Don’t kill each other… Second Brother Han Guang… Meng Qi had anticipated that the upright Gao Lan would turn into a humorous older brother, but never expected him to say such words. His mind was filled only with “Oh my God” and “Oh my God,” unable to think normally.
Instinctively, Meng Qi looked toward Han Guang midair. His face was hidden behind the “Celestial Emperor” mask, showing no expression, yet for a moment, Meng Qi felt as if the tranquil aura of Han Guang had rippled slightly, so that all he heard was the wind stirred by Gao Lan’s sword cleaving through the Hall of Three Lives, with no rebuttal in sight.
Bang, after the slowing of time had lifted, Gao Lan grabbed them, and Meng Qi and Gu Xiao Sang landed on the ground, failing to dive into the nearby ethereal mist and glide away.
Gao Lan turned his head and looked at Han Guang. Behind the featureless mask, he first let out a long sigh, dispelling his melancholy, then burst into cheerful laughter: “Second Brother, I know we haven’t yet cut a rooster’s head, burned yellow paper, or performed the eight-kowtow ceremony to become sworn brothers, but previously, weren’t you the one who said that you would be the Celestial Emperor and I the Human Emperor, jointly ruling the Three Realms and becoming as close as brothers? At our level of cultivation, strength, and status, shouldn’t our words carry more weight than a rooster’s head and yellow paper?”
Meng Qi was immediately speechless, his gaze dazed. Brother, those were just casual words—why take them seriously?
Han Guang was silent for a moment before replying evasively, neither nodding in agreement nor shaking his head in denial. Could it be that those words were merely offhand remarks, not meant to be taken seriously? No joint rule of the Three Realms? No brotherhood? A normal Gao Lan would weigh his interests and make a rational choice, but this madman in front of him would turn against him the moment he denied their bond!
At that point, facing a slightly awakened Human Emperor Sword-wielding Gao Lan, he would surely be at a disadvantage, with the Dharma King of Salvation watching nearby and the pursuing purple qi approaching from behind. Internal conflict would be the most unwise choice. He could only swallow this injustice first and then find an opportunity to awaken the real Gao Lan!
Meng Qi glanced at him, seemingly understanding his thoughts: I am a man of extraordinary talent, high intelligence, boldness, decisive action, and profound strategy—how did I end up choosing such a damn partner? Unexpectedly gaining a mad older brother and an Exoteric junior brother!
Composing himself, Meng Qi, known for his thick skin, immediately stood up and was about to greet them as elder brothers, temporarily averting danger and leaving Han Guang swallowing his anger.
However, before he could speak, Gu Xiao Sang had already gracefully performed a bow:
“Your humble concubine pays her respects to both honorable uncles.”
The scene fell silent again, with the remaining breeze brushing against Meng Qi and Han Guang.
Gao Lan was first taken aback, then burst into laughter: “Good! My third brother is indeed extraordinary. Last time he was still sobbing after being rejected, but now he has found such a beautiful young wife!”
When did I ever sob… Meng Qi’s lips twitched, feeling he was starting to share Han Guang’s sentiment.
Gu Xiao Sang cast a half-smiling glance at Meng Qi and said earnestly, “It’s like a flood washing away the Dragon King Temple—family not recognizing family. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared, why fight to the death? Instead, let’s cooperate wholeheartedly and explore the Celestial Realm together, so we won’t let latecomers reap the benefits.”
“Well said!” Gao Lan clapped enthusiastically, completely ignoring the standing Han Guang and Meng Qi beside him.
Removing his mask, his face remained clean, with only faint traces of blue beard, but his cold, ruthless eyes now carried a touch of warmth as he laughed at Meng Qi: “Third brother, you not only wisely reserved the position for the second brother but also chose a wife who clearly understands the big picture!”
Turning his head, he chuckled: “If it weren’t for my younger brother’s wife, today you would have left empty-handed. Come out, let’s divide the treasures and each memorize the manuals.”
A translucent figure half-emerged from the void, huffing: “If it weren’t for concerns about the Holy Maiden…”
He glanced at the Human Emperor Sword still glowing in Gao Lan’s hand, leaving the rest unsaid.
Originally, Gao Lan and Han Guang had planned for Gao Lan to block the approaching Dharma King of Salvation while Han Guang dealt with Meng Qi and Gu Xiao Sang. However, things had turned out this way instead.
Unfazed by the Dharma King’s murmurs, Gao Lan—ever bold and unrestrained—laughed heartily and turned to Han Guang: “Second Brother, anything to add? Ah, let me be blunt. If you aspire to be the Celestial Emperor, you might be heading down the wrong path. Allying with demons and covert dealings with malevolent forces are one thing—after all, as the Celestial Emperor, you’d rule over all beings, including demons and evil cultivators. But you must have your own bottom line; otherwise, you’ll merely become another Demon Lord, not the Celestial Emperor…”
Han Guang finally spoke, his voice calm, interrupting Gao Lan’s lecture:
“So be it.”
Though detecting no emotional fluctuations in him, Meng Qi seemed to sense his bitterness, being completely controlled by a madman, unable to voice his thoughts!
“Now that everyone agrees, let’s jointly explore the Nine Heavens to seek treasures and inheritances,” Gao Lan said joyfully.
Gu Xiao Sang immediately replied: “Esteemed uncles should know that controlling the Three Lives is the Celestial Emperor’s authority. Thus, the Hall of Three Lives is essentially the Celestial Emperor’s palace on this level and should be searched first.”
“Fine.” Han Guang, still wearing his mask, hesitated slightly, as if only now realizing the importance of the Hall of Three Lives upon Gu Xiao Sang’s reminder.
Listening to their discussion about exploring the Celestial Realm, Meng Qi felt as if he were dreaming. Moments ago, he had been on edge, teetering between life and death, drenched in sweat, but now they were chatting amicably, the atmosphere harmonious…
He knew all this relied on the “mad side” of Gao Lan, which he and Gu Xiao Sang had awakened through the “Purple Lightning Message” and the “Mirror of This Life.” He also knew that with Han Guang’s intelligence, he would never accept this situation willingly and would surely try to restore Gao Lan to his “normal” self.
Meng Qi only knew that mentioning Master Lu would cause the humorous Gao Lan to change abruptly, but he wasn’t sure of other taboos. Han Guang, however, could try one by one, secretly sending messages. As time passed, the danger would grow, so they must escape as soon as possible!
The improvement in the situation did not lead Meng Qi to become careless or complacent.
He suddenly spoke: “Brother, after exploring the Hall of Three Lives, I plan to leave and set up a banquet outside to await your triumphant return.”
“Why? Don’t you trust me?” Gao Lan frowned.
Meng Qi had already prepared an excuse: “The Celestial Realm is full of dangers, and there may be pursuers later. My cultivation is weak; staying here would only burden you two brothers. It’s better to leave early to prepare a welcome feast. After all, I came here only to help her explore the Hall of Three Lives.”
Gu Xiao Sang smiled and nodded, indicating that Meng Qi’s words were true. How clever she was—upon hearing Meng Qi’s words, she immediately understood his concerns. If the two of them could “awaken” Gao Lan, so could Han Guang!
And next time, there would be no opportunity to leave messages or use the mirror!
Then, the Dharma King of Salvation would be left alone and vulnerable, and the two of them would face near-certain death!
As Meng Qi and Gu Xiao Sang spoke, they felt Han Guang’s gaze upon them, seemingly smiling, yet both shuddered inwardly—his murderous intent as the Demon Sage was strong!
Gao Lan pondered, considering the dangers of the Celestial Realm and the approaching Cui Qinghe and possible reinforcements from the Great Jin Dynasty, and sighed: “Indeed, you are no longer a novice, Third Brother.”
Han Guang had been secretly communicating with him, discussing grand schemes and other matters.
Seeing Gao Lan’s agreement, Meng Qi quietly exhaled in relief and finally had the leisure to observe the entire Hall of Three Lives.
Because of the messages left along the way, he and Gu Xiao Sang had reached the Hall of Three Lives. Upon seeing the Mirror of This Life, they sensed the arrival of the Dharma King of Salvation and realized that Han Guang and the “unknown Dharma Body” were approaching. With no other options, they had acted desperately, without time to carefully assess the situation.
Now, he saw that the “Past Hall” and “Future Hall” on either side of the Hall of Three Lives were nearly completely destroyed, with only a few broken walls remaining near the “Present Hall.” Even the solid white clouds below had been scattered, revealing a bottomless ethereal mist below, deep, terrifying, and temptingly inviting.
The “Present Hall” had been split in two by Gao Lan’s sword, all the way to the back hall, with all the forbidden spells destroyed.
Dust veiled the grand hall, its floor paved with golden bricks, devoid of moss or weeds. Beside the entrance to the rear hall stood the Mirror of This Life, capturing the fleeting moments of one’s present existence.
Suddenly, Gao Lan transmitted voice to Meng Qi: “Third Brother, your little wife’s mind is unfathomable, her techniques are superb, her plans are deep, and her adaptability is extraordinary. You probably can’t control her…”
He wore a look of deep concern.
“Brother, I’ll pay attention…” Meng Qi rarely engaged in such a topic with him, awkwardly replying.
Gao Lan transmitted voice again, his tone turning smug: “This time, Han Guang swallowed a bitter injustice.”
“Eh…” Meng Qi looked at him in astonishment.
“You thought your older brother was stupid? Couldn’t distinguish between coaxing words and truth? I just pretended to be mad, forcing Han Guang’s hand. He is the Patriarch of the Heaven-Annihilating Gate, and your little wife’s backer is the Holy Master of the Luo Sect. Their two factions have often collaborated. Tell me, under relentless pressure, would they suddenly turn against us and join forces again? Though I wield the Human Emperor Sword, I’ve only just awakened a bit of its power, which I can’t sustain for long. They are both sects with long inheritances of dark cultivation—don’t you think they might have some powerful techniques? Now that everything is calm and everyone gets what they want, isn’t it better this way?” Gao Lan said proudly.
He wore a look of smugness, as if to say, “See how clever I am?”
Brother, in reality, you really are mad, not just pretending… Meng Qi silently grumbled. However, the mad version of his brother had survived until now, so he couldn’t truly be foolish!
“Hehe, Part of the Celestial Emperor Jade Manual that Han Guang taught me greatly helped me awaken the Human Emperor Sword. His strength, cultivation level, and potential are sufficient. As my second brother and your second older brother, he’s barely acceptable.” Gao Lan’s eyes sparkled, seemingly eager to solidify their sworn brotherhood, finding it amusing!
Meng Qi was speechless. He asked Gao Lan to help conceal his voice transmission and then told Gu Xiao Sang: “Don’t mention Master Lu later, and also avoid mentioning Daoist Chonghe.”
In the Battle of the Sea of Sand, Daoist Chonghe displayed the “One Qi Manifests Three Purities” technique, shaking the world. The humorous older brother would likely take it very seriously!
Gu Xiaosang chuckled softly: “This humble one remembers. I never expected the Mad King to be truly mad—his reputation is indeed well-earned.”
“You yourself are a split personality, with another self named Yulongzi,” Meng Qi casually replied.
Gu Xiao Sang’s eyes sparkled with a half-smiling, half-serious look as she glanced at him: “If one day, my husband sees Yulongzi again, please be sure to kill her.”
Hmm? Meng Qi looked at her in confusion.
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