“What, Brother Wei, after over a hundred years here, you’ve grown attached to this place?” The Confucian scholar remarked with a hint of mockery.
“Attached is too strong a word, but after all these years, some sentiment remains. After all, humans are not unfeeling plants. Moreover, Elder Yun of the Falling Cloud Sect treated me like his own child—not only teaching me divine techniques but also saving me multiple times in peril. He even defied opposition to nearly hand me control of the sect. Such kindness cannot be ignored. As for the Spirit Eye Tree, I cannot let you two take it,” the disheveled elder transmitted coldly from within the barrier.
“Fine, fine! So, Brother Wei truly intends to be a loyal Falling Cloud Sect elder now. But don’t forget, if we reveal your true identity, do you really think a spy from the Heavenly Fiend Sect can continue living freely here?” The burly man transformed by Du Dong laughed in anger, his tone laced with a sinister threat.
“No need for your reminder—I’m well aware. Do you two think I’m confined to this sacred ground without reason? I’ve long been suspected by the sect’s elders, but lacking concrete evidence, they stripped me of authority and confined me here. That said, I’ve also received great kindness from the Heavenly Fiend Sect. Since the token you showed me is indeed from Sect Master Jie, while I cannot let you take the tree, I can share some of its sap. Consider it repayment for the sect’s past favors,” the elder replied calmly.
“What? Only the sap? I—”
“Fine, the sap will suffice. We’re not truly desperate for the Spirit Eye Tree. The demonic and Heavenly Dao Alliance have countless treasures—even without it, Spirit Eye Springs and Stones are plentiful,” Du Dong interjected smoothly, cutting off the scholar’s protest.
The scholar hesitated, shooting Du Dong a sidelong glance before falling silent. His orders were to obey this young master of the Illusory Sect. Though puzzled by the alliance between the Righteous Path and demonic sects, he decided to observe.
“Since you both agree, I’ll toss the prepared sap through the barrier. But be warned: if you attempt to strike when I lower it, don’t blame me for turning ruthless,” the elder warned icily.
“Relax, we’re not fools. The Profound Heaven Vine matters far more than this tree,” Du Dong assured, his expression unchanging.
Nodding, the elder reached into his storage pouch and produced a small white vial.
“Prepare yourselves—”
“Prepare for what? To hand our sects’ treasures to the enemy?” Before he could finish, crimson threads shot from below, binding him instantly. Simultaneously, yellow light flashed at the cave entrance as Elder Fu and others appeared, blocking Du Dong and the scholar’s escape.
The two paled at the sight.
Behind the restrained elder, the blue-robed child materialized.
“Excellent. We elders long suspected spies among us but lacked proof. Now you’ve revealed yourselves,” the child said coldly.
“Y-You… How are you here? Outside—” The white-robed stuttered in disbelief, while Du Dong forced a smile.
“You thought the Burning Fiend and Golden Mirror Scholar could occupy us? They’re trapped by Falling Cloud Sect forces. The commotion outside was a ruse to lure you out. This cleanses our ranks and teaches your factions a lesson,” the child stated bluntly.
“What? The elders aren’t outside?” The scholar’s composure shattered.
“Senior Brother Bai… You’re really a spy?” A white-robed woman trembled, her face bloodless.
The scholar’s panic faded into a bitter smile, words failing him.
“Surrender now, or I’ll take action,” the child demanded.
Before they could react, a white streak flew in—Elder Jiang, sweating profusely.
“Elder Lan! Disaster! Elder Cheng reports our ambush party fell into a trap by the Heavenly Fiend and Illusory Sects. They need reinforcements!” Chaos erupted. Weren’t they the ambushers?
The child’s eyes flashed with fury. “Tricked by demons!” He spat a crimson beam at Du Dong.
But the bound elder roared, his arm swelling purple-red, clawing for the child’s head.
The child barely countered with a blast of flame, buying time to retreat.
“Heavenly Fiend True Monarch!” the child snarled, recognizing the possessor.
The elder’s head lolled, but a lazy voice emerged: “Ah, Flame Dragon Child. Pity this borrowed body denies me a proper duel.”
Han Li recognized the possession art—similar to the Extreme Yin Patriarch’s technique. The Heavenly Fiend Sect leader had prepared this vessel long ago.
Thinking fast, Han Li whispered to Silvermoon in his sleeve: “Return to my chamber. Pose as my injured self. Explain my survival however you must. Hide my true strength. I’ll return soon.”
Silvermoon vanished underground without question.
The possessed elder tossed the vial to Du Dong. “Take this. I’ll delay the Flame Dragon Child, but hurry.” With that, he lunged at Elder Jiang, purple claws descending.
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