203 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 203: Trap (Middle) "Would the senior like more tea? Ah, these are the refreshments I brought from the Demon City yesterday, spirit food offered by the border envoy to my master, with flavors reminiscent of human cultivation... Please give it a try?" The sycophantic snake demon poured tea for Xiang Shi Yan, pushing the plate of refreshments on the table with her tail. The fox demon's plush ears twitched mildly towards her, discreetly picking up a piece of refreshment and leisurely nibbling at it as she awaited further conversation. "Since you already foresaw the turmoil among the human cultivators, why don't you elaborate on that with this little demon?" Du Ruo leaned on Xiang Shi Yan's shoulder, her watery eyes blinking as she gazed at her. Xiang Shi Yan ignored her, casually flicking her sleeve which caused the chains on her wrist to jingle brightly with a red glow. "..." Du Ruo silently sat back in her place. Xiang Shi Yan favored strong tea, its bitterness swirling in her mouth. The sharp-tongued snake demon pressed her lips together before setting the cup down again. Li Chi did indeed give her the key, but Du Ruo couldn't just let Xiang Shi Yan go that easily. Previously, she exaggerated to her master to gain the authority over Xiang Shi Yan's disposition, satisfying her own desires while ensuring Xiang Shi Yan's safety—no one knew the Demon Emperor’s plans, but Xiang Shi Yan would undoubtedly be entangled again. By pulling her out of the game early, Du Ruo thought she was simplifying matters, yet she had underestimated Xiang Shi Yan, who was far from just a simple pawn. In the past six months, Xiang Shi Yan had lived peacefully in her residence, akin to a facade of decades of bustling effort, or perhaps both she and her longtime adversary agreed to slow down. This was hardly good news. The snake demon sharply sensed that this temporary ceasefire was merely a prelude to something far more terrifying. With this realization, the information pouring in from spies within human territories over the past two months seemed more like invitations... Du Ruo shivered just as she meant to speak, but Xiang Shi Yan interrupted her. The woman said, "I only know that she managed to obtain something from within Tai Xu Sect that night, but it's defenseless. Given the situation now... it won't take long before it's discovered that the killer of those young cultivators hails from Tai Xu Sect, right?" "Simply framing someone from Tai Xu Sect is futile. This might be her final attempt. Regardless, this incident will eventually ignite a fire to consume Tai Xu Sect," Xiang Shi Yan's voice softened as if talking to herself, her expression darkening. "There are already known victims numbering thirty-five, yet they have no obvious connections, some even separated by thousands of miles, likely encountering different adversaries." Du Ruo was aghast, "I haven't explained the matter yet, how did you..." Xiang Shi Yan arched her brow, "You realize the human cultivators under your employ were all rescued by us in Huai Hai City, yes? Do you think only you can use them?" After being taken back for treatment by Du Ruo, those individuals had been gradually integrated into her service, earning her trust, and getting involved in various affairs. It's no surprise Xiang Shi Yan, despite being confined in Du Ruo’s residence, remained unhurried, effortlessly gaining access to the intel Du Ruo painstakingly collected. Acknowledging the truth in her words, Du Ruo understood. Moreover, Xiang Shi Yan frequently visited her residence as a guest; perhaps her subordinates unconsciously divulged information to a familiar face trusted by the master. But there was no time for surprise. Mentioning those female cultivators once captured by the Zhu family triggered Du Ruo's intuition, "All those slain were prodigiously talented and renowned, yet were lower in cultivation. Perhaps the perpetrators weren't powerful either and had targeted them for a particular reason." Considering the victims' state... Xiang Shi Yan suddenly understood, her vague suspicions becoming clear—they were drained in the manner of a cauldron! "Sapped of their cultivation to death... such words should not be said lightly," remarked Zhu Yun, clearing her throat. "These were not mere cauldrons; how could their cultivation be taken away so easily?" The young-looking Zhu family matriarch sat poised, her demeanor silent but forceful. Her sister, resembling her closely, withdrew, bringing forward another corpse. "This was a guest under my protectorate, found dead at home the day before yesterday. I brought him today to request the inspection by the Thirteen Seats of Immortal Sects with the Zhu family in apprehending the murderer of cultivators in Huai Hai City. Since you are gathered here, please examine it." Zhu Yun squinted, fixing her gaze on Huai Ye with unwavering focus, "The corpse is still fresh, and remnants of the poison that deteriorated his meridians remain. Those interested among us may investigate." Although Zhu Yun's origins from Jade Cang Mountain were public knowledge, during the Heavenly Chasm incident, Jade Cang Mountain and Tian Ji Sect refused to share benefits. Thus, the rift between the sisters was not surprising. The past is gone, only the present interests matter. In addition, the Zhu family seemed to have a trend of aligning towards Tai Xu Sect following the Bai family, making Zhu Yun's disregard for Huai Ye at the Thirteen Seats meeting a recurring event. Everyone present grasped her intent; numerous people had died, but corpses were found long after their deaths, making it difficult to determine cause beyond external injuries. Zhu Yun’s words insinuated Huai Ye deliberately pointing towards the cauldrons. The tension became palpable, some attendees couldn't hide their unease hearing Zhu Yun’s voice—rumors of the past actions by the sisters’ master, the long-missing Yue Hua Jun, forcing the Zhu family to abandon unsavory pursuits, had circulated. Zhu Yun’s seeming distaste confirmed them in many minds. Huai Ye remained silent, the new head of Jade Cang Mountain always exuded an imposing silence. Among the attendees, she was relatively young, her cultivation supposedly no more than Nascent Soul level, yet she seemed composed amidst the heavyweights of the cultivation world. Their eyes met like clashing swords, while the others watched with eyes lowered, unwilling to offend these rising stars. The stern-faced man at the head relaxed slightly, observing how the Zhu family caused strife with Jade Cang Mountain under his manipulation. Fu Wen Yao felt slightly relieved, knowing these rising stars still needed to tread carefully under his Tai Xu Sect. Aside from suppressing Jade Cang Mountain, Huai Ye's implied possibility was unnerving. Ever since the theft from Tai Xu Sect six months prior, Fu Wen Yao frequently worried about that thief. The thief had taken nothing from the vast treasures of Tai Xu Sect except for abducting his imprisoned master, Gu Qin Song, from a dark chamber. If that supposedly deceased person were to reappear... It was only recently that Fu Wen Yao discovered the thief also stole another item—a facsimile of the Meridian Severing Scroll. In the current awkward silence of the assembly, how many awaited his response? Though many were victims, the Tai Xu Sect's avoidance had already drawn suspicion. Rumors are hard to quash, and the recent explosion deaths of two Tai Xu Sect disciples were likely already whispered about. Fu Wen Yao wasn’t surprised by the desperation for cultivation and status. Tai Xu Sect always measured worth by cultivation power. He, his junior, even the master he deposed, had naturally practiced such dark arts. He just hadn't expected anyone passing this scroll's technique under his nose, spreading it to half of his disciples, with nearly thirty cultivating to the level of nourishing their meridians through others' cultivation. Once on this path, there's no turning back. His half of the disciples must absorb others’ power to progress. If discovered that Tai Xu Sect is the source, what then? This matter was truly thorny, and Fu Wen Yao couldn't find a solution. Thus, he smothered the news and forbade further practice among his disciples. But he didn't expect those brats to have enough courage to act but not enough skill to cover their tracks, letting people escape and return, forcing Jade Cang Mountain into a relentless investigation. The man cleared his throat, "Indeed, there's no clear link between this and cauldrons. Perhaps Nephew Huai Ye is merely misled by some things. I believe it's possible the perpetrator used this to conceal their true intent. The implications are severe, but we must be careful not to be misled by the clues left intentionally by the culprit." With spies inside Jade Cang Mountain feeding him information, Fu Wen Yao had an opportunity to conspire with Zhu Yun to muddy the waters. He dared not push too hard, fearing Huai Ye, sensing something, would react desperately. So he gave a convenient out, not expecting the junior to refuse to give face. Huai Ye furrowed her brows, "Two of my disciples who escaped by luck exhibited symptoms matching this. It’s merely one theory Jade Cang Mountain proposed. Cultivating immortality allows for endless possibilities, nothing’s surprising. As Zhu mentioned bringing the slain, let's examine the bodies for clues." Upon hearing Fu Wen Yao's words, his heart involuntarily skipped a beat. He instinctively looked for the young woman standing behind Huai Ye. Ruo Shui Jun, known in rumor for her gentle and humble demeanor, was just behind the head seat. She looked up and politely smiled at him, yet Fu Wen Yao couldn't shake off the strange feeling. "Oh, is Head Huai Ye suggesting someone has practiced some forbidden technique that drains another’s cultivation?" Zhu Yun sneered, her tone dismissive, gesturing towards the blue-gray corpse laid in the center space with a wave of her hand. For reasons unknown, the exchange between the two carried a strangely coordinated rhythm. Fu Wen Yao remained impassive; after all, the Zhu family was a rare ally for the current Tai Xu Sect, though not trusted as much as the Bai family. He wasn’t fully banking on Zhu Yun, knowing alliances could shift swiftly. Having made preparations beforehand, if an error arose... a malevolent glint passed through his eyes. Dead enemies are often preferable to useless allies; he wouldn't be easily trifled with. Just then, he watched as Huai Ye respectfully stood to usher out a person from behind to meet the gathering. Bowing his head with respect, the head of Jade Cang Mountain spoke, "Grandmaster." Lian Long Dao Jun, with a lighthearted demeanor, waved to her, standing amongst the assembly. "It's been a while, everyone. I once modestly held a position among the Thirteen Seats of Immortal Sects myself. If you trust me, let me examine the corpse brought by the Zhu family head today, shall I?" The woman, appearing still youthful, hailed from the same era as Fu Wen Yao. However, when he seized the sect leader position, this woman had already stepped down and wandered the world. Few negative memories stemmed from his youth accompanying his master. This woman was as cunning as a fox. Fu Wen Yao rose almost without thinking, "Lian Long Dao Jun's reputation is trustworthy by all. Perhaps if I join in the examination, would the results not be more conclusive?" "Having Sect Leader Fu assist is excellent. With your esteemed reputation as the head of righteous Dao to vouch, surely no matter the conclusion... there shall be no disputes," she replied confidently, as if inviting prey into a trap with brazen assurance. This only solidified Fu Wen Yao’s belief that this was a Jade Cang Mountain plot. Instinctively looking at the younger ones again, he noticed He He had vanished. Fu Wen Yao’s instincts screamed in his mind, as if sensing imminent danger. He scanned the room, seeing Huai Ye’s silence, the absence of He He, the coldly defiant Zhu Yun, her indifferent twin—Lian Long Dao Jun’s piercing smile. Something was amiss. Author's Note: Almost nearing the end, the next book will likely be set in a Western fantasy setting, probably with shorter units. Writing long narratives can be exhausting for a procrastinator. Thanks to the little angels who cast overlord votes or provided nutritional fluid between 2035-01-25 02:38:45~2035-02-01 03:00:57~ Special thanks to the nutritional fluid providers: Hua Shao with 85 bottles; He Qun Manager with 10 bottles; Thanks very much for everyone's support, I will continue to work hard! No pop-up ads on the site, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)