Zilong replied, retreating from the gruesome chamber.

As he stepped into the sunlight outside the palace, Dong Zilong’s expression darkened.

I must find a way to rid myself of this fiend.

The Five Kingdoms Conference… perhaps this will be the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.

For too long, I’ve been under this monster’s thumb.

“Your son greets Father!”

As Dong Zilong stepped out of the shadowy palace, a young man in fine robes approached and bowed respectfully.

“What are you doing here? Leave immediately!”

Seeing his most favored third son, Dong Jian, standing near this cursed place, Dong Zilong’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, he grabbed his son and, under the escort of royal cultivators, hastily departed the area.

“Father, what is inside that hall?”

Once they were far from the palace, Dong Jian couldn’t suppress his curiosity any longer.

In the royal palace, there was a saying: Those who enter the Shadow Hall shall not return alive.

As a child, Dong Jian had often seen his older siblings enter the Shadow Hall, never to come back. He had also witnessed spiritual-rooted individuals from various clans being sent into the hall, only to vanish forever.

This mystery had haunted him for years. Whenever he asked about it, his father’s response was always a severe beating or scolding.

But now, as an adult and the most talented among his siblings, Dong Jian was well-positioned to inherit the throne. He decided it was time to seek answers, even if it meant risking his father’s wrath.

To his surprise, Dong Zilong didn’t strike him or yell. Instead, he sighed deeply and said, “Inside the Shadow Hall lives a monster—a heartless, man-eating monster with no regard for family ties.”

“If that’s the case, why not eliminate it, Father? Why continue feeding it spiritual-rooted individuals every so often?”

Dong Jian’s suspicions had already led him to some conclusions, so his father’s revelation didn’t shock him as much as it might have years ago.

“If it could be eliminated, I would have done so long ago,” Dong Zilong replied with another heavy sigh. He led his son to the imperial garden, where they sat down together.

“It’s that powerful?”

“Yes, very powerful. No one in Wu can match it,” Dong Zilong admitted, nodding grimly.

“It’s ironic, really,” he continued. “That monster is the ancestor of our royal family. It was once a guardian of Wu, a protector of the throne.

“But when it attempted to break through to a higher realm, it failed catastrophically, becoming the monstrosity it is now—neither man nor ghost.

“Every so often, it must consume the blood essence of spiritual-rooted individuals to suppress the fallout of its failed breakthrough.

“And with each passing year, its appetite grows.

“In the beginning, Wu could meet its demands. But now, as its hunger becomes insatiable, it’s becoming a danger we can no longer control.

“If this continues, our royal family will end up raising a true demon, one that will bring unimaginable disaster to our family and the entire kingdom of Wu.”

Dong Zilong gazed at the overcast sky, his thoughts heavy, like the clouds above.

“What will you do, Father?”

Dong Jian’s voice broke the silence. He was stunned to learn that the monster was their own ancestor, but his shock quickly gave way to concern.

A creature like that, if not dealt with, would undoubtedly lead Wu to ruin.

“I’ve arranged the Five Kingdoms Conference as part of my plan to eliminate it,” Dong Zilong revealed, his voice low but resolute.

“Oh?”

Dong Jian raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“At the conference, spiritual-rooted individuals from all five kingdoms—including Wu—will gather. So will the powerful ancestors and top cultivators of various clans.

“When the time comes, I’ll use them as blood offerings for our ancestor. This will inevitably lead to a bloody battle.

“If all goes well, this will accomplish three things: first, it will rid us of the strongest cultivators from the other nations, easing Wu’s external threats; second, it will eliminate disloyal elements within our own kingdom; and third, it will destroy the uncontrollable monster that is our ancestor.

“With one move, we can address external threats, internal unrest, and our ancestor’s menace. Wu will finally have peace.”

Dong Zilong’s words carried an air of finality. This plan was his gamble, his all-or-nothing attempt to secure the future of Wu.

Dong Jian felt a chill run down his spine as he listened to his father’s strategy. It was ruthless, calculated, and terrifyingly effective.

He couldn’t help but admire the depth of his father’s cunning. Compared to Dong Zilong’s meticulous planning, he felt inadequate.

“But what if the clans within Wu and the other four nations discover this plan? If they learn about our ancestor and begin taking precautions…”

The thought struck Dong Jian like a bolt of lightning. If word got out, the consequences would be catastrophic.

“Hahaha! Do you think I’ve spent all these years doing nothing?” Dong Zilong laughed coldly.

“Do you know how many spies from other nations and disloyal elements within Wu I’ve quietly eliminated to ensure this secret stays buried?

“Regarding the matter of our ancestor, only I, you, and a select few trusted members of the court know the truth.

“Precautions? What precautions can they possibly take when they don’t even know what to guard against?”

Dong Zilong’s confidence was unwavering, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Dong Jian fell silent, contemplating his father’s words.

This was a plan that could change the fate of nations—a plan as dangerous as it was ambitious.

And there was no room for failure.

 

Chapter 245: The Vastness of the World

“This is the geography chart Mr. Yu left for you two?”

Inside a luxurious carriage, Yun Yanshui examined the chart his two nieces had spread out. He and his sister, Yun Yanshuang, both leaned in, their curiosity piqued.

“That’s right,” Yun Wenyu replied with a smile before explaining the chart in detail.

“When we were young, Mr. Yu taught us about the vastness of our world.

“The mortal realm is composed of three major continents: the Western Divine Continent, the Central Divine Continent, and the Eastern Divine Continent.

“These three continents are home to countless celestial sects and nations. Beyond them lie numerous islands, some of which are vast territories in their own right.

“For instance, Yue, our nation, is located on an island called Tianxing Island. This island spans tens of thousands of square kilometers and is divided among five major nations. Yue is one of these five, alongside Wu, Nan, Bei, and Chu.

“Besides these, there are smaller nations and tribal groups scattered across the island.

“The chart also shows the great seas surrounding these lands. Legends say the oceans are filled with ferocious sea beasts, creatures so powerful that only the strongest cultivators can safely navigate those waters. Without such protection, one risks being devoured by these terrifying beasts.”

Yun Wenyu’s explanation was detailed and thorough. Knowing that her aunt, Yun Yanshuang, devoted most of her time to cultivation and was unfamiliar with the larger world, Wenyu felt it was necessary to provide a clear overview.

“So we’ve been living in such a tiny place all along?”

Yun Yanshui muttered in surprise as he stared at the chart. On it, Tianxing Island appeared as nothing more than a small dot.

He had always thought their territory was vast.

But now he realized his perspective had been limited.

There truly were worlds beyond their imagination, realms where their tiny island seemed no more significant than a grain of sand.

“Can you tell us more about these three continents?”

Yun Yanshuang asked, her curiosity evident. She was astonished that such massive lands existed, dwarfing their already sizable home.

Surely these continents must hold countless wonders and mysteries.

“According to Mr. Yu, the Western Divine Continent is a sacred land of Buddhism. It’s home to many Buddhist monks, and Buddhism is the dominant religion there.

“The Central Divine Continent, however, is the true holy land of cultivation. It’s the most famous of the three continents, housing numerous powerful sects and aristocratic families with deep foundations.

“Mr. Yu once said that even if we were to muster the full strength of Yue, it wouldn’t be enough to challenge a third-rate sect from the Central Divine Continent.

“Many ancient cultivation monsters live there—Nascent Soul and Purple Mansion cultivators, for example. There are even said to be those who’ve reached the Void Refinement and Integration realms!”

Yun Wenyu paused for emphasis, her words leaving her audience spellbound.

“As for the Eastern Divine Continent, it’s a place teeming with demons. It’s dominated by various demon clans, and humans struggle to survive there.

“Humans in the Eastern Divine Continent are treated as livestock, raised and consumed by the demon clans.

“Just as we rear pigs, cows, and sheep, humans there are slaughtered and cooked at the whim of their captors.”

As Yun Wenyu spoke, vivid images of the three continents began to form in the minds of Yun Yanshui and Yun Yanshuang.

Their hearts were shaken as if a tempest raged within.

The thought of Nascent Soul, Purple Mansion, and even Void Refinement and Integration cultivators on the Central Divine Continent was staggering.

In Yue, Qi Refining cultivators were considered exceptional, and those who reached the Foundation Establishment stage were revered as deities, able to roam freely across Tianxing Island’s five nations.

But according to Yun Wenyu, a Foundation Establishment cultivator would be insignificant on the three continents.

“We’ve been frogs in a well all these years, ignorant of the vastness of the world,” Yun Yanshuang murmured, finally emerging from her shock.

But alongside her awe rose a fiery ambition.

Since the world was so vast, she resolved to one day visit these lands, to broaden her horizons and perhaps elevate her cultivation to new heights.

“So this is the geography chart Mr. Yu left for you two?”

Seated inside the luxurious carriage, Yun Yanshui examined the map as his nieces, Yun Wenyu and Yun Wenrun, enthusiastically explained it. Beside him, Yun Yanshuang also leaned closer, intrigued.

“Yes, it is,” Yun Wenyu confirmed with a smile before launching into a detailed explanation.

“When Mr. Yu taught us about this, we were just as amazed!”

While Wenyu spoke, Yun Wenrun—ever the foodie—was busy munching on a bag of candied dates. She paused just long enough to chime in, her voice muffled by the treat in her mouth.

“Eat, eat, eat—you haven’t stopped eating this entire trip! You’re going to turn into a little ball at this rate. How are you going to find a husband?”

Yun Yanshui chuckled as he playfully pinched Wenrun’s slightly rounded cheeks, teasing her with a lighthearted grin.

“Uncle Yanshui! That’s so mean! I’m not fat!”

Feigning indignation, Wenrun puffed out her cheeks and put down the bag of dates, her hands on her hips.

Though as she glanced down at herself, she hesitated—perhaps she had gained a little weight.

“You know, Uncle’s right,” Yun Wenyu teased, joining in. “If you keep eating like this, you’ll turn into a little ball, and no one will want to marry you!”

“Hmph! Who cares if no one wants to marry me? Better to be free and unburdened than to tie myself down with marriage,” Wenrun retorted, holding her head high.

“My goal is to cultivate diligently, grow stronger, and roam the world with my blade! Like the top sword cultivators Mr. Yu talked about—fighting so fiercely they shake the heavens and the earth!”

She grabbed another handful of dates, her determination shining even as she continued to eat with relish.

“You’re dreaming of traveling the world with your sword, but if you keep eating like this, I’m worried you won’t even be able to lift it!”

Yun Yanshui burst into laughter, his teasing sparking another round of playful banter.

“Uncle Yanshui!!!”

At her wit’s end, Wenrun launched herself at her uncle, determined to teach him a lesson.

Inside the carriage, the two began playfully wrestling, much to the amusement of Yun Yanshuang and Wenyu, who couldn’t stop laughing at the scene.

“Alright, alright, I surrender!”

Pinned beneath his niece, Yanshui raised his hands in mock defeat, his face red from laughter.

“Hmph! Serves you right! Maybe now you’ll think twice before teasing me again!”

Triumphant, Wenrun hopped off her uncle, puffing out her chest like a victorious little rooster. She quickly returned to her seat, resuming her feast of candied dates.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re approaching Wusheng City!”

The carriage’s curtain was pulled aside as one of the palace guards driving the carriage spoke respectfully.

Hearing this, the group turned to the nearby window, lifting the curtain to peer outside.

Ahead, a towering, ancient city wall loomed at the edge of the horizon. Its weathered stones bore the scars of countless battles—gashes from swords and spears, and dried bloodstains that spoke of the city’s brutal history.

“Wusheng City is one of Wu’s most crucial border strongholds,” Yun Wenyu explained as the city came into view.

“This time, Wu has chosen to host the Five Kingdoms Conference here. The rulers of all five nations are expected to gather within its walls.”

“There’s no way Wu is hosting this conference with pure intentions,” Wenrun muttered, her voice low as she popped another date into her mouth.

“I’m sure His Majesty and the others are prepared,” Wenyu replied thoughtfully.

“This time, all nine clans of Yue are sending spiritual-rooted individuals, accompanied by strong escorts. The royal family has also deployed elite guards to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Even if Wu is the most powerful of the five nations, they wouldn’t dare make a reckless move against the combined might of the other four.

“Besides, the other nations aren’t fools. They wouldn’t attend the conference without bringing their own formidable forces.

“Wu may be strong, but taking on four nations at once would be nearly impossible.”

“I’m not as curious about Wu’s schemes as I am about one particular detail,” Yanshui interjected, his tone suddenly serious.

“What are you curious about, Brother?” Yanshuang asked.

“Why is it necessary for each nation to bring their spiritual-rooted individuals to the conference? Wouldn’t it suffice for the royal families to send representatives?”

“Apparently, the King of Wu specifically requested this arrangement,” Wenyu explained.

“After the main discussions, there’s supposed to be a grand competition among the spiritual-rooted individuals.

“The victor will receive a Xuan-tier spiritual weapon, ten Qi Refining pills, and one Foundation Establishment pill.”

“A Foundation Establishment pill?”

“Exactly. That’s likely why the other nations agreed to bring their spiritual-rooted individuals.

“Foundation Establishment pills are incredibly rare. Winning one could significantly increase the odds of a Qi Refining cultivator breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm.”

“Sounds too good to be true. Would Wu really part with something so valuable?”

Yanshui’s skepticism was evident.

“Who knows if it’s real or not?” Wenyu admitted.

“But considering Wu has invited spiritual-rooted individuals from their own clans to compete, it’s likely genuine.”

The group fell silent, each lost in thought as the carriage continued its approach toward the imposing city.

 

Chapter 246 Peers Gathering

The army of the Yue Kingdom marched slowly into the City of Wusheng.

This convoy of thousands of elite soldiers, heavily guarded along the way, stopped in front of a secondary palace that the Wu Kingdom had meticulously prepared in advance.

The entire palace, an auxiliary residence, was newly constructed by order of the Wu royal family, specifically for housing the descendants of the great families from the Yue Kingdom who possessed spiritual roots.

As for the convoys from the Southern Kingdom, the Northern Kingdom, and the Chu Kingdom, they were each assigned to other auxiliary residences within the City of Wusheng.

“The royal family of the Wu Kingdom truly spares no expense for the Five Nations Conference. To think they built an entire auxiliary palace for our Yue Kingdom!”

Alighting from the carriage, Yun Yanshui gazed at the grand and magnificent palace before him. Clearly, it had been specially constructed and refurbished by the Wu royal family, prompting him to click his tongue in admiration.

“Honored guests, please come inside. Your sovereign has already been escorted by our court officials to the council chambers. The rest of you, please allow me to guide you to your quarters,” said a court official from the Wu Kingdom, stepping forward with a welcoming smile.

Although he held a notable position in the Wu royal court, the official was still an ordinary mortal. In the presence of spiritual descendants from the prestigious Yun family of Yuncang, he maintained the utmost humility and courtesy.

“We’ll trouble you, then!”

Yun Yanshui replied with a smile and followed the official into the auxiliary palace.

The residence was vast, with artificial hills, ponds, pavilions, and elegant structures—splendid in every sense.

Under the court official’s guidance, the four of them chose their respective rooms. Yun Yanshui’s room was in the center, with his younger sister Yun Yanshuang residing in the left wing and his two nieces occupying the right.

Once settled, maidservants dispatched by the Wu royal family arrived to attend to their needs, ensuring their daily comforts and meals.

“Miss Yanshuang, are you here?”

While the four of them were enjoying a meal of spiritual fruits and delicacies brought by the Wu Kingdom’s maidservants, a few figures approached the courtyard gate.

The leader was a middle-aged man clad in a dark blue robe. His features were rugged, his gaze sharp as lightning, and his demeanor exuded a restrained, composed aura.

Upon seeing the man, both Yun Yanshui and Yun Yanshuang felt a vague sense of familiarity.

“Brother Shanglin?”

After a brief moment of surprise, Yun Yanshuang recognized the man in the dark blue robe as none other than Lu Shanglin, whom she had once sparred with during the Grand Assembly of the Hundred Clans.

It had been over a decade since that encounter, and during that time, Shanglin had undergone a profound transformation.

“Haha! I’m flattered that Miss Yanshuang still remembers me!”

Lu Shanglin laughed heartily as he entered, accompanied by three other spiritual descendants from the Lu family. Among them was Lu Shangsheng, a distinguished figure of the younger generation.

“Please, have a seat!”

Recognizing an old acquaintance, Yun Yanshuang smiled warmly and extended her invitation.

“Shanglin, you’ve brought the spiritual heirs of the Lu family to visit Miss Yanshuang without notifying me first?”

As Yun Yanshuang entertained Lu Shanglin, yet another group of people entered the courtyard.

It was Ye Xiaolin of the Canglan Ye family, along with his spiritual descendants.

“Brother Xiaolin! I knew you’d come. Join us!”

“After all these years, we haven’t gathered like this in ages. Let’s sit down and enjoy a good meal with Miss Yanshuang.”

Lu Shanglin greeted Ye Xiaolin with a laugh.

“Honored uncles and elders, might a junior be so bold as to ask for a cup of wine?”

At that moment, another group arrived. Leading them was a handsome young man with sharp eyebrows and starry eyes, radiating an extraordinary air of elegance.

It was Lin Yifeng of the Wangyue Lin family, famed for his victory against the cultivators of the Wu Kingdom at the Deer Severance Platform.

“I didn’t expect Young Lin to come as well. Join us!”

Lu Shanglin warmly welcomed Lin Yifeng.

“Junior Lin Yifeng pays his respects to Senior Yanshuang!”

Entering the courtyard, Lin Yifeng bowed respectfully to Yun Yanshuang. He had long heard of this descendant of the Yun family, a formidable cultivator in the Qi Refinement Realm who had even grasped the essence of sword intent.

Among their generation of prodigies, few could rival her.

“Your reputation from the Deer Severance Platform precedes you.”

“Senior flatters me. My modest achievements are nothing compared to yours,”

Lin Yifeng replied humbly, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard to notice Yun Wenyu and Yun Wenrun. “Miss Wenyu, Miss Wenrun, it’s been a while!”

“Yes, it has.”

Yun Wenyu nodded coolly, while Yun Wenrun, absorbed in her meal, ignored the formalities altogether, leaving the niceties to her uncle Yun Yanshui.

The two sisters had also participated in the Deer Severance Platform battle, where they had first met Lin Yifeng.

As spiritual descendants from the upper families continued to arrive, the small courtyard of Yun Yanshui’s group grew lively. Some were unfamiliar to Yun Yanshuang, while others were old acquaintances she had met at Yun Yantian’s celebratory banquet years ago.

“During this Five Nations Conference, once the sovereigns conclude their deliberations, the spiritual descendants of Yue will face off against those of the other four nations. I trust everyone here has heard of this?”

After three rounds of wine and spirited conversation, Lu Shanglin brought up the main topic.

The gathered individuals fell silent, each nodding in acknowledgment.

“Let us strive for unity and work together against the spiritual descendants of the other nations. As for rewards, it is said that not only will the Wu Kingdom offer generous prizes, but our sovereign will also bestow additional honors.”

Glancing around, Lu Shanglin continued speaking.

Although among themselves, these individuals from the Yue Kingdom had long been engaged in private rivalries and conflicts, when facing external threats, unity and collaboration were imperative. Without such cooperation, they risked being defeated piecemeal, leading to catastrophic losses.

As the saying goes, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.

At present, their common adversaries were the spiritual descendants of other nations. Hence, it was crucial to stand united at this critical moment.

“Shanglin speaks the truth. Regardless of the grudges we’ve harbored over the years, when we’re out in the field, collaboration is the only sensible course of action,” said Ye Xiaolin, nodding in agreement. His gaze naturally fell on Yun Yanshuang.

Among those present, Yun Yanshuang was undoubtedly the strongest in cultivation and power. It was precisely because of this that the spiritual descendants of the Yue Kingdom’s various clans sought her opinion.

“Since Brother Shanglin and Brother Xiaolin have spoken so, I will naturally stand with you all on the same front,” Yun Yanshuang replied with a smile. “Just as we joined forces at the Deer Severance Platform to fend off the Wu Kingdom’s cultivators, we shall advance and retreat together!”

Aware that the spiritual descendants of the various clans had already discussed this among themselves, Yun Yanshuang had no intention of isolating the Yun family from the alliance. Doing so would only invite the covetousness of spiritual heirs from other nations while also exposing her to potential schemes from within.

“Haha! As expected of Miss Yanshuang—straightforward and decisive!”

Lu Shanglin laughed heartily, raising his cup of spiritual wine and downing it in one go.

Following suit, Ye Xiaolin, Lu Shangsheng, Lin Yifeng, and the other spiritual descendants all drained their cups to show their respect for Yun Yanshuang.

“Spiritual descendants of the Yue Kingdom, it seems, aren’t all that impressive!”

Just as the group was enjoying their feast, a mocking voice echoed from a distance.

Looking toward the source, they saw a tall, slender young man with a face like jade, leading several spiritual descendants from the Wu Kingdom into the courtyard.

“Among all of you, it seems only Yun Yanshuang is worth anything,” the youth said with a faint smile as his sharp gaze swept across the group, eventually settling on Yun Yanshuang.

“And you are?”

Despite the provocation, Yun Yanshuang did not respond with anger. Instead, she asked calmly, her curiosity piqued by the intruding Wu Kingdom spiritual heirs.

“I am Prince Dong Zhang,” the young man replied with a cold gleam in his eyes as he snapped his folding fan shut. “The debt of you killing my royal sister at the Deer Severance Platform is one I remember clearly. Sooner or later, I’ll come to collect it.”

Without sparing a glance at the displeased expressions of the Yue Kingdom spiritual descendants, Dong Zhang turned and left with his companions.

“Dong Zhang is the sixth prince of the Wu Kingdom, a cultivator at the first stage of Qi Refinement, and skilled in blade techniques,” Ye Xiaolin said after Dong Zhang had left. He took a heavy sip of his spiritual wine before continuing. “Beyond him, there are three other Wu Kingdom spiritual heirs you must be wary of during this event.”

“Which three?” someone asked.

“Zhang Tianli and Yun Yueru, the strongest talents of the Zhang and Yun clans in the Wu Kingdom, both at the third stage of Qi Refinement,” Ye Xiaolin explained. “One has mastered sword intent and excels in swordsmanship, while the other has mastered spear intent and is a prodigy with the spear.”

“And the third?”

“Xia Changfei.”

“Xia Changfei?”

“Once a spiritual descendant of the Tongshan Xia clan, he defected from the Yue Kingdom and joined the Wu Kingdom. With the support of Wu’s Third Prince, Xia Changfei’s father, Xia Shangyun, led some members of the Xia clan to rebuild the Tongshan Xia family within the Wu Kingdom.

“Thanks to the Third Prince’s secret assistance, Xia Changfei’s cultivation has skyrocketed over the past decade. It’s said he has already reached the fourth stage of Qi Refinement.

“His spiritual talent surpasses even that of Xia Changqing in his prime.”

 

Chapter 247 Human Selfishness

“Who would’ve thought that remnants of the Tongshan Xia clan managed to survive and secretly bide their time within the Wu Kingdom, scheming to rise again?”

Hearing his Brother Xiaolin’s words, Lu Shanglin’s expression grew grave.

“Hmph! If we could annihilate the Tongshan Xia clan once, we can do it a second time!”

A spiritual descendant of the Rizhao Lou family took a swig of wine, his face dark and venomous.

During the battle at the Deer Severance Platform, cultivators and spiritual descendants from the Rizhao Lou family had perished at the hands of Xia Changfei and other survivors of the Xia clan. The Lou family had yet to properly settle that score.

“Well said, Brother Lou!”

“This time, at the Five Nations Conference, our priority should be eliminating Xia Changfei to weaken the foundation of the Tongshan Xia clan. Otherwise, under the Wu royal family’s support, their power will only grow.

“When that time comes, they will undoubtedly come after our families!”

A spiritual descendant of the Qishan Wen family nodded in agreement.

A grudge as deep as the destruction of one’s clan was not easily forgotten.

The likes of Xia Shangyun and Xia Changfei, the last remnants of the Tongshan Xia clan, had steadily regained strength under the Wu royal family’s backing. It was only a matter of time before they sought revenge against the other clans.

For now, Xia Shangyun and Xia Changfei had refrained from making any moves, likely because their family had yet to recover fully. But once they grew stronger, their ambitions would surely surface.

Hatred was one of the hardest obsessions to dispel in human nature.

“Let’s not dwell on this anymore—it’s ruining the mood,” said Ye Xiaolin, quickly breaking the tension with a smile. He raised his cup in a toast.

At his words, the others pushed their worries aside and resumed drinking and chatting.

Before long, night fell.

Ye Xiaolin, Lu Shanglin, and the others bid farewell to Yun Yanshui and his companions.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery light like water.

In the courtyard, Yun Yanshui lay leisurely on a chair, basking in the moonlight. The yin-yang pattern within him circulated naturally, absorbing the moonlight and converting it bit by bit into a power he called “Moonrise.”

The spiritual descendants of the clan had all been cultivating diligently of late, and nearly everyone had improved in their cultivation.

Through the soul imprints, Yun Yanshui could clearly sense the progress of each spiritual descendant in the clan. The spiritual energy they accumulated fed back through the imprints, circulating within him and gradually strengthening the yin-yang force in his body, pushing his cultivation forward step by step.

“The seventh stage of Qi Refinement, huh?”

Feeling the loosening of his bottleneck and a slight increase in his strength, Yun Yanshui opened his eyes and murmured softly to himself.

“Big Brother.”

After washing up, Yun Yanshuang stepped into the courtyard and quietly sat down beside him.

“What’s on your mind?”

Yun Yanshui asked with a smile, enjoying the nourishing moonlight and the cool night breeze.

“What do you think of the proposals and opinions shared by the other clans today?”

Watching her brother, Yun Yanshuang asked softly.

“The rivalries among the clans have been around for ages, and everyone harbors their own agendas. Cooperation like this should be approached cautiously. If you’re worried, I’ll find a way to secretly protect you three.

“As for Lu Shanglin’s talk of collaboration, I see it as a joke.

“The only people I can protect are you, Wenyu, and Wenrun. I can’t—and won’t—concern myself with the others.”

Yun Yanshui responded calmly, resting his hands behind his head.

As he said, his priority was only those close to him, those he cared about.

As for others? Their survival was not his concern, nor did he have the energy to worry about them.

Selfish?

Yes, it was selfish.

But wasn’t selfishness part of human nature?

If people didn’t look out for themselves, who else would?

Even within a family or a nation, there was infighting, scheming, and selfishness. How could it be any different on a larger scale?

Human nature was complex, difficult to explain or define.

“Got it, Big Brother. I’ll remember your words,” Yun Yanshuang said obediently, nodding.

She knew her brother well. He was meticulous and cautious, never acting recklessly. He would always consider matters thoroughly before making a move.

If something wasn’t feasible, no amount of coercion could make him act.

“Aunt Yanshuang, Uncle Yanshui.”

At that moment, Yun Wenrun stepped out of her room, having just finished washing up.

“What’s wrong?”

Both Yun Yanshui and Yun Yanshuang looked curiously at their niece, Yun Wenrun, concern evident in their voices.

“I… I’m hungry!”

Yun Yanshui and Yun Yanshuang: “…”

“Didn’t you just eat?”

“But I’m still hungry!”

Hearing her uncle’s mildly exasperated tone, Yun Wenrun pouted pitifully.

“Sigh! Whoever marries you in the future will either be bullied to death or eaten into poverty!”

Yun Yanshui sighed and rose from his chair, preparing to leave.

“Uncle Yanshui, where are you going?”

“To find you some food!”

He left behind the retort with mild annoyance and hurried out.

Watching her brother and niece’s exchange, Yun Yanshuang couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

“It’s the dead of night, and there’s not a soul in sight. Where am I supposed to find food?”

Walking down the deserted corridors in the silent night, Yun Yanshui felt a slight headache.

Following his memory, he made his way to the auxiliary residence’s kitchen. There, he managed to gather some cold steamed buns and dumplings, along with leftovers like roast duck and chicken legs.

After packing everything, Yun Yanshui left the kitchen and retraced his steps back.

“Ancestor, can you hold on for just a bit longer? Now is not the time to act!”

“If you make a move now, it will cause chaos in the City of Wusheng. If the spiritual descendants from the other nations flee, all the efforts I’ve made to gather them will go to waste and ruin your plans!”

“I only need one! Just one person to feed on! I won’t cause a commotion!”

Passing by another courtyard, Yun Yanshui overheard a strange conversation.

Startled, he quickly stopped in his tracks, concealing his presence and hiding in the shadows to listen.

“Ancestor, I will arrange everything for you, but please, don’t target the spiritual descendants from the other four nations yet. Once everything proceeds smoothly tomorrow, you may act as you wish. How about that?”

“I want to eat! I want to eat! The City of Wusheng is filled with so many enticing smells. How long must I endure this?”

A guttural growl, almost beast-like, echoed within the courtyard.

“Tomorrow! Once tomorrow’s events are successfully concluded, you can do as you please. I won’t stop you!”

In the courtyard, Dong Zilong tried to calm his ancestor, whose face was twisted with savagery, saliva dripping from his mouth. The tension in Dong Zilong’s expression betrayed his unease.

“Bring me fresh blood!”

The Wu Kingdom’s ancestor’s eyes were bloodshot, his gaze fixed on Dong Zilong with the ferocity of a starving beast. His ghastly visage sent Dong Zilong stumbling back in fear.

After a long moment, Dong Zilong steadied himself, suppressing his terror. His voice trembled as he said, “I will arrange it immediately!”

“Hurry!”

The ancestor growled lowly again. Dong Zilong quickly ordered his trusted subordinates to bring two spiritual descendants forward.

The two were descendants of the Tongshan Xia clan, both around twelve years old. Their cultivations were at the fifth stage of Embryo Breath Realm, possessing third-grade spiritual roots.

“Ancestor—”

Before Dong Zilong could finish his words and invite his ancestor to enjoy the meal slowly, the old monster had already lost all restraint.

With terrifying speed, the Wu Kingdom’s ancestor lunged at one of the Xia descendants, biting through his neck and devouring him ferociously.

The other Xia descendant, a young girl, was paralyzed with fear as she witnessed her brother being consumed alive by the monstrous figure.

She wanted to scream for help, but her entire body had been sealed, rendering her unable to utter a sound.

In the end, she could only watch in helpless despair as the Wu Kingdom’s ancestor, like a ravenous beast, turned toward her after finishing her brother.

The horrifying scene left not only Dong Zilong in utter despair and terror but also his subordinates, who were stricken with fear.

Their ancestor… had become something inhuman.

Outside the courtyard, Yun Yanshui observed the entire scene with a grave expression.

Seizing the moment when Dong Zilong and his men were distracted and the old monster was engrossed in its feeding, Yun Yanshui silently slipped away.

The middle-aged man in the courtyard earlier should be none other than Dong Zilong, the current ruler of the Wu Kingdom.

And the monstrous figure feeding on spiritual descendants? That was the Wu Kingdom’s ancestor.

Piecing together their earlier conversation, Yun Yanshui began to understand.

“So that’s how it is. The Wu Kingdom’s ruler truly has a deep and sinister scheme at play!”

 

Chapter 248: Taking Advantage of the Situation

“Your Majesty, there’s news from Miss Shuang.”
“Your servant has something urgent to discuss with Your Majesty.”

Li Qing entered the room and saw Baili Xi sitting by the window, sipping tea and enjoying the morning sunlight. He bowed respectfully.

“Immortal Master Li, please come in and have a seat!”

Seeing Li Qing, Baili Xi quickly smiled and beckoned him closer.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After expressing his gratitude, Li Qing sat down across from Baili Xi, his face etched with worry.

Baili Xi personally poured him a cup of tea. “There’s much wrong with Wu Kingdom, but I must admit, their tea is quite good. Try some!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Li Qing raised the cup and thanked him, but before taking a sip, he set the cup down with a solemn expression.

“Your Majesty, Miss Shuang has uncovered a conspiracy behind Wu Kingdom’s invitation for our four nations’ spiritual descendants to attend the Five Nations Conference.”

Hearing this, Baili Xi furrowed his brow. “Oh? Tell me everything.”

He had long suspected that Wu Kingdom’s gathering of the four nations was driven by ulterior motives. However, his agents had failed to uncover any leads, leaving him in the dark about their true intentions.

The master and servant sat quietly by the window, enjoying the warmth of the morning sun.

Yet, as Baili Xi listened to Li Qing’s account, the sunlight lost its warmth, and an icy chill crept over him.

“The Wu Kingdom’s ancestor… wasn’t he supposed to be long dead?”

Baili Xi’s tone grew serious.

According to his intelligence, Wu Kingdom indeed had an ancestor. However, it was believed that the ancestor had failed to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage years ago, resulting in his death from ruptured spiritual veins.

“Your Majesty, it’s possible that the spies you dispatched were discovered and quietly eliminated by Wu Kingdom. Thus, the information you received could have been falsified.”

“Miss Shuang claimed to have witnessed the Wu Kingdom’s ancestor devouring two spiritual descendants last night. She described him as resembling a ravenous ghost—ferocious and terrifying.

“She also overheard a conversation between Dong Zilong and their ancestor, from which she deduced Wu Kingdom’s conspiracy and plan.

“Miss Shuang isn’t someone who would fabricate such a story. Since she relayed this information to your servant, I believe it to be true beyond doubt.”

Li Qing spoke slowly, his tone firm.

Baili Xi fell silent, recalling the many agents he had sent to infiltrate Wu Kingdom over the years, many of whom had vanished without a trace.

If Dong Zilong had deliberately concealed the truth, it made sense why the other four nations had no idea that Wu Kingdom’s ancestor was still alive and had transformed into a creature reliant on consuming spiritual descendants to survive after his failed breakthrough.

Thinking of the invitation Wu Kingdom sent, which specifically requested that Yue Kingdom bring a substantial number of spiritual descendants to the conference, Baili Xi found Li Qing and Yun Yanshuang’s words increasingly credible.

“Dong Zilong is quite the schemer! Does he intend to use his ancestor to eliminate the spiritual descendants of our four nations and, in doing so, erode our collective fortunes?”

“Your Majesty, should we consider withdrawing from the conference?”

Li Qing looked at Baili Xi and asked in a heavy tone.

“Withdraw? Why would we do that?”

Baili Xi chuckled lightly at the suggestion.

“Then what is Your Majesty’s plan?”

“Since we know Dong Zilong’s objective and plan, we’ll simply turn his scheme against him.”

“How so?”

Li Qing’s confusion was evident as he looked at Baili Xi.

“He wants to use his ancestor to eliminate the spiritual descendants of our four nations? Let him try.

“If he provokes all four nations, what good end can Wu Kingdom possibly meet?

“Does he truly think all of our nations’ cultivators are pushovers? A mere failed Foundation Establishment cultivator—what’s there to fear?

“Better yet, let Wu Kingdom’s ancestor help us remove some of the spiritual descendants within Yue Kingdom—especially those from clans like the Canglan Ye family, the Wangyue Lin family, and the Chuanyin Lu family. This will weaken their foundations and prevent their descendants from growing too powerful.”

“As for the spiritual descendants of the Yuncang Yun family, instruct Shuang’er and the others to proceed with caution during this journey. If necessary, you, along with Fairy Yu, Daoist Lu, and Immortal Master Tu, should protect them from the shadows.”

Baili Xi lifted the teacup in front of him again, taking a light sip of the tea.

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

Hearing Baili Xi’s instructions, Li Qing was enlightened. He quickly rose and left.

“Dong Zilong, oh Dong Zilong! I’d like to see how you’ll handle the aftermath of the Five Nations Conference,” Baili Xi murmured with a cold smile as he gazed at the rising sun on the horizon.

In the courtyard, Yun Yanshui lay back in his chair, basking in the sunlight. He quietly absorbed the solar energy, converting it into the “Solar Essence Wheel” within his body.

Beside him, Yun Yanshuang wore a grave expression as she recounted something to her elder brother.

“The Emperor doesn’t intend to withdraw?”

“Immortal Master Li said that His Majesty has a plan and will proceed with the Five Nations Conference as scheduled.”

“A failed Foundation Establishment cultivator is still a cultivator at that level. Participating under such circumstances is extremely dangerous.

“You’re all spiritual descendants. To the Wu Kingdom’s ancestor, you’re nothing but delectable prey.

“If His Majesty insists on proceeding as usual, who will ensure your safety?”

Yun Yanshui frowned deeply, struggling to understand Baili Xi’s intentions. He couldn’t comprehend why the Emperor would risk sending his sister and nieces to such peril.

“His Majesty has already arranged for Immortal Master Li, Fairy Yu, Daoist Lu, and Immortal Master Tu to secretly protect the three of us,” Yun Yanshuang explained.

Hearing this, Yun Yanshui’s dissatisfaction subsided somewhat.

“With four Qi Refinement cultivators, plus myself, we might be able to hold off a failed Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“However, the danger still outweighs the odds by at least eight to two. We must find a way to further reduce the risks.”

“What are you planning to do, big brother?”

“Let me think it over carefully. When the time comes, I’ll make arrangements in secret.”

In Wusheng City.

Inside a pavilion, Xia Shangyun slowly pushed open the door and entered the room. He saw his son, Xia Changfei, sitting cross-legged on a mat, engrossed in his cultivation. Not wanting to disturb him, Xia Shangyun quietly seated himself in a corner of the room.

After a long while, Xia Changfei exhaled a long breath, opened his eyes, and noticed his father. Rising to his feet, he bowed deeply.

“Father! Why are you here?”

“I came to see you, as today marks the start of the Five Nations Conference.”

“Don’t worry, Father. I will surely emerge victorious.”

“Confidence is good. I look forward to your performance.” Xia Shangyun laughed heartily.

“I came to tell you that the spiritual descendants from Yue Kingdom have all arrived. I don’t need to spell out what you should do, do I?”

“Rest assured, Father. During this conference, I will kill every Yue Kingdom spiritual descendant who came here. None will return alive.”

Xia Changfei’s face turned cold, and his eyes burned with icy killing intent as memories of the Tongshan Xia clan’s destruction by the allied clans surfaced in his mind.

“Be especially cautious of Yun Yanshuang. She is not your match; avoid a direct confrontation with her.”

“Yes, Father. I understand.”

“By the way, Ku’er and Yue’er have been killed.”

“What?! When did this happen?”

Xia Changfei’s face was filled with shock.

“Their bodies were discovered this morning outside Wusheng City.

“They were mauled beyond recognition, likely by some malevolent entity,” Xia Shangyun said, clenching his fists tightly, his teeth gritted in anger.

“Has the clan investigated?”

“Men have already been dispatched, but it’s uncertain if they’ll find any useful leads,” Xia Shangyun sighed.

“Why not seek help from the Third Prince? With the royal family’s resources, uncovering clues should be much easier.”

“I have already reported this to the Third Prince and explained the situation.”

“And what did he say?”

“He told me the clan doesn’t need to investigate further!”

“Why?”

“Who knows? I have a gut feeling that something is amiss here, but I can’t figure out what it is!”

Xia Shangyun’s bloodshot eyes reflected his frustration and indignation.

Two spiritual descendants from his clan had been killed, and not only was he unable to find any clues, but the Third Prince had also outright refused to assist or allow the matter to be investigated.

Why?

Were the lives of his clan’s spiritual descendants so easily dismissed?

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy and oppressive.

After a long moment, Xia Shangyun stood up, patted his son on the shoulder, and said, “Go and pay your respects to Ku’er and Yue’er. Send them off properly.”

 

Chapter 249: Each with His Own Agenda

“I heard the two spiritual descendants devoured by the Wu royal ancestor were from the Xia family.”

In the carriage, Yun Yanshui accompanied his sister and nieces, en route to the venue for the Five Nations Conference.

Next to him, Yun Yanshuang shared the news she had recently learned with her brother.

“The Xia family, huh?”

Hearing this, Yun Yanshui’s eyes flickered as if he were calculating something.

“I also heard the Xia family has been investigating the culprit behind their spiritual descendants’ deaths.”

“Heh! The Xia family is currently relying on the Wu royal family. Without their support, how could they possibly uncover the truth on their own?”

Yun Yanshui couldn’t help but chuckle at his sister’s words.

“Still, this is good news.”

“Brother, what do you mean by that?”

“We can make use of Xia Changfei.”

Lifting the curtain of the carriage, Yun Yanshui looked out at the dense forested mountains gradually emerging in the distance, his gaze profound.

Hearing her brother’s words, Yun Yanshuang, with her keen intellect, immediately understood what he intended to do.

Tianqing Mountain, located twenty miles outside Wusheng City, was vast and sprawling, teeming with wolves, tigers, leopards, and various other predatory beasts. Many demons and malevolent spirits also lurked there, making it one of Wusheng City’s most infamous danger zones.

Ordinary people dared not enter its depths, as they would inevitably fall prey to its horrors and lose their lives.

For the Five Nations Conference, Dong Zilong had deliberately chosen Tianqing Mountain as the site of the spiritual descendants’ contest.

Under the escort of thousands of Yue Kingdom elites, Yun Yanshuang and the spiritual descendants from Yue arrived at the base of Tianqing Mountain.

Baili Xi, accompanied by Li Qing, the imperial cultivators, and numerous court officials, disembarked from their carriages and issued a few instructions before leading the Yue Kingdom’s spiritual descendants up the mountain.

Similarly, the sovereigns of the Southern, Northern, and Chu Kingdoms, along with their respective imperial cultivators, officials, and spiritual descendants, also began ascending Tianqing Mountain toward the designated summit.

Along the way, Yun Yanshuang observed the spiritual descendants of the Southern, Northern, and Chu Kingdoms. To her surprise, many of them demonstrated remarkable talents and strength.

Several of these spiritual descendants were on par with her in terms of cultivation and power.

“It seems this Five Nations Conference will not be an easy battle.”

Beside her, Ye Xiaolin, who had also been observing the spiritual descendants of the other kingdoms, noted the presence of several formidable individuals and grew increasingly grim.

“Indeed, it won’t be easy,” Yun Yanshuang replied thoughtfully.

Ever since her brother discovered Wu Kingdom’s hidden schemes, her focus had shifted away from the competition itself.

Her sole objective now was to survive the event with her nieces, Wenyu and Wenrun. Victory or defeat no longer mattered.

Everything else could be handled by her brother from the shadows.

Atop Tianqing Mountain, Dong Zilong stood quietly with his imperial cultivators, officials, and spiritual descendants, awaiting the arrival of Baili Xi and the other sovereigns.

Beside him, his son Dong Jian stood silently.

“When the contest begins, take your siblings and withdraw from Tianqing Mountain immediately,” Dong Zilong said in a low voice as he watched the approaching parties from the four kingdoms.

“Understood, Father. However…”

“What is it?”

“Sixth Brother insists on participating in the contest. He plans to lead a group into the mountain to kill Yun Yanshuang, the spiritual descendant of Yue, seeking to avenge the death of the late Princess.”

Dong Jian frowned as he spoke.

“Absurd!” Dong Zilong growled in anger.

“I agree, Father. Sixth Brother is being reckless, but knowing his personality, I fear I won’t be able to stop him.”

“If he refuses to listen, break his legs and drag him back here!” Dong Zilong’s face darkened as he gave his command.

“This…”

“What? Are you also defying my orders?”

“I wouldn’t dare!” Dong Jian quickly lowered his head, terrified.

“Your elder brothers died in battle years ago. You are now my eldest and most capable son.”

“You must take care of your brothers and sisters properly. Do you understand?”

After his scolding, Dong Zilong’s tone softened as he turned to his most outstanding son.

“I understand, Father!”

After a brief conversation between father and son, Dong Zilong noticed Baili Xi arriving at the summit. His face instantly lit up with a smile as he cupped his hands in greeting.

“Brother Baili, it has been a while!”

“Brother Zilong, how have you been?”

“Haha! Thank you for your concern, Brother Baili. The affairs of the kingdom have been exhausting, and this old body of mine grows weaker by the year.”

“Brother Zilong, you must take good care of yourself.”

“Thank you, Brother Baili. Jian’er, escort your Uncle Baili and his guests to their seats without delay!”

After a polite exchange, Dong Zilong quickly instructed Dong Jian.

“Uncle Baili, everyone, please follow me,” Dong Jian said, bowing respectfully before leading Baili Xi and his entourage into the venue.

Dong Zilong stayed behind to welcome the monarchs and delegations from the Southern, Northern, and Chu Kingdoms.

The venue atop Tianqing Mountain was vast and majestic, divided into five prominent seating areas.

Wu Kingdom occupied the central section, Yue Kingdom, led by Baili Xi, took the left, and the Southern Kingdom was situated to the right.

The Northern and Chu Kingdoms occupied the outermost sections on either side.

As Baili Xi led Yue Kingdom’s group to their seats, delegations from the other three kingdoms were also guided to their places by Wu Kingdom’s princes and officials.

“That man is Zhang Tianli of the Zhang family in Wu Kingdom,” Ye Xiaolin whispered to Yun Yanshuang as he noticed Wu Kingdom’s spiritual descendants entering the venue.

Following Ye Xiaolin’s gaze, Yun Yanshuang spotted a young man in a black robe carrying a long sword with a black scabbard. She silently committed his appearance to memory.

“The woman in red behind Zhang Tianli is Yun Yueru of Wu Kingdom’s Yun family,” added Lu Shanglin. He gestured toward a tall, graceful woman with sharp eyebrows, high cheekbones, and a cold, commanding aura.

Her sleek black hair was tied into a ponytail with a red ribbon, emphasizing her confident and practical demeanor. She held a crimson spear with intricate flame-like patterns—clearly no ordinary spiritual weapon.

To Yun Yanshuang’s discerning eyes, Yun Yueru’s spear was at least a Grade 8 Yellow Tier spiritual weapon.

With such a weapon, combined with her cultivation and mastery of spear intent, Yun Yanshuang estimated that Yun Yueru could likely contend with a cultivator at the fourth or even peak stage of Qi Refinement.

“Brother Shanglin, look—it’s Xia Changfei!”

As Yun Yanshuang observed Yun Yueru, Lu Shangsheng noticed Xia Changfei entering the venue with a cold, sinister expression.

Xia Changfei’s gaze was locked on Yue Kingdom’s spiritual descendants, his eyes brimming with undisguised hatred and killing intent.

“Hmph! This will be interesting. As soon as the contest begins, he’ll be the first one I take down,” Lu Shanglin said coldly, his attention drawn to Xia Changfei.

The Five Nations entered the venue, each harboring their own schemes. On the surface, everything seemed calm, but beneath the facade, the undercurrents were dangerously turbulent.

Yun Yanshui sat quietly, observing the attitudes and actions of the spiritual descendants from each nation, carefully calculating his plans.

Suddenly, his gaze swept to a shadowy corner of the venue, where an unsettling aura emanated.

“The Wu Kingdom’s ancestor, perhaps?”

Yun Yanshui’s expression turned grim. He dared not extend his spiritual senses too far, lest he attract the attention of the old monster.

Although the Wu Kingdom’s ancestor was a failed Foundation Establishment cultivator, his strength remained formidable.

The previous night, the ancestor had failed to detect Yun Yanshui hiding nearby, likely because his ravenous hunger for blood rendered him oblivious.

“Blood… blood… so much blood!”

In the shadowy corner, the Wu Kingdom’s ancestor gazed hungrily at the spiritual descendants from the five nations. His eyes gleamed with greed, and drool dripped incessantly onto the ground.

“Ancestor, please don’t act impulsively. His Majesty has a plan. We request that you first proceed to Tianqing Mountain. Once the contest begins, all the spiritual descendants will enter the mountain. At that time, you may feast as you please,” said a Wu Kingdom retainer nervously, fearing the ancestor might disrupt the plan.

Slash!

With a sudden wave of his hand, the Wu ancestor decapitated the retainer. Grabbing the severed head, he began gnawing on it viciously.

After a long while, the ancestor calmed down, tossing the half-eaten head aside and spitting out a mouthful of blood and bone shards.

“Who are you to dictate how I should act?” the ancestor growled, his tone dripping with disdain.

 

Chapter 250 Who are you?

“On behalf of the Wu Kingdom, I welcome you all and thank you for honoring us with your presence at this Five Nations Conference hosted by our nation,” Dong Zilong said as he rose, channeling his spiritual energy to amplify his voice so all could hear.

“For years, our five nations have been locked in constant conflict, making moments like this rare and precious.”

“Seeing everyone gathered here fills me with deep emotion.”

“I hope that after this conference, we can put aside our past grievances and work toward mutual development.”

“Yesterday, I had private discussions with the various monarchs, and they all expressed that the years of fighting have indeed grown tiresome. They are all willing to lay down their arms, at least for now.”

“I was truly heartened by these discussions.”

“Come, let us all raise our cups and drink to this rare occasion of unity and collaboration!”

With this toast, Dong Zilong raised his cup of spiritual wine and drank it all in one go.

The guests from the five nations rose to their feet, reciprocating the toast.

“Now, we move on to the highlight of this event: the competition of the spiritual descendants from each nation,” Dong Zilong declared, setting down his empty cup and diving straight into the main event.

This competition was the part everyone had been eagerly awaiting.

As Dong Zilong spoke, many eyes turned toward him.

A court cultivator from Wu Kingdom stepped forward, carrying a treasure chest. Bowing respectfully, he presented it to Dong Zilong, who opened it to reveal a radiant golden bowl.

“This is a Xuan-tier spiritual artifact called the Golden Jade Bowl,” Dong Zilong announced. “It possesses remarkable properties: any water poured into it becomes spiritual liquid capable of greatly accelerating the growth of spiritual plants. The spiritual liquid it produces is equivalent in quality to a Grade 6 Yellow-tier resource.”

He then gestured toward ten jade-like pills within the chest.

“Here are ten Qi Refinement Pills. I need not elaborate on their potency and rarity.”

Finally, Dong Zilong lifted the last item—a small, slightly blackened pill.

“And this… is a Foundation Establishment Pill,” he proclaimed.

At that moment, the entire assembly turned its focus to the pill in Dong Zilong’s hand. Eyes burned with intense greed and longing.

A Foundation Establishment Pill!

This was a treasure capable of helping a cultivator at the brink of breakthrough successfully step into the Foundation Establishment realm. Such pills were extremely rare across all nations.

No one could believe that Dong Zilong was truly willing to offer something so valuable as a reward for this competition.

As he held the pill, Dong Zilong silently sneered. You all want this Foundation Establishment Pill? I fear you won’t even have the chance to use it. Even if you do, so what? Our Wu Kingdom’s ancestor became the monster he is today because of this very pill.

“Sixth Brother,” Dong Jian said as he approached Dong Zhang with a group of siblings while Dong Zilong presided over the competition.

“Third Brother, what is it?” Dong Zhang asked curiously.

“Come with me. We’re leaving.”

“Leaving? To where?”

“Don’t ask. This is not a place to linger.”

“Third Brother, what do you mean?” Dong Zhang frowned, puzzled.

“It’s Father’s order. Come with us and leave this place now,” Dong Jian said bluntly, unwilling to explain further.

“But I still have to participate in the competition! Yun Yanshuang of Yue Kingdom killed our royal sister at Deer Severance Platform—I must lead the charge and avenge her!”

Dong Zhang refused to leave, determined to personally settle the score.

“Let the others handle the revenge. There’s no need for you to act.”

“But it won’t be satisfying if I can’t kill her myself!” Dong Zhang’s face twisted with rage.

“So, you won’t listen to me or Father’s orders?”

“Forgive me, Third Brother, but no.”

“Then don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

With a sigh, Dong Jian acted decisively, breaking Dong Zhang’s legs with a swift strike.

Their other siblings gasped in shock but said nothing, as though they had anticipated this.

After recovering from their initial surprise, they helped the wailing Dong Zhang away from the venue.

“The Wu Kingdom’s monarch is truly generous, offering a Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward,” Lin Yifeng of Yue Kingdom remarked, his gaze fixed on the pill in Dong Zilong’s hand, his eyes flickering with desire.

“We must win this competition. That reward needs to fall into Yue Kingdom’s hands!”

The spiritual descendants of the other Yue clans shared his sentiment, their eyes burning with greed and determination.

In contrast, Yun Yanshuang, Yun Wenyu, and Yun Wenrun remained calm and composed.

Meanwhile, Yun Yanshui sat quietly, showing no interest in the pill or Dong Zilong’s speech. Who knows if that Foundation Establishment Pill is real or fake? he thought, his expression unreadable.