Chapter 74: The Conspiracy Afoot

**Once Again, Azure Ethereal Vapors Appear**

When Zhang Xiaofan saw the Azure Ethereal Mountain once more, it had been several months since he, along with Lu Xueqi, Qi Hao, and Zeng Shushu, had descended the mountain.

The peaks, still towering and reaching into the clouds, were as ethereal and sacred as ever. However, Zhang Xiaofan’s circumstances had changed drastically.

After a discussion between Tian Bucuo, Cangsong Daoist, and Xiao Yicai, Zhang Xiaofan was temporarily brought back to Dazhu Peak by Tian Bucuo. Cangsong Daoist and Xiao Yicai returned to report in detail to the sect leader, Daoxuan Zhenren, for further instructions.

Without his firewood staff, Zhang Xiaofan could no longer fly. Therefore, he was carried back by his eldest senior brother, Song Daren.

Dazhu Peak, with its lofty heights and surrounding cliffs, seemed to confine Zhang Xiaofan like a prison.

As the light flickered, the people of the Dazhu lineage finally returned to their long-absent peak.

Zhang Xiaofan, expressionless, stepped down from the stabilized Ten Tiger Immortal Sword of his eldest senior brother. He stood silently to the side, while Tian Bucuo did not even glance at him, his face stern, and immediately walked towards the “Shoujing Hall.”

Those who had stayed behind on Dazhu Peak, such as Wu Dayi, were stunned and looked at Su Ru and Song Daren in confusion. Su Ru sighed and shook her head, showing little interest in speaking. She turned to Song Daren and said, “Daren, I leave things to you here.”

Song Daren hurriedly responded.

Su Ru turned to look at Zhang Xiaofan, who stood silently, his face haggard and thin. She felt a pang of sympathy and instinctively took a step forward, but then stopped, shaking her head and turning away.

Tian Ling’er glanced at Zhang Xiaofan before following her mother without a word.

Song Daren let out a dry laugh, looking somewhat strange, and said to Zhang Xiaofan, “Little Junior Brother, now that we’ve returned, go rest in your room. But, you… it’s best if you don’t wander around too much.”

Zhang Xiaofan raised his head and slowly nodded, saying, “Eldest Senior Brother, I understand.”

He walked alone towards the disciples’ quarters. Not far along, he heard low murmurs behind him, clearly from Wu Dayi and others questioning Song Daren and Du Bishu.

Although he couldn’t see them, the unseen gazes pricked his back like needles.

As he walked, two joyful barks sounded from Dazhu Peak. Zhang Xiaofan’s heart stirred, and he looked up, only to be met with the sight of the long-missed monkey, Xiaohui, riding on the back of the large dog, Dahuang, grinning widely. Xiaohui clung tightly to Dahuang’s shiny fur, while Dahuang, tongue lolling, barked excitedly and rushed over.

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaofan felt a warmth in his eyes, and his body trembled slightly.

Soon, Dahuang reached Zhang Xiaofan. Xiaohui chattered joyfully and leaped onto Zhang Xiaofan’s shoulder, laughing and patting his head. Dahuang, too, showed great affection, rubbing his head against Zhang Xiaofan’s legs.

Was Dahuang perhaps missing the meaty bones Zhang Xiaofan used to make?

Zhang Xiaofan, moved, squatted down and gently stroked Dahuang’s head. Dahuang hummed softly, ears lowering obediently, rubbing against Zhang Xiaofan’s palm.

Xiaohui chattered and wagged its tail, clinging to Zhang Xiaofan.

Wu Dayi, standing far off, muttered, “These two beasts, I’ve taken care of them for months, and they’ve never been so affectionate with me!”

Under the watchful eyes of the others, Zhang Xiaofan stood up and walked towards his quarters, with Xiaohui perched on his shoulder and Dahuang following.

Only at this moment did Zhang Xiaofan’s figure not seem so lonely.

***

At the foot of Azure Ethereal Mountain, Bi Yao and the mysterious black-clad woman, Youji, stood side by side, gazing at the peak shrouded in clouds.

Bi Yao’s face was pale, her brows furrowed, and she looked exhausted, her gaze distant. After a long while, she said, “I wonder how he is now?”

Youji’s black veil fluttered slightly as she turned to look at the young girl troubled by love, and said softly, “Don’t worry, Bi Yao, don’t think too much.”

Bi Yao bit her lip and suddenly asked, “Where is my father?”

Youji replied, “The Sect Leader went to Heyang City to meet the new arrivals from the Poison Sect, including that old monster.”

Bi Yao was startled, “What? The ‘Toxic Sage’ has come?”

Youji smiled faintly, “Not just him. I’ve heard that in the coming days, even the leaders of the Eternal Life Temple and the Bliss Sect will arrive.”

Bi Yao was even more shocked, “Why is this happening? I know Father has already secretly moved the main forces of the Ghost King Sect to near Azure Ethereal Mountain. If these three leaders come, their elite members will follow, and our four… no, the entire Holy Church’s strength will be concentrated here.”

Youji’s face, hidden behind her black veil, remained unreadable, but her voice was calm, “That’s right.”

Bi Yao lowered her head, and after a long pause, said, “So, Father’s main purpose in coming here is not to save Zhang Xiaofan?”

Youji replied coolly, “Bi Yao, don’t overthink it. The Sect Leader is a man of his word, and you are his only daughter. He won’t lie to you. As for the Holy Church’s unity, it was your father’s strong advocacy to avenge the humiliation of a hundred years ago. The four sect leaders swore an oath under the Bright King to catch the Azure Ethereal Conclave off guard.”

Bi Yao was silent for a moment, “If this battle succeeds, Father’s reputation in the Holy Church will rise. Even if it fails, he will have a good name for avenging his predecessors. But…” Her voice rose, her expression becoming agitated, “I don’t care about any of that. I just want Zhang Xiaofan to be safe and not…”

“Youji!” Youji shouted. Bi Yao froze, looked at her, and finally fell silent, turning her gaze to the distant, misty mountains, lost in thought.

***

In a secluded mansion in Heyang City, the Ghost King and Qinglong entered, guided by servants.

This mansion was the base of the Poison Sect in Heyang City. Today, the Poison Sect’s leader, the most senior of the Four Great Sects’ leaders, the Toxic Sage, had arrived.

A hundred years ago, the Devil Cult and the Righteous Path clashed at Azure Ethereal Mountain, battling fiercely until the Devil Cult was defeated. Afterward, the Devil Cult suffered greatly, and three of the Four Great Sects replaced their leaders. It was during this time that the Ghost King succeeded as the leader of the Ghost King Sect.

Among the sects, only the Poison Sect’s old monster, the Toxic Sage, survived. However, in recent years, he had changed his flamboyant style and kept a low profile, even within the Devil Cult.

Thinking of this, Qinglong frowned. The title “Toxic Sage” had resounded through the Devil Cult for hundreds of years. When Qinglong followed the previous Ghost King, the Toxic Sage was already a powerful figure in the Poison Sect. After taking over the leadership, he fiercely competed with the Ghost King Sect, and there were countless feuds.

Unexpectedly, they would now be working together.

Qinglong, who hadn’t seen the Toxic Sage for nearly a century, was curious about how he had changed. Considering his age, the old monster was almost five hundred years old.

Glancing at the Ghost King, Qinglong saw a faint smile on his face, seemingly relaxed, but his thoughts remained a mystery.

They walked through the courtyard and into the inner hall, where it was eerily quiet, with no one in sight. This place, where a high-ranking person resided, was unexpectedly desolate.

Soon, they reached a simple-looking house, where eight men in yellow-brown uniforms stood. The guide led them towards the house, indicating that the Toxic Sage was inside.

Approaching, the eight men bowed to the Ghost King, recognizing his high status in the Devil Cult. The Ghost King, unassuming, nodded and smiled, and then he and Qinglong entered.

The room was bright, with windows on both sides, unlike the dark dwellings of the Devil Cult.

The furnishings were simple: a table and chairs, and a recliner where an old man with white hair lay, eyes closed. A young man with a fair complexion sat beside him, preparing tea.

It looked like a peaceful scene of grandfather and grandson, with no hint of evil.

The Ghost King smiled and approached. The old man opened his eyes, smiling, “You’re here?”

The Ghost King replied, “Old ancestor, it’s been a long time since we last met in the Holy Temple. How are you?”

The old man, the notorious Toxic Sage, smiled bitterly, “I’m old, useless.”

He seemed reluctant to continue and changed the subject, “Ghost King, you are now a leader, equal to me. If you don’t mind, call me elder brother. No need for formalities.”

The Ghost King laughed, “Elder, everyone knows your prestige. We hope you will take charge of this important matter.”

The Toxic Sage, surprised, shook his head, “No, no.”

The young man, Qin Wuyan, brought two cups of tea, “Sect Leader, Holy Envoy, please have some tea.”

The Ghost King and Qinglong accepted the tea. The Ghost King asked, “Who is this…?”

The Toxic Sage smiled, “This is my disciple, Qin Wuyan, whom I took in ten years ago. Wuyan, greet the two seniors. They are important figures in the Holy Church, and their help will be invaluable.”

Qin Wuyan bowed, “Pleasure to meet you, Sect Leader, Holy Envoy. I apologize for any rudeness.”

The Ghost King laughed, “Young friend, you have a bright future.”

The Toxic Sage chuckled, “Don’t be too hard on the child.”

The Ghost King, pausing, said, “Elder, I came to ask you to lead us. The four great sects will unite to avenge the defeat at Azure Ethereal Mountain.”

The Toxic Sage, solemn, said, “I am half-crippled, unfit to lead. We should discuss when the other leaders arrive.”

They conversed for a while, and the Ghost King and Qinglong took their leave. The Toxic Sage did not insist on keeping them.

Back in the city, the Ghost King and Qinglong walked among the crowd.

The Ghost King smirked, “That old monster is getting harder to deal with.”

Qinglong nodded, “True. In the past, he was impulsive, always leading the charge. The defeat at Azure Ethereal Mountain must have changed him. The Poison Sect has regained its strength the fastest, second only to the Ghost King Sect.”

The Ghost King frowned, “He’s not weakened, he’s grown wiser. Waiting for the others to arrive is our best course. By the way, where is Bi Yao? I haven’t seen her all day.”

Qinglong replied, “Youji is with her. She should be fine.”

The Ghost King sighed, “Alright, let’s wait a few days. We’ll see what happens.”

***

After the Ghost King and Qinglong left, the Toxic Sage’s expression turned grim. The young man, Qin Wuyan, continued to brew tea, undisturbed.

After a long silence, the Toxic Sage sighed, “The waves of the Yangtze push the old ones forward.”

Qin Wuyan, looking at him, said, “Is that person very powerful?”

The Toxic Sage snorted, “His cultivation is high, but his cunning is more dangerous. Be cautious.”

Qin Wuyan smiled, “Yes, Master.”

The Toxic Sage sighed, “If your brothers had your talent, I wouldn’t have to endure so much.”

Qin Wuyan, unperturbed, “My brothers serve you loyally, Master.”

The Toxic Sage, suddenly vigorous, stood up, revealing his imposing figure. His earlier frailty was a ruse.

As he paced, a strange noise, like the chirping of summer cicadas, filled the room. Qin Wuyan took a small yellow box from under his chair, from which the noise emanated.

The Toxic Sage opened the box, revealing a colorful centipede with seven tails, one of the deadliest creatures, the Seven-Tailed Centipede.

Qin Wuyan said, “Since we came near Azure Ethereal Mountain, it has been restless, as if sensing something.”

The Toxic Sage examined the centipede, then placed a purple pill in the box, silencing it. He put the box away carefully.

“The Seven-Tailed Centipede is a rare treasure, always paired. If separated, they sense each other within a hundred miles. It must be because of someone on Azure Ethereal Mountain.”

Qin Wuyan, looking at the Toxic Sage, said, “So, that person is on Azure Ethereal Mountain?”

The Toxic Sage smiled, “Yes, the Seven-Tailed Centipede doesn’t lie.”

He gazed at the distant, majestic Azure Ethereal Mountain, enveloped in clouds.

“A hundred years… it’s been a hundred years,” the old man mused.